I believe there are are two types of domains. You have a brandable domain and a searchable domain. A brandable domain would be something like Ebay, Geico or Craigslist. Think about it though. You have to already know what they are doing or the type of business or it's useless to have that name in the beginning. When deciding on what the name is ultimately going to be it's really a gamble. I've seen some really cool names for business ventures that didn't make it. I currently see some really bad ones that are doing very good too. The product or service you provide will propel the name faster than the actual name. You get bonus points if it's catchy, easy to remember and has a cool logo. When I started my first business it was something simple. It was Allstar Leasing & Management. Back when I started we didn't have the internet as the main platform for a business so I picked something that would show first in the phone book. I then got slick and said let's create a second name that will start with a "B". The idea was if they passed the first listing they would catch me in the next listing. It worked. I then created one in the "C" category. Of course we are not in that realm of advertising now, so I started doing a couple of things that may help you. 1) I always pick five domain names minimum that are fun, easy and different. I pick two minimum that are searchable domains. Here's the example. Let's say your name is John Doe and you paint houses. I'd attempt to get JohnDoe.com but that's probably not an option if you know what I mean. It's taken. Then I would try eJohnDoe.com, JohnDoe247.com, Here goes the searchable domains. BestPainterInDallas.com, JohnPaintsDallas.com, JohnDoePaints.com etc, etc. 2) Buy your domains and create some professional logos either yourself (laughingbird software) or pay someone. Once you have them completed get a customer list, client list, family list and email them all your names and logos and let them pick it for you. When I picked my current Bemis Realty logo back in 1990 I created my logos and went to some clients over lunch and asked them what they thought. My biggest client hated it lol. He was an elderly gentleman and he thought it looked stupid. That logo is my trademark in a very large area of Dallas. I took off for many years and went back with that logo and it still is recognized. 3) Searchable domains in my opinion generate more web traffic. I own close to 1000 domains and test this theory on a regular basis. I can build a website with a searchable domain and usually that week I am on the first page of searches because what they are looking for is in the domain name. If you are selling widgets why not buy (your town) DallasBestWidgets.com. I know when I do a search I tend to always put "best" in the search. Best hotels, best restaurants, best schools etc. Why not use best in your domain? Clearly my searchable domains have produced 10 times more traffic than my brandable domain. Go with your gut feeling and pull the trigger. You send me your information and I will give you some domain ideas FOR FREE. If you pick them good for you. Good Luck. B