Choosing a good domain name is one of the most important decisions you will have to make for your online business. Domain names are being registered at such an enormous rate that it is becoming more and more difficult to come up with unique domain names that haven’t already been snapped up by somebody else.

What to consider when choosing a domain name

If you are purchasing one or more domain names on behalf of a company, there are several issues that you will need to consider — the domain name may be purchased to protect a product name, brand name or trademark. Choose a domain name that suggests the nature of your product, service or company name. Most people usually turn to the web for information so it pays to have a domain name that reflects your site or business.

The best domain names are often the simple ones – easy to remember, preferably short, and easy to spell and pronounce. A good commercial domain name must also be able to distinguish itself from the competition. Use search tools and other resources to narrow down categories of businesses, then try to find domain names that would clearly appeal to such businesses.

Avoid abbreviations

If you’re expecting to use the domain name for years as part of your company’s identity, branding and promotion, make sure you won’t be embarrassed every time you repeat the domain name. You should also avoid abbreviations and “minimalist spelling” (text lingo) if at all possible. If you purchase the domain name “4ever.com” you will be sending free traffic to “forever.com” every time you mention the domain name in conversation or on the radio. Not to mention, you face an endless series of conversations that begin “No, that’s 4, as in the number four… and then ‘ever.'” The use of “2” for “to”, “u” for “you” and other similar shortenings are also best avoided to prevent confusion.

Coming up with a domain name

Try to come up with a domain name that either addresses the main concept of the site, or that marries two or more key concepts in a single name. If you’re having difficulty coming up with a domain name, try a single keyword and add prefixes or suffixes. Not all prefixes and suffixes are appropriate in all situations — use your judgment when deciding which to add.

Common Prefixes: e, e-, my, i, i-, the, online, net, web, internet, hot, cool, our, your
Common Suffixes: world, links, site, web, net, resource, business, company, corp, inc, shop, store, mall, search, directory, guide

What is the most unique domain name you have encountered?