Important considerations when choosing a domain name?

[Chilipeppers]

How do you go about choosing a domain name?

Myself, I usually do some keyword research for my topic and try where possible to include them in the name. Also, short and catchy is important. I always try to avoid anything with symbols or difficult spelling. When someone is passing on a site url by word of mouth they should never have to explain how to type bits of it.

Any other tips?

[MadKad]

When I picked my domain MadKad I just went for it, in a way as long as you keep it short then there shouldnt be any problems, if you do good marketing etc etc then you will manage to become big no matter what the domain name is.

also if you are going to place keywords in then just add in - after every word like mine here

xbox 360 console

That can help alot, also with a domain like that I think it looks good

[modric]

It is obvious that keywords in a domain help, also keywords in the title...
I'm not sure about short and catchy domains. Most people find a site via searching, so they will find what they will. Catchy domains are not necessary catchy for Google... I mean - sites are not just there when you start surfing, so it doesn't matter if they have a catchy name. It is also hard to put a lot of info in a short domain.