What's in a Name?

[iCraft Admin]

Hello iCrafters,

Here is one of those updates for all of you, where we need your help.

When we opened this site at the end of 2007, we were focusing more on Canadian artists and crafters, but slowly the site became an international venue, and as of today, we have a lot more sellers from US and other countries, than from Canada. We love being so diverse, so we definitely want to position iCraft as an international venue.

For the past few months we've been reviewing our site from technical (coding etc) stand point and fixing SEO related problems as we were trying to increase site's traffic. One of the unfortunate things that we've learned from our SEO expert review is that while our domain name iCraftGifts.com is helping us with the positions on Google Canada, its working against us on Google.com. Basically, it's like swimming against the current. We need to work extra hard to achieve good positions on Google.com.  

Our SEO expert strongly recommends moving the site to .com domain. However, the name iCraft.com is not for sale, so we have two choices now:

• Switch to a domain name similar to iCraft, like http://iCraftGifts.com (which we've purchased already)
• or Pick a brand new domain name and then re:Brand the site

We are going to move the site to .com domain for sure, as our main goal is to improve rankings on Google and to increase the traffic on the site. However, we'd like to hear everyone's input on this issue, before we make any changes.

Pros & Cons for using iCraftGifts.com

The name has iCraft word in it and many people know us under that name. We could optimize the site for word iCraft, so when people replacement for us by iCraft, we'd always come up first.

We could still use iCraft in our communication, as a short form. This is actually not uncommon when the business name and the domain name don't match one to one - Bank of Montreal is using bmo.com as their domain.

iCraftGifts reads like a meaningful phrase I Craft Gifts and has two valuable Keywords related to our site's theme in the domain name - "Craft" and "Gifts". It's not significant, but still helpful from SEO perspective.

However, this name is longer and not as catchy as iCraft.

Pros & Cons for Picking a Brand New Name

If everyone hates iCraftGifts.com, we'll start brainstorming new names and will probably hire a branding firm to help us with choosing a good name, if we won't be able to find something suitable. So that might take some time.

In the past, some people commented that focus on Crafts turns away artists and suggests something of a low quality. Anyway, we are not married to "Craft" in the domain name. Site's focus really is Handmade Gifts, so we could choose something completely different.

Just to clarify what this move means to the site:

• There will be no disruption to the site during the transition to the new domain.
• It will take just a couple of day's worth of work for us to complete this transition.
• All current page rank will be transferred page by page to the new domain, so the current rankings for all pages will be preserved.
• There might be a deep in traffic in the initial 2-3 weeks, while Google will be re-indexing all pages. But it's a small price to pay for the potential long-term gain.
• In some strange way, the move to the new domain will be beneficial to the site as a whole, as it will force Google to visit every single page on our site and to re-evaluate it. Because we've done a lot of clean-up on the site prior to this move, we actually want Google to re-index all our pages asap. We'd love it if all sellers also updated and optimized their individual pages before we switch to the new domain. That would definitely boost everyone's traffic. If you are not sure what page optimization is please follow our current Bootcamp, where we are discussing this exact topic.
• We will start seeing improvements in traffic in about 2-3 months thereafter.
• People would still be able to use our current domain name iCraftGifts.com to access the site. We'll always keep it! We'll simply redirect it to the new domain.
• You wouldn't have to reprint all your business cards to update your store URL, as it will still work. It will be just redirected to a different domain. Eventually, you'd probably want to update it, but only if you were going to print new cards.

This is an important issue that we want to resolve as soon as possible, as in some ways, its holding us back. Please vote on those two choices described above and tell us what you think. We want to make sure that you guys are happy with the site's name, whatever we end up choosing.

As always, really appreciate all your help!  

[Fairy Cardmaker]

Wow. I did not realize "Gifts" figured so prominantly in the websites SEO.  I was going to say iCraftGoods instead of Gifts.

What about something that sound similar like, "MyCraft".

If Craft is not as liked, what about:
MyHandmade
HandmadeSource
AllHandmade
HandmadeEarth

I'm not big on Gifts because I want people who buy for themselves too, but focusing on "Gift":
iCraftGifts is not bad to me
GiftedHandmade
GiftedByHand

Idunno.  This is hard.  Does it have to be plain English words?

[Delightful Suds]

I vote for a brand new name if we're still able to keep iCraftGifts.com (and being redirected). I agree that the word "Gifts" is too specific to gift giving. I would prefer to focus on the "handmade" part.

How about madebyhand.com?

[Fairy Cardmaker]

MadeByHand is already an organizational co-op of handmade artists that split off from Etsy.  Well, I think it's a .org address, but I know MadeByHand has been using my Project Wonderful ad spots!

