How to Check on Domain Availability for Your New Site

Finding the perfect domain name for your business or project is like finding a rare gem – it requires some digging. It’s the cornerstone of your online presence, and it all starts with a simple question: Is this domain available? In the past, checking domain availability felt like searching for a needle in a haystack, but now you can quickly get your answer and lots more with AI-powered domain search engines.

Why Check On Domain Availability?

You might be thinking, “Can’t I just use any domain name as long as it’s available?”. Not really. The right domain name does more than just give your website an address. It can significantly influence brand perception, SEO performance, and user experience.

Brand Identity and Recall

Imagine your domain name as your digital storefront sign. A catchy, relevant, and easy-to-remember domain name makes your brand stand out and helps customers find you.

For example, if you are starting a shoe company called “Super Shoes,” it’s unlikely customers will remember or find “supershoesretail321.online.” You will likely lose sales to the competitor at “supershoes.com.” This makes a strong case for using a reputable company for domain search & registration to snag the ideal domain.

SEO Performance

Search engines consider various factors when ranking websites, and your domain name is one of them. A domain that incorporates relevant keywords can give you an edge in search results.

A generic or unrelated domain name to your business can hinder your visibility on search engines like Google.

User Experience

Ever tried to visit a website with a clunky or hard-to-remember domain name? It’s frustrating, and people might give up altogether. Choose a name that is easy to type, spell, pronounce, and share – basically, user-friendly.

Steps To Check On Domain Availability

Gone are the days of manually checking for every possible domain name combination. The process is streamlined now thanks to readily-available online tools.

1. Brainstorm Potential Domain Names

Start by jotting down words related to your business, niche, or brand. Get creative. Mix and match to find combinations that are unique, memorable, and catchy.

2. Choose The Right Domain Extension

You have the classics like .com, .net, and .org, but a growing variety of niche extensions like .store, .tech, or even location-specific ones like .london. Pick an extension that makes sense for your business and target audience.

It might be the difference between customers instantly knowing what you are about versus having zero idea.

3. Use A Domain Availability Checker Tool

Tons of websites specialize in helping people find the perfect domain name. These domain checkers make it incredibly easy to instantly check domain availability.

Domain availability checker tools often offer suggestions for similar domain names if your preferred domain name is already taken.

Beyond Checking Availability

Successfully registering a domain goes beyond just finding an available name. It also requires strategic thinking. Here are some key aspects:

Domain Privacy

Would you want your personal contact information displayed publicly for anyone to see when they search your domain name? Protect yourself and maintain your privacy with a good domain privacy service, which masks your personal details in the public WHOIS directory.

This is important because data privacy matters more now than ever, as more people and entities find ways to access personal information on the web. Some registrars, such as GoDaddy, offer this service free, while others charge an extra fee. This free domain privacy is an added perk that provides value, so choose your provider wisely.

Domain Investing

Some people register domain names as an investment. Similar to buying real estate, the goal is to resell those domain names later at a profit. Factors such as the domain’s length, memorability, potential keywords, and current trends can all impact its investment value.

Domain Name Best Practices

Keep the following tips in mind to ensure your domain name not only secures your online space but also works in your favor for brand-building and engagement.

Keep it Short and Memorable

A concise, catchy domain name is easier for people to remember and type, minimizing the chance of losing traffic due to typos or forgetfulness.

Make it Relevant to Your Brand or Business

Your domain name is an opportunity to create a strong brand identity. Choosing something directly related to your product, service, or overall message fosters instant brand recognition.

Avoid Hyphens and Numbers

Using hyphens can lead to misspellings, and people often forget whether to type in a numeral (1) or spell it out (one). This causes customer frustration at best and lost traffic and sales at worst.

Research Trademarks

Before you hit “register,” double-check that your chosen domain name doesn’t infringe on any existing trademarks. Trademark infringement can have some pretty serious legal repercussions, so make sure your branding is distinct from competitors to avoid headaches down the line.

Don’t Rush the Decision

Think of a domain name as a long-term commitment, not a quick decision. Consider registering multiple extensions and explore options even if your first choice isn’t available.

Think of creative workarounds and get feedback on different names from trusted people.

FAQs about check on domain availability

How can I check if a domain is available?

To check domain availability, visit a domain registrar website like Namecheap, GoDaddy or Domain.com. Type in your desired domain name in the search bar. The tool will show you if the name is available or if it’s already registered. If taken, these websites will often suggest alternative options.

Is there an app to check domain availability?

Yes. Most popular domain registrars like GoDaddy and Namecheap have mobile apps that also allow you to check domain availability straight from your phone.

Is my domain still available?

There’s only one way to know for sure: Check. You can use any of the methods above, including WHOIS lookups and domain registrars. Remember: Domain availability changes rapidly, so even if it’s taken now, it may be back up for grabs in the near future.

How do you check if I can buy a domain?

Just because a domain is registered, doesn’t always mean it’s off-limits. Use a WHOIS Lookup to identify the owner’s information. If the domain is listed for sale, there will often be contact information associated. Some marketplaces specialize in connecting buyers and sellers for already-owned domains.

Conclusion

So there you have it, now you’re up to speed. Whether you’re building a personal website, starting a business online, or launching a blog, your journey starts by understanding how to check domain name availability. A domain name can either be your greatest asset or a nagging afterthought in your online endeavors, and securing the right one sets you up for greater success in the long run.