How to check if your domain is available 

Picking the perfect domain name is one of the first steps to creating your online presence. But, with over 362 million domain names already registered worldwide, it can be tricky to land the perfect one. That’s why checking if your desired domain is available is a big first step when building a website. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through why domain availability matters, how to check if a name is free to use, and what to do if someone owns it. 

Why checking domain availability matters 

Before you get started on your website or brand, it’s important to first check if the domain you want is available. Here’s why checking matters: 

• To know if your desired domain is even an option. You can’t register a domain if you don’t first check if it’s available. If it’s already taken, you need to know that right away so you can pivot and choose another name. 
• To avoid wasted time. If you don’t check availability first, you might waste time working on a domain name, website design, or marketing strategies that revolve around a name you can’t even register. 
• To ensure the name is not already in use by someone else. Without checking, you might choose a domain that’s too similar to someone else’s, which could lead to confusion or legal issues down the line. 

How to check if your domain is available 

Finding out if your ideal domain name is available is pretty easy. Here are three quick ways to check: 

Use a domain registrar’s search tool 

Before launching your website, start by checking if your name qualifies for an eligible domain registration through a trusted registrar. 

Domain registrars like Domain.com, Namecheap, and GoDaddy are popular platforms for checking domain availability. These websites have domain name search tools designed for painless navigation. Here’s how it works using Domain.com: 

1. Enter your desired domain name. 

2. Our tool will quickly check if the domain is available. 

3. If the domain is already taken, we’ll suggest alternatives, including different extensions (like .net, .co, .io) or slight variations of your original name. 

Perform a WHOIS lookup 

If another entity owns your preferred domain, you can learn more by performing a WHOIS lookup — a directory of domain names. Unless the owner has privacy protection, it tells you who owns the domain and when it expires. 

1. Go to a WHOIS lookup site like Whois.com. 

2. Enter your desired domain name into the search field. 

3. If the domain is registered, you’ll see details like the owner’s name (if not protected by privacy settings), the registrar, and the domain’s expiration date. 

4. If the domain is unregistered, it means you can purchase it. 

The WHOIS lookup is helpful if you want to contact the current owner to negotiate or to monitor its expiration. 

Try a third-party domain checker 

Third-party tools like What’s My DNS, Instant Domain Search, or Lean Domain Search are great for exploring more options. You can access features such as: 

• Suggestions for similar names if your original choice isn’t available. 
• Showing the availability of multiple extensions (e.g., .com, .org, .info) in one search. 
• Real-time updates for checking availability. 

A domain checker tool is great for brainstorming and exploring creative variations of your domain name idea. Plus, many of them are integrated with registrars, so you can get a hassle-free domain name registration.  

What to do if your desired domain is taken 

It can be disappointing to find out that someone owns your dream domain name. But you still have options for securing an alternative:  

Invest in a premium domain 

Premium domains are high-value domain names that are already owned but available for sale. These domains are often short and highly brandable—an excellent investment for businesses that want to stand out. 

You can get good benefits such as:  

• Brand recognition. A premium domain instantly conveys professionalism and trust. 
• Visibility. Short and keyword-rich domains can improve search engine visibility. 
• Memorability. Easy-to-remember domains help your audience find and return to your site effortlessly. 

If a premium domain sounds like the right fit for you, Domain.com’s Premium Domains offers a great selection of top-tier names. Our platform makes it easy to browse and secure a premium name that sets your site apart. 

Use a domain broker or auction service 

If you’re uncomfortable contacting the domain owner directly, then a domain broker can handle the process for you. Brokers specialize in negotiating domain purchases and can often secure better deals.  

Alternatively, you can explore domain auction platforms like: 

• GoDaddy Auctions. A marketplace for expired and premium domains. 
• Sedo. A platform where you can buy or bid on domains being sold by their owners. 

Try variations of your domain name 

If your exact domain isn’t available, get creative! Try adding words or tweaking it slightly to make it unique while staying true to your brand: 

• If sunnybakes.com is unavailable, try variations like thesunnybakes.com, sunnybakesshop.com, or mysunnybakes.com. 
• Action words like “Get,” “Try,” or “Go” can help differentiate your domain while maintaining its relevance. 

Experiment with slight changes that keep the essence of your original idea. Tools like domain name generators can help for brainstorming alternative versions. 

