I'm just curious, since the domain does count to some extent, if .com, .org and .net are taken, but .info is available, is it worth trying? would this be weighted differently in google? I only ask because I very very rarely see .info's in the serps- I know part of that's just because less are registered and out there, but still
I think search engines are "blind" to extensions. Meaning they treat them all the same. I may be wrong, though.
Domain extensions are taken into account for local geographic searches like uk, ca fr etc. I have .info domains at #1 I wouldn't give it a second chance. We also own the .com, & co.uk domains however, but as the site is an information site about a subject worldwide, we go with the .info. You should never select a domain for SEO reasons as you will lose more than you gain. If the com and your local extension have gone, then I would not settle for third best. Why? simple... People mostly remember a domain name, NOT the extension. if they here or get told about petsworld then they will try their own local first ie in the uk they type petsworld.co.uk, then they try the .com. The real problem exists that YOU will be driving traffic to your competitors sites. A domain name should be chosen for ease of memory and recognition of site content. Petsworld, dogzone etc tell you exactly what is there, and you can remember them easily. best-dog-gifts-usa.com somehow loses it.