You have a great idea for a site but the perfect url is taken, what do you do?

[PeterMan]

So I have an idea that I think might be a worthwhile development plan. I would go with a free site that will provide a service to a certain group of people (it is a very large group)

The perfect domain name (the .com) is parked, not listed for sale. I was planning on making an offer but the domain is a common 2 word phrase and is old - 98 - so likely expensive... and was registered through Registerfly so that is a bad sign too...

Anyway, the next best thing would be to reg the domain in another tld, and the only ok one left is .ws...

So

I was just looking for opinions on developing a site using an "exotic" extension like .ws... I really think that this can be a successful site and possibly one that could garner interest from a "big player" later on if done right, but I think the .ws might decrease the value in a lot of buyers eyes...

Anyway, just looking for some opinions...

Thanks!

[Acro]

Get the .com by adding a prefix to it, e.g. "theDomain.com"

[Thomas Nash]

If your really confident it would succeed then I would suggest paying for the .com version. Unless its a ridiculous price, if your idea is good, then it should pay off in the long run.

[PeterMan]

If your really confident it would succeed then I would suggest paying for the .com version. Unless its a ridiculous price, if your idea is good, then it should pay off in the long run.

I do plan on contacting the owner through whois but I have a strong feeling that there will be either no response, or a crazy high amount for the name...

Get the .com by adding a prefix to it, e.g. "theDomain.com"

Unfortunately this won't work so well for the particular phrase, but I am trying to figure out a decent alternative...

This is sort of new ground for me, my idea is strong (I think) and my "business plan" would be to develop a decent version of the site, get the traffic up, then sell to a targeted buyer... So that is why I think the domain is even more important in this case...

Thanks for the responses!!

[stock_post]

Make an offer to the current owner and see if he takes it.

I generally ask $1000.00 if some one ask for one of my domain that is not on sale.

I have one guy asking for $2000.00 for a domain for the last two years.
My firend has domain and he has domains

My friend offered $500.00 but he did not take it.

So, you may need to prepare to pay little more.

Thanks

[Gerry]

Is the taken domain an active site?

Consider the other extensions, redirect all to your primary (say a .net), MetaTag the hell out of each domain, place primary keywords on each, and crush him.

It's been done.

[PeterMan]

Is the taken domain an active site?

Consider the other extensions, redirect all to your primary (say a .net), MetaTag the hell out of each domain, place primary keywords on each, and crush him.

It's been done.

hehe quite an approach... But the .com and the .net for this one are both parked... Anyway, I need to think this out, I seem to get these ideas that at first seem like a potential gold mine, then I reg the domain and it sits around parked for a year...

When I have get my "better" ideas I get some friends together and brainstorm and see what they think and after we are done I will make the decision...

I will try to contact the owner of the .com but I am not holding my breath, plus it is regged at Registerfly

[hugegrowth]

is the .com with a dash '-' taken too? it would work for a two word term, I'd rather have a two word term with a dash than the .ws without a dash.

if not, use a brandable word, or something edgy (e.g.: Flickr, YouTube, etc)

[PeterMan]

is the .com with a dash '-' taken too? it would work for a two word term, I'd rather have a two word term with a dash than the .ws without a dash.

Yup, even the .net and .org with the dash are taken... It is a popular phrase...

[Jacksplat]

get the .com or find something affordable in the .com

most people on the net today understand what's what and as a result may not feel confident in your .ws homebase. With the way things are today even a catchy and well verbalized domain does quite well with popularity and branding. A perfect example is google.com, would they be so "cool" if they used the domain searchengine.com ?

good luck with your venture.

Kevin

[IDEAS4]

although the "perfect" names are taken there are ALWAYS workarounds - find an alternative name - I agree with most posters here- go for a .com first -

[Poker]

You have a great idea for a site but the perfect url is taken, what do you do?

If it's actually a great idea then you should focus on building the business and not worry too much about the domain. Think about it for a minute. Was Google anything special as a domain before it became a great idea and then business? How about Yahoo? The list is endless. If it's a great business idea then you just need a brandable name not a keyword name or anything else. Just go with a short and sweet brandable .com

[petrosc]

the OP's last post was in february - I'm wondering if there were any developments?

[PeterMan]

Hi,

I have actually been discussing this idea with a potential partner, the problem is twofold, Time, and the domain...

I emailed the owner of the .com and he came back with a number that was way over my budget... So right now I am working on smaller projects and I am keeping my ideas on the back burner... I have a "real" job so it is hard to find the time to really focus on this "hobby"... especially when you have an 18 month old running around!

Anyway, If I ever get the chance to launch something I will certainly post...

Thanks for the inquiry...

Peter

P.S. I also want to thank all of those who responded with great ideas...

[Focus]

PM me the domain and details and I nearly guarantee I can buy it for way less for you...

[PeterMan]

PM me the domain and details and I nearly guarantee I can buy it for way less for you...

hehe thanks I appreciate that! It will still a bit too much $$ for me right now (we are talking $10,000+ based on the discussion I had with the current owner...

The coffers took a hit a little while ago due to some unforeseen circumstances and I can not go into any more debt at the moment. I am trying to shore up the finances this Summer and hope to dive into some bigger investments in the Fall..

Thanks again!