What to Do If Your Domain Isn’t Available
- Posted in:
- Internet
Choosing that ideal domain name is one of the crucial first steps for any business or project. Now, the desired name may already be used. This may seem disheartening at first glance. However, if you want to forgo live-action altogether, some options can still express the brand and its mission with some ingenuity and planning.
Consider Different Extensions
Almost always, the most popular extension is not available. Fortunately, several other options exist. Extensions such as .net, .org, .info, or newer ones like .site and .online can work well. They allow you to keep a similar branding approach if you want. This also comes with more room for named things without losing track of them.
Explore Variations of Your Core Name
When you’re checking for domain availability, take the time needed to play with slightly different arrangements of words, shorter versions of longer phrases, or even other words entirely; you may be surprised at how many new possibilities will appear by doing so. In many cases, a small change or rearrangement of the wording may create a unique, clear, and easy-to-find domain name while keeping the idea of who you are and what your company offers intact.
Add Descriptive Words
Enhancing a domain name with descriptive terms can set it apart. For instance, including a location, industry, or service in the domain can help. This technique not only creates a unique web address but can also improve search engine rankings. Consumers may find it easier to understand your offerings with an added description.
Use Short Prefixes or Suffixes
Prefix or suffix some simple words to the core name, and a domain is available with that order. It can start with verbs such as "get," "try," or "go." Alternatively, you can add endings like "online," "hub," or "now." This makes for a unique name while still keeping the spirit of the name.
Try Hyphens or Abbreviations
In some cases, a hyphen between the words in the domain can provide you with additional possibilities. Not as common, but still readable, is this format. They can also reduce longer names to a few words, thus also allowing for a web-friendly name. However, always make sure it is memorable and typeable.
Check for Plural or Singular Versions
When a desired domain is taken, flip it into singular or plural. Just a minor tweak, such as appending or removing an “s,” is everything. While this is a minor adjustment, it can help land some impressive web real estate.
Look Into Domain Name Marketplaces
Some people or companies buy domains for the sole purpose of reselling them at a later time. A better option for finding the name you need is to look at domain marketplaces. Prices on these platforms can be different, although the pool is usually larger. Sometimes it is possible to make a deal with the current owner.
Contact the Current Owner
If a domain is in use but not developed, it is worth contacting the current owner to discuss the possible opportunity. These types of contact information are typically displayed in general population data. A brief and polite inquiry about purchasing the address sometimes leads to a positive answer. These conversations require patience and clarity of communication.
Consider Creative Misspellings
Sometimes it can be a matter of changing the spelling of a word, but not beyond all recognition. These changes help you to create a creative environment and an open domain. To avoid any confusion amongst the visitors, avoid making its spellings difficult to remember and type. Avoid creating confusing variations that could mislead potential users.
Research Trademarks and Copyrights
Check to make sure the alternative name does not infringe on any trademarks or copyrights before proceeding with it. If a domain name resembles that of another company, it can lead to legal issues down the line. Register marks are online, allowing you to see whether they are availed or not. This measure prevents a business from a conflict in the future.
Test for Memorability and Clarity
Regardless of the domain selected, it ought to be simple to spell, say, and recall. You can test the name with your friends or workmates to get some feedback. These names are more rarely mistyped and easier to market, making short and lucid names a better choice. A memorable domain name will work in favor of marketing and visitor attraction.
Plan for Social Media Consistency
Having the same web address and the same social media handles can be an advantage for your brand. Make sure that the domain is available and matches the usernames on the big platforms before deciding on a final version. Having a unified identity across online platforms helps with your recognition and trust. Noting these handles early means others cannot take them.
Stay Patient and Persistent
It may take you some time and many tries to find the right one. It can be a little flexible and tedious work, so if you are too, then you can start doing this job. The answer could be a creative and effective solution that is unexpected, as long as one remains open to variations. You find the right one after trying so many others.
Conclusion
A domain name not available could be a nuisance for the admin since they have faced that issue. Through extensions, creative variations, and legal considerations, appropriate choices can be discovered. This means that good naming will help your business or project be easily recognized and not be lost in the vastness of the Internet.