I don't want to vote because I'm kind of indifferent to switching or keeping close to iCraft.

[Red Rock Designs]

I'm also indifferent about whether it stays as Craft or not.  Here are my suggestions:

HandCrafted
HandmadeArt
MyHandCrafts
HandMadeMarket
CraftMarket
ArtMarket or ArtShop...to close to Art Fire??
CraftShop

I'll keep thinking....

[iCraft Admin]

I'm also indifferent about whether it stays as Craft or not.

Interesting... we were wondering if people are attached to the iCraft name or not... I guess not. Good to know and thanks for the suggestions!  

[Fairy Cardmaker]

I like the iCraft, but I like it because it means something, it's short and it rides the coattails of "i"-everything.  But if it's not going to be short'n'sweet anymore, then I'm indifferent to a longer name or different name.

Thought of another: GiftedbyHand

And, instead of iCraftgifts, it could be GiftsICraft.

[iCraft Admin]

Gifts are a well replacemented term, same as Handmade... though we don't have to have those 2 terms in the domain necessarily.
I actually like handcrafted.com, Red Rock Designs!  

I think short and catchy name is still preferred to long and wordy.
What about?

craftedgifts.com
allhandmade.com
realhandmade.com
brandnew.com

[Ahkriti]

I honestly liked icraft! Short and simple and unforgettable!

I would suggest to have the word craft in your name should you like to go ahead with a name change simply because of the ease to remember the name.

TheCraftShop
TheCraftGuild
The Craftsters - I checked to see -- there's actually craftster.org...so maybe not this one then
CraftBrigade
Crafteria - this is a bit cheesy I think
Craftease - Don't know how this would sound when you say I have an online boutique here...
Craffiti
AllCrafts

Well, I guess it will be quite a challenge!

[Fairy Cardmaker]

I like these:
handcrafted.com
allhandmade

But my favourite now is Craffiti!  Great suggestion.  It's easy to remember and sounds hip.

Craftease - Don't know how this would sound when you say I have an online boutique here...

LOL - too true.

[iCraft Admin]

Great suggestions, AhKriti ! I like Craffiti too, but it's taken. We could try to buy it off them, though that's never an easy task.   
Not sure about Craftease... It triggers wrong associations, I am afraid. Ha ha 

[iCraft Admin]

Surprised not many people commented on the choice of the domain name.

I have a couple more names that we came up with:
artic.com
giftFull.com

[JaJeJems]

Well I was all for icraftgifts.com but I think Fairy C makes a good point about the word gift.  What about

icrafters.com
icraftmarket.com

I like having icraft in the name because it will make a nice transition from the current name

[Fairy Cardmaker]

iCrafters - I like that.  It makes us sound like a community of crafting peoples!

[iCraft Admin]

"Gift" is a good word that buyers will relate to. Even if you are buying for yourself, I think you are treating yourself to a "Gift".

icraftMarket.com - we own it now!
same as icraftWorld.com
iCrafters.com - good, but taken. Looks like a real business actually. I doubt they'd sell their domain.  

Please keep suggesting. We can always try to buy the name if it's taken. We are just looking for good ideas and want to know how you feel about various names that's been suggested.

[Silver Workshop]

Personally I really liked icraftgifts.com. but if you must change, I would vote for something new, I think that the word "gift" might pigeonhole the site. It would be nice to have something short with a bit of personality to it, so it doesn't sound like a generic site.  I really like these suggestions by AhKriti:

TheCraftShop
TheCraftGuild
CraftBrigade

[Quartetclocks]

Hi
I'm new to icraft but I have used the services of Esty, Dewanda, and Zibbet.
I'm not really the chatty type but I will share with you my journey:
Started in April 2012
Sold 11 clocks on Esty
0 clocks on Dewanda
2 on Zibbet
Locations mainly US - 4 international - 2 Canada
Shipping is expensive
Esty's current focus is on local US shops and supporting local communities
I'm considered international because I'm not American
So, I thought now is the time to join a local service provide - icraft!

[iCraft Admin]

Welcome on board, Quartetclocks! 
I was admiring your work today actually. Very original.
Thanks for sharing your story!

[iCraft Admin]

StrictlyHandmade.com  - too long?
CraftAway.com
IdealGifts.com

Though I think it would be nice to have iCraft in a name... would make the transition to the new name easier. So maybe these?
Craftitude.com or iCrafttitude.com
iCrafted.com or iCraftID.com
iCrafty.com

Any other ideas are welcome too  

[MaelinDesigns]

What about icraftartisans.com 

I know a lot of artisans who would like to use a site that has "artisan" in the name as it sounds a bit more upscale.

