5 Tips for Finding an Available Domain Name to Register

SAKIBUL ALAM

20 Sep, 2023

When registering a new domain name, don’t just stick to one registrar. Check multiple sites to find an available domain name at the best price.

GoDaddy

As one of the largest domain registrars, GoDaddy is a good place to start. They frequently run promo codes offering domains for under $2 the first year. They have a huge inventory of TLDs like .com, .net and .org.

Namecheap

Namecheap is another reputable registrar with competitive pricing. They’re known for great customer service and a simple domain registration process. They also often have promotions offering domains for just 99 cents the first year.

Bluehost

If you want to bundle domain registration with web hosting, consider Bluehost. They frequently offer free domain names when you purchase one of their hosting plans. Just be aware that after the first year, your domain renewal price may increase.

Google Domains

Google Domains keeps things simple with just a few of the most popular TLDs like .com, .net and .org. But their pricing is very affordable, often under $12 per year. And you know Google will be around for the long haul to reliably manage your domain.

Checking multiple registrars gives you the best chance of finding an available domain name that fits your needs and budget. Be sure to consider renewal pricing as well, so you don’t get stuck paying a much higher price down the road. With some patience and persistence, you’ll land on the perfect domain. Happy hunting!

Brainstorm Keyword-Rich Domain Names

When it comes to choosing a domain name, you want something memorable yet keyword-rich. Think of phrases related to your business or niche to get the creative juices flowing.

For example, if you’re in real estate, consider names like “homesweetabode” or “keystoyourcastle”. For a gardening blog, try “greengardenguide” or “bloomingbackyard”. You get the idea.

Once you have a list of catchy names, check their availability. Simply enter the names into a domain registration website like Godaddy, Namecheap or Bluehost to see if your desired .com is open. If not, try different extensions like .net or .org.

10 tips for choosing the perfect domain name

If all your top choices are taken, try modifying them slightly. Add or remove words like ‘the’, ‘my’ or ‘guide’. Use hyphens, underscores or combine words. For instance, ‘mygardeningguide’ could become ‘gardeningguidepro’.

You might also check if the .co version is available, which is another popular alternative. When tweaking names, stick close to your original concept so it’s still easy to remember and relevant to your content.

With some brainstorming and compromise, you can land on a domain name that’s both catchy and keyword-optimized. Finding the right name is worth the effort, since your domain is the first thing people will see and remember about your site!

Once you’ve found some available options, grab your favorites before someone else does. Take it from me, you don’t want to miss out on the perfect domain for your new blog or business.

Research Domain Extensions and TLDs

When choosing a domain name to register, the extension or TLD (Top Level Domain) is an important decision. The TLD not only impacts your domain’s memorability and brand, but can also affect its search engine optimization (SEO) and cost.

.com

The most popular TLD is .com, which is a great all-purpose choice for businesses. However, the vast number of .com domains means many short, memorable names have already been taken. Still, .com domains rank well in search engines and convey a professional image.

.net

The .net TLD is also a popular, reputable option. While not quite as sought after as .com, many .net domains are still unavailable. However, .net can be a good alternative if your desired .com domain is taken.

New TLDs

New TLDs like .io, .co, and .shop provide opportunities to find short, memorable domains that rank well in search engines. Some TLDs imply a purpose, like .store for an ecommerce site or .tech for a software company. However, some new TLDs are not as well recognized or may be seen as less professional. It depends on your brand and target audience.

Country Code TLDs

Country code TLDs (ccTLDs) like .ca (Canada) and .co.uk (United Kingdom) work well if you primarily do business in that country. ccTLDs usually convey locality and rank highly for local search. However, a ccTLD may limit your brand’s global reach.

Hyphenated Domains

If possible, avoid hyphens in your domain name. Hyphenated domains can be harder to remember and may not rank as well in search engines. Only use a hyphen as a last resort if your desired domain in all possible TLDs is unavailable.

In summary, evaluate your priorities and brand to determine the best TLD and domain name for your business. Do thorough research on availability, SEO impact, and cost to find a domain name that will serve you well for years to come.

Use Domain Name Generators and Thesauruses

4. Use Domain Name Generators and Thesauruses

When searching for an available domain name to register, using tools like domain name generators and thesauruses can help spark some ideas and uncover options you may not have thought of.

Domain name generators are automated tools that will generate hundreds of domain name ideas based on keywords you enter. They work by combining popular keywords, prefixes and suffixes to produce unique domain name combinations. Some recommended domain name generators are NameMesh, Dot-o-Mator and Domain Wheel. Enter keywords like your company or product name, industry, location or area of expertise. Scan the lists of suggested domain names and see if any pique your interest or inspire a new idea.

Thesauruses are useful for finding alternative words and phrases that are synonymous or semantically similar to your main keywords. Some good thesaurus resources are Thesaurus.com, Merriam-Webster Thesaurus and Power Thesaurus. For example, if your company name is “Innovate Designs,” look up synonyms for words like “create,” “imagine,” “original” and “style.” This may lead you to available domain name options such as InitiateCreations.com, VisionStyles.com or FreshConcepts.co.

