A lot of times I am asked to search for public, or private domain names that best suits the clients services, branding, name or products.

Typically, a person might Google names to see if any websites are created under that name, or they will go to a place where they can purchase a domain and do a search there for example, GoDaddy.com.  But, what if I gave a very reliable source where you can search your name utilizing a number of combinations?  Not only would it save you time and headaches, but it would allow you to be creative as well.

First thing first is understanding a little about domain names.  There are limitations and based on the popularity of the name, they might not be available to you, or available at a high price.  Here is a process I would typically take:

1.  Understand the scope, nature and importance of the name.
2.  Inquire if the client would be satisfied using acronyms; hyphens (-); numbers (which I do not recommend).
3.  Inquire if they would be satisfied using a different Top Level Domain (TLD) other than the popular .com
4.  Remind the client that the optimum domain would be one that is short, easy to remember and doesn't require a lot of typing in the web browser and doesn't take up a lot of space on letterheads, business cards, advertisements and their own website.


History
Years back in 2005, ICANN eliminated the rule on the number of characters for a domain.  Currently, they can be as long as 256 characters, but officially Registrars limit the names to 63.

How would you like to type in:
http://www.thelongestdomainnameintheworldandthensomeandthensomemoreandmore.com/

But the one that tops the cake is:
http://www.public-organization-capital-of-the-world.which-establishes-world-records-welcomes-all-inhabitants.of-the-planet-and-invites-them-to-visit-our-ancient-city.yours-faithfully-chairman-of-government-anatolij-kosjanchuk.epak.infocom.lviv.ua/

Top Level Domain (TLD)
What exactly is a TLD?  The suffix usually refers to:
.com = Commercial (general public use)
.org = Organization (usually used for non-profits, churches and etc.)
.net = Network (usually used for Internet/Networking)

There are others which identify countries and other types of use.  For instance, some radio stations are using .fm; people who stream media content might opt to use .me; and even others will use .us.

The reason for these other TLD's is because the ICANN found that popular names for .com; .org; .net have all been used up and therefore taking away from branding and competition.

This also allows the client to be more creative. 

Let's use a prime case scenario.

If I have a client that provides multitasking services and multitask.com; .org; .net are not available they would find another name and might come up empty, OR they can use a completely different TLD like:  multitask.us or 'Multitask Us' and that domain is currently available costing them $3.99 per year from GoDaddy.com

Speaking of creative uses for TLD's, some have even been creative enough to combine the suffix (.us) to create words like:  Del.icio.us or, Delicious.  If you were to type that domain in your browser, you would be taken to http://delicious.com/

Or how about: http://www.instagr.am

If you are ever bored, in dire need of, or want to stir up your creative juices, just visit:
http://www.domainnamesoup.com/

I believe they have something there for everybody.