How do you find if domain names are available? One of the quickest ways is to type it into a browser. This will most times take you to an existing website or to an available domain name offered through a broker or registration company. You can also check on domain names available through a number of domain name registration providers. They will let you know; is the domain available or if will you need to wait for it to expire before you can claim it.
Tips on Choosing a Domain Name
Before you grab up an available domain name consider some of the following suggestions:
• Your domain name and website name should match. This might seem pretty obvious but you would probably be surprised to learn that isn't necessarily the case. The reason you want to do this is fairly simple; when people think of your domain name they will think of your website and vice versa. It should be part of any company's marketing plan. If they have to try and remember your domain name, if it differs from your website, more than likely they will forget and give up and go on to the next merchant or company.
• What if it isn't an available domain name? If you already have a brand name you won't want to get rid of it. It took time, money and effort to build that brand. You might then try to see if the domain name is available for purchase from the current owner. Check on the information for the domain and the contact person and then give it a try. It can't hurt. More than likely you will be paying a higher price for it than if it was available but it could be worth it in the long run.
• If you are just starting out try looking for domain names available through the many sites on the Internet. It is a cheaper alternative to pick the available domain name first and then name your company.
• Should you choose a generic or brand domain name? A name like cars.com might make sense but if it is already taken you and a hundred other people might be trying to buy it and the price might be too high. A domain name should match a brand name whenever possible. The very name you use to advertise your product or service is what people will remember and type into their browsers.
• Should you choose an available domain name that is long or short? You have 67 characters to work with so you can spell out your business name and not settle for an abbreviation. Some say shorter is better, easier to remember and far less apt to be typed in wrong. Others say that longer is easier on the memory when it spells out a whole phrase. This is all up for debate so test your potential name choices out on a test market or just friends and family and see what they think.