Another option could be artisangifts.com or artisangiftmarket.com

That would include both the artisan and gifts in the name, possibly bringing more buyers and artisans to the site.

Hopefully these suggestions were helpful.   

[iCraft Admin]

Those are great suggestions, MaelinDesigns!
It is a challenge to come up with a name that appeal to both buyers and sellers (artisans).

[iCraft Admin]

Well, we still haven't found the name that we like. It's a lot harder than we thought. 
So far here are the top choices for various reasons:
iCraftGifts
iCraftWorld
CraftFull (or Craftful)
CraftsAndGifts
CraftyGifts
CraftyFinds
Craftmade

Let us know if any of those names from the list above you like better or if you have any new ideas - those are welcome too!   
Thanks!

[Lannie]

Hi there,

I like iCraftWorld.com the best. It retains the recognition factor of iCraft, and expands the concept to the world. I also like iCraftMarket.com, as suggested by JaJeJems, as it incorporates the idea of sellers and buyers. I see we already own both of these names!

I agree with MaelinDesigns, that 'gifts' and 'artisan' are important aspects of our site, and that the site name must appeal to both buyers and sellers. Perhaps we can promote  'gifts' and 'artisan' and 'handmade' in the SEO  through keywords - I'm sure this has been done to a great extent already, but each of us should keep these words in mind every time we work on our keywords.

I do think we need a name that is not difficult to read or spell, and can't be mispronounced or misread, or misinterpreted.

[Delightful Suds]

Hello, I like CraftyFinds the best.

or how about craftyartisan or artisancrafts?

[iCraft Admin]

Thanks, Delightful Suds! I like CraftyFinds too, though its taken.
FYOI, we are running a series of tests right now to see which name gets the highest click-through rate, and will make the decision at that time. Hopefully, very soon! 

[Silver Workshop]

Great, can't wait to see the results!

[Fairy Cardmaker]

Of the above list, I like iCraftWorld (but I liked iCraftMarket too).

Maybe you can make it iCraftWordMarket but then it is getting long.  I was just thinking that edition could be leant to things like iCraftWorldVintage and other if you are still looking to create spin offs.

What if you take out "i" and make it "our" (more inclusive).

OurCraft
OurGiftedCrafts
OurCraftMarket
OurCraftWorld
or
OurHandmadeCrafts ... and then you can have spin offs like OurVintageCrafts, OurAntiqueCrafts, OurCollectedCrafts etc.

[iCraft Admin]

Hi Fairy Cardmaker,

I also think iCraftWorld is a good one, and its still fairy short.
Gifts or Market imply buying and selling, but we are also a community for people who care about handmade.
I think it would also work really well with our tagline "Creativity without borders".

However, our tests so far show that iCraftGifts ad got more clicks than iCraftWorld ad... and that's probably because buyers connect more with the term Gifts.

I think we are keeping iCraft in the name, because our site is already known by this name and people find us by replacementing for iCraft. So it looks like it will be easier just to extend the name, but still optimize the site for iCraft not to loose all that traffic.

Well, I'll be super happy once we choose t he new name, as this has been such a challenge. 

[Northern Girl Jewelry]

I don't like the idea of keeping iCraft in the name.  Here's why - iCraft to me, means that I craft things, as opposed to I sell things.  So to me, the name implies that it's a site for people who want to learm to make handmade items, as opposed to a place to buy handmade items. 

I do like icraftmarket, only because the market part implies the selling aspect.

So I would vote for a totally different name, one that doesn't include the "i".

Whether the name includes gifts or not, I'm indifferent to, but if it's good for traffic, I would be all for it.

[Northern Girl Jewelry]

How about handmadegifts.com?

It is currently for sale.

[Northern Girl Jewelry]

I have a question/concern about the name change.

While I am all for optimizing the site on Google.com, and bringing new traffic and more traffic, will this lead to a loss of optimization with Google.ca? 

Part of the reason that I stayed with icraft after opening a shop on etsy, where I get more sales, has been how well icraft and my shop do for Canadian replacementes.  I want to reach the Canadian market, have been so happy to have a Canadian handmade marketplace.  Many Canadians want to buy from Canadian sellers, for various reasons, not the least of which is fear of having duty/taxes charged on their items coming in from other countries.  Most Canadians seem to be ill-informed about importing items and they assume there will be a large amount of duty on items purchased from the US. 

In addition to doing well with Canadian market, my shop does really well in being found by local shoppers.  I have many more sales for my shop than show on my shop page, because many local people find me and arrange to make their purchases in person, which isn't a problem here due to the fee structure.  I show up well for Ottawa replacementes, and many, many people want to buy locally.

