What to Do if Your Desired Domain Name is Already Taken

Choosing the perfect domain name for your website or business is a crucial step in establishing your online presence. It’s often the first thing potential visitors will see, and it plays a major role in how your brand is perceived. However, it can be frustrating when the domain name you want is already taken. Don’t panic! There are several strategies you can use to find the right domain name and move forward with your online goals.

In this article, we’ll discuss various options to explore when your desired domain name is unavailable, and how you can still secure a domain name that works for you.

1. Check if the Domain is Available for Purchase

Sometimes, the domain name you want might already be taken, but it could be available for sale. There are a few ways to check this:

• Visit the domain: Sometimes, the current owner might not be using the domain, but it could still be listed for sale. Visit the domain to see if there’s any information about purchasing it.
• Domain marketplaces: Platforms like Sedo, Flippa, and Afternic allow you to browse domains that are for sale. You can search for the domain name you want and inquire about purchasing it from the current owner.
• Contact the owner: If you can’t find any information on domain marketplaces, you can try reaching out directly to the domain owner. You can use WHOIS lookup tools to find contact details for the domain registrar and inquire if the owner is willing to sell.

However, be prepared to pay a premium for the domain, especially if it’s a short or highly desirable name. It’s important to weigh the cost against the value it might bring to your brand or business.

2. Consider Different Domain Extensions

If your desired .com domain is taken, consider using alternative domain extensions (TLDs) that might still be available. There are now hundreds of domain extensions to choose from, beyond the traditional .com. Some options include:

• .net, .org, and .co: These are still widely used and recognized by many visitors.
• Industry-specific extensions: There are extensions that cater to specific industries, such as .tech, .store, .design, or .app.
• Geographic extensions: If your business is location-based, you might opt for geographic domain extensions like .nyc, .london, or .ca (for Canada).

While .com remains the most popular and trusted extension, choosing a relevant or creative extension can help differentiate your brand without sacrificing its relevance.

3. Modify the Domain Name

If the exact domain you want is unavailable, you can modify your desired domain slightly to make it unique and available. Consider the following strategies:

• Add a keyword: If your original domain name was short and simple, you can make it more specific by adding a relevant keyword. For example, if your desired domain is “example.com,” you could try “examplewebsite.com” or “myexample.com.”
• Include your location: Adding your city, state, or region can make the domain unique. For instance, “examplemiami.com” or “newyorkexample.com.”
• Use a hyphen: Although hyphenated domains are less ideal for branding, they are still a valid option. For example, “example-website.com.”
• Use a number: Adding numbers (e.g., “example2.com”) can also be an option, though this can be less memorable.

When modifying your domain name, be careful to maintain clarity and brand consistency. Avoid overly complicated names that might confuse users.

4. Create a Brand New Name

If your desired domain name is already taken and you’re having trouble finding a suitable variation, it might be time to create a new, unique name for your domain. Here are some tips for brainstorming a new domain:

• Combine words: Think of two words that are relevant to your business or niche and combine them to create something unique. For example, “TechCraft.com” or “UrbanStyle.com.”
• Use a brandable name: Opt for a name that’s easy to pronounce, spell, and remember. A brandable name doesn’t have to be a real word, as long as it’s catchy and relates to your business.
• Use a domain name generator: If you’re stuck, try using a domain name generator tool. Websites like LeanDomainSearch, NameMesh, or DomainWheel can help generate creative domain name ideas based on your keywords.
• Check for trademarks: Ensure the domain name is unique by searching for trademarks or businesses using similar names. This will avoid legal complications down the line.

Creating a completely new name can be challenging, but it also offers the opportunity to establish a unique brand identity.

5. Monitor the Domain for Future Availability

Sometimes, domain owners let their registration expire, and the domain becomes available for purchase once again. If your desired domain is taken but not actively in use, you can:

• Set up domain alerts: Some domain registrars and third-party services allow you to set up alerts for specific domain names. If the domain becomes available again, you’ll be notified and can purchase it immediately.
• Backorder the domain: Many domain registrars offer backordering services. This allows you to essentially “reserve” the domain, and the registrar will attempt to secure it for you when it becomes available.

6. Evaluate Your Business Goals

Finally, it’s important to evaluate whether your domain name is a critical part of your business or if it’s more of a branding preference. If you’re struggling to find the perfect domain, consider these points:

• Is the domain name essential for your branding?: A strong domain is certainly important, but your brand’s success doesn’t rely solely on your domain name. Focus on building quality content and a solid marketing strategy.
• Are there other ways to market your brand?: If your ideal domain name is unavailable, you may want to focus on other marketing strategies such as social media, SEO, and email marketing to drive traffic.

In some cases, choosing a unique or less common domain name could even give you an advantage by standing out from competitors.

Conclusion

While it can be frustrating when the domain name you want is already taken, it’s important to remember that there are many strategies available to help you secure a domain name that works for your business or project. Whether you opt for a different domain extension, modify your desired name, or create a completely new one, the key is to stay creative and flexible. By using these tips and tools, you’ll be able to find a domain name that fits your brand and sets you up for success online.