Don't believe it if anyone tells you all the best domains are gone. Not true! It just takes a bit of creative thinking, and some good tools.

Here are a few guidelines to follow.

Part 2 in our next post will have some resources to make it even easier.

Domain Name Guidelines, Part 1

Make It Unique

You don't want anyone to confuse your site with another popular website! Create your own unique branding.

Choose Dot-Com Available Domains

If you're at all serious about building a successful website and/or online business over the long-term, you'll want to consider

1. Type-in traffic
2. Branding or name recognition

While directing traffic to a .net or .org is fine, owning the .com is critical. There is still a huge majority of internet travelers who believe that .com is the only business or 'real' extension. So cover your bases, then go for breadth.

Make it Easy to Type

When was the last time you had a good time typing in URL's? Keep the path to your website's front door easy to type.

Make it Easy to Remember

Keep As Short As Possible

Be As Descriptive As Possible

Work with the words until your domain says as exactly as possible what you do or what you offer.

Review your website's main mission, and look for how your potential domain names will support your mission.

Try using color-words or rhythmic sounds to enhance memory

Kickstarter.com and IndieGoGo are good examples. These 2 crowd-funding sites have a similar yet distinctively different mission. Kickstarter is completely descriptive of exactly what the site does.

Indiegogo is also descriptive for those who will associate "independent projects, films, recorded music" with "indie". Add the "GoGo" for rhythm and appeal, and voila! An easy-to-remember domain.

Beware of Copyright Infringement

Visit the U.S. Copyright Office site. Run at least a minimal search to ensure that you are not in violation of a copyrighted domain. There are also attorneys who specialize in copyright search, depending on your budget and the extent of your business's reach.

Don't Use Hyphens and Numbers

No one will remember where the hyphens go or which numbers are in your address. Avoid using them altogether.

Don't Follow Fads and Trends

Unless you plan on being in business 6 months or less, avoid the temptation of the trendy. It won't be the trend someday too soon, and you'll still be stuck with it.