Finding a Good Domain Name for your Site

So you've sat and watched as the Internet became more and more trafficked and populated with people, consumers, researchers and social fanatics and only now you're deciding to try your hand at creating a web site to see if you can make some money.

The biggest problem you're going to have is that all the easy domain names are taken.  Domain names like AutoParts.com or MakeMoney.com have long since been taken and are working for some lucky person or company.  Domain names like this are wonderful since the two words that comprise the name are commonly typed into search engines.

So how do you find a good domain name in this day and age?  When all the easy and really good names have long since been taken and the pickings are slim for any others?

It will not be easy, but there are gems to be had out there still.  Here are some ideas that will help you as you search for that domain name that will help you get natural search traffic.

There are several techniques that people use, and as well, several thoughts as to what might comprise a good domain name. Many times, people are surprised to find that a domain name that doesn't fit the mold of what most people think will generate a decent amount of traffic, will actually do very well. They might be few and far in between, but they are there.

Keep in mind that single word, and even double word domain names are pretty much all accounted for, but there are still some out there. This leaves three word domain names and common phrases. With that in mind, here are some ideas and methods professionals use to find a good domain name.

1. Would you type it in to Google to find? Many times it's easiest to just ask yourself, is this something I would type into Google if I were to find myself looking for it? If your answer is yes, then perhaps you are ready to start working with it right away. If you're not so sure, you can then:
2. Confirm your suspicions by seeing what Wordtracker and Keyword Questions have to say about the noun in your domain name. If you find that people are typing in questions regarding your domain name, that's a good sign. If they aren't, no worries, all hope is not lost. There is still:
3. Google AdWords Keyword Tool is a great way to take the major noun in your domain name and see what else might be associated to it. the AdWords Keyword tool will give you information such as how much advertisiters are paying for searches relating to that keyword. The higher the dollar amount, the more you might expect to obtain from any AdSense ads you display on the site when as ad relating to those keywords is displayed. The level of traffic that is searching for the keywords in the results given by the Keyword Tool is also displayed as well as a very good indication of competition levels for the chosen keyword. If you are satisifed with your findings, let's take a look at the competition now.
4. Discover your competition for the topic by performing a domain name search. When you search for a domain name, the results will tell you if a .com is available or not. If the .com is taken, check it out. Actually visit the site and see how the owner is using the domain name. If you find a static page with only ads on it and not much else, you might be in luck and could very well use the .net domain without much issue. However, if the .com is taken and in full use by a well trafficked site, you might have a big hill to climb to compete against .com for superiority. Of course, each case is different, so use your best judgement and perhaps a little bit of intuition too.

As you can see, the domain name search was performed last, after the research was performed. Too many times people hop right in and simply start searching for a domain name without actually taking the time to do the research.

By doing the research first, you can whiddle out many domain names that shouldn't be considered or are worthless. Sometimes it's hard to tell, and the research you do up front should make you comfortable with your decision making.

Finding a good domain name can be difficult and will become even more so the more time passes.  With the ideas presented above, you should find yourself finding better and better domain names for yourself or your company.