Coming up with a name: .com where the product name is in use? Or unused name without the .com?
So TL;DR, I'm trying to come up with the name for a project. The main name I want actually has the .com available, but there's a company with a similar side project that has the same name, except it's projectname.company.com. Their target market is in a completely different part of the world, but their project is similar, and currently the top result on search.
There are other names that would work, but the .com is not available for those.
Alternatively, I could keep banging my head against the wall trying to come up with domain names.
What do you think?
Big Red Flag: "similar side project" + "same name"
even with the .com you'll struggle to differentiate and get googled.
There are very very very few names that bring you value before you have a product.
You put value into the name.
Just start with a gibberish name and you'll get further than waiting for a good one.
If they have the same name, are developing a similar product (No matter the market), AND are already established and have some search authority I would recommend coming up with a different name.
Its not the end of the world when the name you want doesn't have the .com available. Sometimes this can work to your advantage as the .com isn't really in use