Also, try rearranging words by switching the order, combining multiple keywords together or adding prefixes/suffixes. Using the example above, some rearranged options could be DesignsInnovate.com, InnoDesigns.co or TheInnoDesigners.com. With some patience and an open, creative mind, you’ll be able to find an available domain name that suits your needs.

The key is to not get too attached to any one name or idea. Cast a wide net, use multiple tactics and tools, and be willing to compromise. An available domain name that’s not your absolute first choice but still works well can be better than an unavailable domain name that you love! With over 300 million registered domains and counting, finding an available name requires persistence, creativity and flexibility.

Add Variations to Find Available Domains

Adding Variations

Coming up with variations of a domain name you want is a clever trick to find available domains. If your first choice isn’t available, get creative with different spellings, prefixes, suffixes, and extensions.

Try different spellings. For example, if “techcompany” isn’t available, try “techcompny” or “techkompany.” Use a thesaurus to find synonyms to substitute, e.g. replacing “company” with “business” or “corporation.”

Add prefixes like “my,” “your” or “get.” For instance, if “books” isn’t available, try “mybooks” or “getbooks.” Suffixes like “now,” “today” or “here” also work well. For example, “learnspanishnow” or “buyshoeshere.”

Consider using a different domain extension. The .com extension is popular, so also check availability of .net, .org, .biz, .us, .co, .info and .me. For example, if “example.com” isn’t available, “example.co” or “example.me” may be.

Remove hyphens, underscores or numbers. For example, if “learn-spanish” or “learn_spanish” isn’t available, try “learnspanish.” Or if “example2020” isn’t available, try “example.”

Try different number substitutions. Replace the number “2020” with “twentytwenty” or “20-20.” Or replace “5” with “five.” For instance, “tip5s” could become “tiptens” or “tipfives.”

With some experimenting by making small changes, you’ll likely find an available domain name that suits your needs. Don’t get too attached to your first choice and stay open to other options. With over 300 million domains registered, thinking outside the box is key to finding the right web address for your website or online project.

Conclusion

So there you have it, five useful tips to help you find an available domain name to register for your website or online business. The key is to be patient and persistent, try different keyword combinations, check various domain extensions, consider less popular options, and see what’s out there on the secondary market. With some creative thinking and the right tools to search domain availability, you’ll be able to secure a memorable domain name that helps establish your online brand. Now get out there and start your search—your perfect domain name is waiting to be registered!

FAQs

1. What is a domain name?

A domain name is a unique and human-readable web address used to identify and locate websites on the internet. It consists of a combination of letters, numbers, and hyphens, usually ending with an extension like .com, .org, or .net.

2. How do I choose a good domain name?

Choose a domain name that is easy to remember, reflects your brand or content, is easy to spell, and preferably has a .com extension. Avoid using complicated or confusing words.

3. What is a domain extension or TLD?

The domain extension, or Top-Level Domain (TLD), is the last part of a domain name (e.g., .com, .org, .net). It helps identify the purpose or origin of a website.

4. Can I change my domain name after registering it?

Yes, but it involves a process called domain name transfer or registration of a new domain. It’s best to choose a suitable domain name initially to avoid complications later.

5. How do I register a domain name?

You can register a domain name through a domain registrar, which is a company accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). Search for an available domain, select one, and complete the registration process.

6. How long can I register a domain name for?

Domain names can typically be registered for a period of one year to ten years. Some registrars also offer longer registration periods.

7. What is domain privacy protection (WHOIS privacy)?

Domain privacy protection is a service that hides the personal contact information of a domain owner from the public WHOIS database. This helps protect privacy and reduce spam.

8. Can I transfer my domain name to a different registrar?

Yes, you can transfer your domain name to a different registrar. This process involves unlocking the domain, obtaining an authorization code, and initiating the transfer with the new registrar.

9. What is domain renewal and why is it important?

Domain renewal is the process of extending the registration of your domain name after the initial registration period expires. It’s crucial to renew your domain to maintain ownership and avoid losing it to someone else.

10. What should I do if the domain name I want is already taken?

If your desired domain name is already taken, you can try using a different extension or consider slight variations of the name. You might also explore options like contacting the current owner for a potential sale.

11. Can I buy a domain name that is already registered?

Yes, you can attempt to buy a domain name from its current owner. This is known as domain acquisition. Negotiations for purchasing a registered domain can be conducted directly or through a domain broker.

12. Are there any restrictions on domain name registration?

Yes, there are certain restrictions and policies enforced by ICANN and individual registrars. These may include rules regarding character limits, trademark infringement, and prohibited content.

13. What is DNS and how does it relate to domain names?

DNS (Domain Name System) is a system that translates human-readable domain names into numerical IP addresses, allowing computers to locate and connect with each other on the internet. It’s like the phone book of the internet.

14. Can I transfer a domain name to a different owner?

Yes, you can transfer ownership of a domain name to another individual or entity. This process is known as a domain name transfer of ownership or change of registrant.

15. What happens if I don’t renew my domain name on time?

If you don’t renew your domain name before it expires, it enters a grace period during which you can still renew it. After this period, it may enter a redemption period, during which the domain can be recovered at a higher cost. If not renewed during this time, the domain may be released for others to register.