String Selection Scorecard

Before you invest in a top-level domain application, make sure your chosen string stands up to ICANN’s rigorous evaluation process. The String Selection Scorecard walks you through the same technical, legal, and strategic checks used by ICANN evaluators - helping you identify red flags before you apply.

This quick, structured tool is based on insights from past application rounds, real contention cases, and the latest ICANN guidelines. Use it to measure each potential string against the 10 most critical success factors - and make decisions for your TLD.

What You’ll Get

This free scorecard will help you:

- Assess your string’s technical and linguistic validity (including RZ-LGR and IDN standards)

- Identify trademark and similarity risks before filing

- Evaluate market fit and long-term brand alignment

- Test for DNS stability and compliance factors

- Compare multiple string ideas using a simple 1–5 scoring framework

Why It Matters

Many applicants stumble on preventable issues like reserved names, trademark conflicts, or confusingly similar strings. The Scorecard simplifies those complexities - giving you a clear, objective view of your string’s strengths and weaknesses.

Whether you’re applying for a community TLD, brand TLD, or open generic, this worksheet helps you move forward with clarity, strategy, and confidence.

Get the String Selection Scorecard (Free)
Fill out the form below and get instant access to the scorecard - Excel + PDF - plus a copy sent to your inbox.