I promised last time that I would talk about prefixes to domain names. I suppose I should also include suffixes also. These are ways to get around the fact that the website name you want is already taken. For example, if you want Website.com but it’s already registered, you can try AWebsite.com or TheWebsite.com
I prefer not to use “a” or “the” as prefixes as they don’t appeal to me. I find “a” to be too impersonal and “the” to be too assertive. “My” can work very well in some situations e.g. MySpace. You may remember News Corp.’s $580 million purchase of MySpace a couple of years ago.
“My” works well when you plan to develop a website with user content e.g. MyComputer.com or MyHorse.com. Pick something people want to boast about or where they will show photos. Combining that with articles on the subject can make for a nice website.
Words like “advice”, “ezine”, “report”, “news” or “newspaper” can work well with many domain name key words. For example you could use “financial” or “pet” with these suffixes. A word like “free” can attract attention but many of such domain names have already been taken.
Another method is to combine related keywords. “Kids” and “toys” to make KidsToys.com for example. The order does matter. While ToysKids.com still contains the two keywords, it is not as useful because it doesn’t make sense to the visitor and it is far less likely to be directly typed in.
Another method is to use phrases in general use or you think will come into general use. Many phrases have already been registered so you can either be very imaginative and hope your potential visitors are too or you can switch to niche phrases that might appeal to a particular group. So called “buzz words” or buzz phrases can work well because they appeal to the people you want to attract.
You can also use humor if you want your domain name to stick in someone’s head. How about ABigNose.com for a plastic surgeon? OK, maybe that’s a bridge too far 
That domain is available if you are into rhinoplasty! Think about the marketing possibilities though? A giant nose logo and inflatable noses! Think I am full of hot air? Look at Monster.com and notice their logo. What has “monster” got to do with jobs?
I remember seeing a sign for a dentist in Brooklyn, NY whose name was Dr. Gore, honest. But I think you get the message. Branding is a whole other topic but a memorable name helps word of mouth advertising and repeat visitor type-ins.
When this subject comes up, there are always questions about whether hyphens are OK or not. I prefer not to use hyphens because they are not intuitive nor easy to type in. Yes, they do contain the keywords but you will have to promote the website that much more.
Have fun playing with these ideas but do be careful what you choose to use. As always buyer beware.