So basically, I would want this to continue for my shop. 

[iCraft Admin]

How about handmadegifts.com?
It is currently for sale.

Yes, it is for sale, but with the starting price of C$50,065.08.

[iCraft Admin]

I have a question/concern about the name change.
While I am all for optimizing the site on Google.com, and bringing new traffic and more traffic, will this lead to a loss of optimization with Google.ca?

Hi Northern Girl Jewelry,
No, not at all! By getting better positions in Google International doesn't mean we'll get worse positions in Google Canada. We are a Canadian site, so we'll always optimize and rank well in Google Canada.

[Northern Girl Jewelry]

Glad to hear will continue to have good optimization with Google.ca   

Okay, 50K is a bit much for a domain name,    so clearly handmadegifts is out. 

[iCraft Admin]

We've been pulling out hair for over 6 months now trying to find a good name at a decent price. 
It's hard to go away from iCraft completely, as we have some publicity associated with the name and because all our social media properties have iCraft in the name.

We are running a series of tests right now to see which name people click on mostly. Stay tuned for the results!

[Fairy Cardmaker]

Slightly off topic...

With respect to preparing for page optimization on a new domain.... a note from iCraft said our duplicate products have been marked for us to update.  I must have some but I don't see any markings.  Can you please give a screen shot of what the mark/flag looks like and where in my account I should find it?

Thanks.

[iCraft Admin]

Hi Fairy Cardmaker,

We haven't added marking yet. You won't be able to miss it once we add it. 
Should be done during this week.

[Beajoux]

Hi,

My thoughts: I like iCraftGifts.com. I feel proud, as a Canadian, to be involved in a company that is clearly Canadian. Changing it to a .com address, in my opinion, seems almost misleading to the consumer...won't they think they're dealing with an American company? When I go to a .com address, I assume it's American.

In reading the posts, I'm finding that a lot of the suggestions seem rather generic. Maybe iCraft isn't standing out not because of the .ca, but because "craft" is probably in millions of sites. Why not pick something completely different? I hate to compare, but there is nothing in Etsy.com to suggest handmade and yet everyone knows it. Or ArtFire, or DaWanda, or Zibbet, or whatever.

Honestly, if we didn't keep iCraftGifts.com, I would vote for something completely NON-craft, artisan, gift or handmade in the name. Of course, I don't have any thoughts as to what that might be at the moment!

Ainsley

[iCraft Admin]

Hi Ainsley,

We are not changing the domain name because we don't like it. We are changing it because we are not getting enough traffic from ranking well in Google Canada only. There is no problem with "standing out". There is definitely a problem with having a .ca domain. It's limiting us in how much visibility we get on Google International. That's all we are trying to solve with this move.

.com doesn't mean American. It stands for "Commercial" site and in SEO world it means "International" traffic. So I don't think .com name will look misleading. We are not hiding the fact that we are a Canadian company. People can look us up online or read our About Us page. We state it there that we are based in Toronto. However, we have a lot of international users, more than Canadian in fact, so we can't focus only on Canadian market. Hopefully, everyone will win with this move, once we improve our traffic from Google in general.

[iCraft Admin]

Just wanted to let everyone know that we've decided to go with iCraftGifts.com

We ran a few tests and this domain was clearly a winner.
The work has already started on setting up the new domain.
You don't need to do anything. All site URLs will be redirected, once the new domain will be up and running. Thanks!

[iCraft Admin]

We've added signs on product pages with "Duplicate Content" that need to be re-worked.
Please check your listings and fix your product copy as soon as possible, if you see those signs.

Just to be clear, we are not labeling similar products as duplicates. We are labeling similar copy on two or more product pages.
Here is more info on Duplicate Content issue. Thanks!

[iCraft Admin]

We now have the second domain setup and running https://icraftgifts.com
Please start using it and update links to your store everywhere you mention it on your personal sites and blogs.
Also, we need your help with getting social numbers up for the new domain, as all our counters were reset.
Please twit, pin and share on Facebook links to different pages on the new domain.
Thank you for your help!  

[Lannie]

Congratulations! I know what a big job this is. Onward iCrafters! Google awaits! I hope you all have a happy and safe holiday time, Lannie

[Beajoux]

Hi,

The new site is still showing the "iCraftGifts.com" logo in the top left corner.

Ainsley

[Lannie]

Hi Ainsley,

Thanks for noticing the logo, and for writing to let us know. We're working on a new logo and should have it posted soon.

Best,

Lannie