Domain name search: how to find and register your perfect address

Starting a new project can be incredibly exciting. Whether you’re looking to launch a new business or a new chapter in your professional career, building a website is one of the first steps you’ll have to take, and that begins with a domain name search.

Choosing a domain name should not be a random decision; it has to be done thoughtfully. Your domain name is the cornerstone of your digital identity. It must be unique and reflect your business.

But, therein lies the problem. There are well over 360 million registered domain names as of today. So, searching for a domain name can be frustrating. Many of the best options have been taken.

The good news is that the perfect domain name is out there — you just need to use the right tools and techniques to be able to find it. In this guide, I’ll explain different ways to search for a domain name, what to do if your preferred domain name is taken, and how to verify if the name you’ve chosen is legally safe to use.

How a domain name search tool works

On the surface, domain name search tools may seem pretty simple — they bring up results in a matter of seconds. But they’re actually quite complex.

When you type in a domain name, the tool first checks if the name follows the proper format. For example, if it is the right length and if it contains any prohibited characters.

Then, it queries a database of top-level domains to determine if the domain name is in use. If the domain name has not been registered by anyone else, it will be labelled as “Available,” and you can go ahead to register it. However, if it is labelled as “Taken” or “Registered,” it means someone else owns that domain.

Sometimes, you may be able to buy a domain that has already been registered but is not actively being used if you reach out to the current owner. You can use the Whois domain lookup tool to check who owns any domain. Domains that are labelled as “Premium” usually attract high fees because of their uniqueness and perceived value.

Not all domain name search tools are equal: if you were to search for the same domain on two different tools, you may get different results. This is because some platforms show you outdated results.

The best domain name search tools, like Wix Domain Search, provide real-time data from the ICANN database, ensuring you’re getting accurate information and don’t fall in love with a domain name that is already taken.

5 strategies for a successful domain hunt

Regardless of a domain name search tool you use, finding a domain is hardly ever a straightforward process. More often than not, you’ll have to reassess your options and make adjustments. But it’s not all about choosing what’s available. You have to consider the marketability of the domain name and how it strengthens your brand identity.

With that said, here are five tips to help you choose the right domain:

1. Keep it short and typable: Ensure your domain name is short and easy to remember. Avoid overly long names with slang or abbreviations like “u r” instead of “you are,” as it can cause confusion.
2. Include target keywords: This is one of the most effective ways to boost the visibility of your website. By including a keyword related to your line of business, potential visitors to your website already know what to expect. It also increases the likelihood that your site will stand out in search engine results.
3. Go local: Another good SEO tip is to include a local marker in your domain name. So, for example, instead of just CoffeeShop.com, you can go with CoffeeShopLondon.com. This doesn’t just make your website more visible in local search results, but it also gives your business a community identity.
4. Avoid hyphens and numbers: Avoid anything in your domain name that would require a verbal explanation, like hyphens or spelled out numbers (i.e., four instead of 4). Keep it as simple as possible.
5. Think long term: Consider if your domain name will still fit your business as your organization grows, expands, and enters new markets. It’s best to choose a domain name that will allow you to evolve without having to rebrand entirely.

When using Wix Domain Search you benefit from a tool that proactively aids your strategy, offering smart alternative suggestions and different TLDs if your preferred name is taken. Moreover, it can automatically suggest unique alternatives if your initial search comes up empty.

Beyond .com: exploring alternative extensions (TLDs)

Many people think .com domains are the only option available to them when registering a website. But that’s not the case. There is a long list of domain extensions. Most alternative top-level domains (TLDs) are just as good as .com domains. In fact, as it’s becoming more difficult to find ideal .com domains, businesses are opting for generic top-level domains (gTLDs) like .org, .net, .info, .biz, and the like.

If you’re considering a gTLD, I recommend zeroing in on industry-specific options like .tech, .store, .law, .health, and .media, or creative options like .ai, .co, .me, and .xyz.

Websites with alternative TLDs perform just as well in search engine results, and you have better chances of finding a short and catchy domain name if you look beyond .com domains.

What to do if your dream domain is taken

So, what can you do if your preferred domain name has been taken? Well, this happens more frequently than you may think. And, it doesn’t mean the end of the road. You just have to change your strategy. Here’s what you can do:

1. Check the WHOIS database to find out who owns the domain name, when it expires, and if the owner is selling it. You may even find the owner’s contact details.
2. If the owner of the domain has marked it for sale, you can contact them and discuss the possibility of purchasing it. Better yet, you can use a domain broker service to negotiate with the domain owner anonymously. This is arguably the easier option. Most top brands choose to use a domain broker to prevent sellers from inflating their prices unreasonably.
3. If you don’t want to buy the domain name, consider making a unique domain by modifying it. For example, instead of just [Name].com, you can try Get[Name].com or [Name]App.com. There are an infinite number of ways to alter a domain name and make it unique.
4. You could also use a different TLD, like .net or .co, instead of .com.

Legal check: avoid trademark infringement

The fact that a domain name is listed as “available” when you check the domain availability doesn’t mean you’re legally allowed to use it. You can run into legal troubles if you use a domain that includes a copyrighted name, like NikeShoesNYC.com. You could be sued and fined a huge sum.

To avoid any copyright infringement, always run a trademark search. In the US, you can check the database of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). If you’re outside the US, contact your trademark office or search on the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) database to see if your domain name is infringing on any trademarks.

How to register your domain (step-by-step)

So, you’ve checked with a domain search tool and confirmed that your chosen domain is not in use and doesn’t infringe on any trademarks. Now, it’s time to register your domain name. Here are step-by-step instructions to guide you from start to finish.

1. Search: Use a domain registrar tool like Wix domain search to check for your chosen domain name.
2. Select: Choose your TLD. Remember, it’s okay to go for other options besides .com. Even if you choose a .com domain, consider buying variations with different TLDs to protect your brand.
3. Register: Click to register and provide the required details like your name, address, email, and payment information. Then, complete the payment.
4. Connect: The domain is now yours. You can connect it to your website or park it for use later.

The entire domain search and registration process is streamlined when choosing Wix domain registrar. You can start with the Wix Domain Search tool, which provides real-time ICANN data and offers smart alternative suggestions if your preferred name is taken. Once you find the perfect address, you can complete the registration and payment in a few clicks. Crucially, as a fully integrated platform, Wix can connect your newly purchased domain to your professional website, eliminating manual connection steps and ensuring you can start building immediately with the Wix website builder.

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