Domain name strategy

[Masterfulmatt]

As there is quite a collective of talent and experience here, I'd like to ask for the best strategy for domain names.

These are mine

1. Find one with the .com and .co.uk available

2. Avoid hyphens if possible

3. Avoid misspelt words if possible like kidz

4. Try and find a name that is easy to remember and unique, so that a google / yahoo search on your name brings you to the top.

5. Avoid really common words like football and net, ( be a nightmare if you manufacture football nets and goal posts!)

6. The shorter the better

7. Avoid Initials like shj

What are your views?

[quikshop]

Unless you have a big marketing budget to 'create' a brand using an abstract name and web address, a good approach is to keep it relevant to what it is your web site is doing / selling.

Some search engines put value in finding keywords within the web address, but the greater value is in having visitors understand what the web site is about straight away with a relevant web address.

[ImproveSearchListings]

I would fully back quikshop in this - tell people what you sell/provide/discuss etc. This will also help with SEO.