If your name is taken in .com, don't sell yourself short by twisting and turning or pruning and cutting your name up to the point of illegibility and silliness. Use an extension that complements it nicely, something that looks, sounds and brands seamlessly.
Let's take the word "hoser", and apply it to some extensions which would be relevant:
- "Hoser" as a tech company Hoser • net, Hoser • ai, Hoser • io
- "Hoser" as a special organization Hoser • org, Hoser • (your country's ccTLD)
- "Hoser" as a corp or firm Hoser • Group, Hoser • co, Hoser • Company, Hoser • Ltd
- "Hoser" as a services platform Hoser • Trade, Hoser • Market, Hoser • Agency, Hoser • App
- "Hoser" as a geo-specific business Hoser • (your ccTLD of target/residence)
- "Hoser" as specialty products or marketing Hoser • Club, Hoser • Design
- "Hoser" as a brand match Hoser • One
etc etc there's hundreds more..
**BUT** which extension is next best after .com for investing in..? That can change with the ebb and flow of the market, but a solid name in a ccTLD or .org can still reap rewards.