Not being blessed with mind reading capabilities ;) it's hard to know what to say, beyond

1. Search thoroughly; someone may have already had the same (or very similar idea).

2. Buy a good domain name that matches the 'big idea', a name that is not too long, not to similar to others, and has no history. And is a 'brandable' name.

3. If it is two words, be sure to buy the-domain.com AND thedomain.com, and 301 from one to the other (or both to .net or whatever)

4. If the idea really is unique, consider registering the name as a trademark.

5. Build a web site.

Er, that's it.

I had a similar idea seven years ago, realized it, and still pushing it forward.

How is your idea different than others?

If you hope to make money off the idea/website, it would be a good idea to at least make some financial projections with low, medium and high traffic and conversion numbers. They may not resemble the reality you encounter, but its important to at least have some numbers in the back of your head.

Next, have an honest look at you skills. Are you a developer, marketer, or a subject matter (content) expert with other skills? This is important because you will need to cover many areas. Be honest with yourself about what you are willing to do and not do. Look for help from others who fill out your skill/knowledge deficits.

Then, I think, just go for it! I've spent too much time myself pattering around watching others bring their ideas to life. I've discovered that the execution of the idea is more important than the idea itself.

Good luck!

P.S. Oh yeah, you'll probably find what you've created is quite different from your original inspiration. Thats okay though.

3. If it is two words, be sure to buy the-domain.com AND thedomain.com, and 301 from one to the other (or both to .net or whatever)

Thanks to everyone for your comments... Im not sure what you mean here though?

Say you choose to call your site "Moozik Now!" - let's hope not, of course ;) - then I'd very strongly recommend that you purchase the domains moozik-now.com and mooziknow.com.

This would allow you to use one of them, while forwarding 'type-in errors' to your site, AND preventing a parasite from setting up on the alternate title.

Search the forums for [301 redirect] for details.

I'd further suggest that if you had decided to use a different URL - eg mooziknow.ca, then you should still purchase the domains moozik-now.com and mooziknow.com, and redirect them to .ca - for the same reasons.

You might even consider purchasing the domains moozic-now.com and moozicnow.com too.

All this has a cost, but if you are brand building, then you need to protect your brand!

The key point is NEVER buy a domain name UNLESS you can buy the .com version - even if you really DO NOT intend to use it!

[note to mods - all above domain names are fiction and used as illustration only.]

[edited by: Quadrille at 3:24 pm (utc) on Jan. 3, 2008]