Short domain names OR longer and better branding?

I'm in this pickle, I have 2 domain names that I like. One of them is 6 letters long and goes well with what I'm going to do, but it doesn't have flair. The other is 13 letters long which consists of 2 words, and it's a bit more of an attention getter as well as better branding qualities. The shorter could be branded too.. but it's just a bit more difficult imo.

What would you do?

 

I'd use the bigger one if it has more flair as you say... and have the other one pointing to the master domain until you can figure out what to do with it or make it eventually into a niche area in your site where specifics are covered when someone uses the pointed domain.. yet, even without using it you can get there... Its just a way to see how important that domain is to your content... a lot of major players use this type of pointing... there isn't anything wrong with it. However, if you do end up selling the website, make sure to disclose your pointing technique... Traffic isn't as important as traffic specific content.. Is this six letter domain one word? ...and is it a .com? ¤_o

 

Personally, I find it depends on your type of business and what your looking to get out of it. I prefer domains with flair but if your hoping for a lot more visitors and your domain is keyword rich I would tend to go for that.

 

Why not take them both as they appeal to you and have one point to the other one?

 

Both of them are .com's. Technically the short one is 2 words also, but the first part of the first word is lopped off (abbreviation), and the 2nd word is a full 3 letter word. Both of them I wouldn't consider "keyword rich", I'm more about branding (more memorable imo) than getting a keyword rich domain. The short one is just easier to type due to it's length.

 

Then go with the second domain thats a bit longer but has that flare.

 

I have the same exact problem. Here's my solution:
1. Register both domains. Branding domain is a must, but keyword rich domain is a great bonus.
2. Use the branding domain as the main domain.
3. Have the keyword-rich domain 301 redirect to your main page.

 

I think the meaningful domain name which signify easily about the line of your business is good for branding.

 

I think I might just use them both, but make them similar content, and link them to each other... like sister sites or something.

 

i used to think that shorter domains are more brandable. long domains are hard to type in.

 

Keyword domains are some times better for SEO