Explore different extensions 

The .com extension might be the most popular, but it’s not the only option. Tons of other domain extensions could be more relevant, like: 

• .net. Great for technology or networking brands. 
• .co. A trendy and versatile option for businesses. 
• .io. Popular among startups and tech companies. 
• Industry-specific extensions. Use options like .shop, .design, or .art to reflect your niche. 

These options open a new world of possibilities without straying too far from your original idea. 

Consider buying the domain 

You still have options if someone owns your ideal domain. Here’s how to go about it: 

• Check WHOIS records. Use tools like ICANN, WHOIS or Whois.net to see who owns the domain. 
• Reach out politely. Send an email or message to the owner expressing interest in purchasing the domain. Be professional and specific about why you’re reaching out. 
• Be ready to negotiate. Owned domains, especially short or catchy ones, come at a high price. Research typical costs and set a budget before entering negotiations. 

If the owner agrees, you can finalize the deal through a domain transfer service to ensure a secure transaction. 

Check the domain expiration 

Owners need to renew their domains periodically, and sometimes they forget to renew or decide to let them go. Tools like DropCatch, NameJet, and SnapNames let you monitor soon to expire domains. If the owner doesn’t renew, you’ll have the opportunity to register it yourself. 

Some services even offer backordering, where you can reserve a domain as soon as it becomes available. Keep an eye on your desired domain. Backordering requires patience and good timing. 

Revisit your branding 

If your desired domain is unavailable or too expensive, consider this an opportunity to rebrand. A fresh perspective might lead to a name better than the original. See what makes your business unique and brainstorm new ideas that align with your goals. 

For example, instead of SunnyBakes.com, you might discover more creative options like SunlitBakery.com or GoldenBakes.co.  

How to monitor and secure your domain 

Registering your domain is just the first step. Protecting and keeping it secure over time is equally important. Here’s how to stay on top of domain management and security: 

Set up domain monitoring 

Domain monitoring tools help you track your domain’s status and alert you to potential risks, such as expiration dates or unauthorized changes. Some of their features include: 

• Monitor expirations. Tools like DomainTools or NameSilo Monitor notify you when your domain is about to expire. 
• Track ownership changes. Some services can detect unauthorized changes to your WHOIS information or domain settings. 
• Keyword and competitor monitoring. Certain tools also monitor similar domains that competitors might register. 

Enable auto-renewal 

The simplest way to avoid losing your domain is by enabling auto-renewal with your registrar. When you activate auto-renewal you gain benefits like: 

• Automatic domain renewal before expiry. 
• Payment processing through secure and stored payment methods. 

Domain auto-renewal eliminates the risk of accidental lapses and secures your ownership. 

Activate privacy protection 

When you register a domain, your contact information, like your email and phone number, is often made public. To keep this private and avoid spam or potential security risks, opt for WHOIS privacy protection.  

This service replaces your personal details with proxy information, keeping your data safe and your inbox clean. Most registrars offer it for a small fee, and it’s an easy way to add an extra layer of security. 

Use strong security measures 

Your domain is a valuable asset, so make sure your account is as secure by employing best practices like:  

• Set strong passwords. Use unique, complex passwords for your registrar account and update them regularly. 
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Many registrars offer 2FA for added security. It provides secondary verification by requesting an external code acquired through text messages or authenticator apps. 
• Lock your domain. Domain locking prevents unauthorized transfers by requiring a specific code for domain changes. Most registrars allow you to lock your domain directly from your account dashboard. 

Regularly check your domain settings 

Periodically take a few minutes to review your domain settings. 

• Check your DNS records to ensure they haven’t been tampered with. 
• Verify that the WHOIS database is up to date with your current contact information. 
• Confirm that all security features, like domain locking and privacy protection, are active. 

Consider domain insurance 

For high-value domains, consider domain insurance or advanced security services offered by some registrars. These services provide extra layers of protection, such as advanced monitoring, recovery assistance, and indemnity coverage for disputes. 

Why your domain name matters 

By taking the time to search and confirm domain availability, you can avoid wasting time and ensure that you’re picking a name that works for your brand. If your first choice is taken, don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to still get the perfect domain, whether it’s through variations, premium options, or even contacting the owner directly. Remember, your domain name matters, so take the time to get it right.  

When you’re ready to secure your domain, Domain.com makes the process simple and hassle-free. Whether you’re looking for a new domain, exploring creative alternatives, or need reliable domain registration, we’ve got you covered. Let us help you get started and protect your online presence today! 

Frequently asked questions