What to Do When Your Domain Name’s Taken

Registering a domain name for your online business is an important step. Your web address should be memorable, relevant to your products and services and supportive of your brand. Once you have brainstormed the possibilities and tested them with your friends or co-workers, you will be ready to move to the next step: checking domain availability.

The Internet is a dynamic marketplace with no shortage of occupants, which makes domain name selection quite competitive. You may find that your first choice is already taken, as well as your second or third choice. If this is the case, you will be forced to examine your options.

Making an offer

First, you may be able to buy the domain name from its current registrant. If you are considering buying such a domain name, visit the domain and see what you can determine. If there is no active website, your chances of being able to make a bid are higher. The owner may even be using the page as a sort of "for sale" sign that alerts visitors to the domain’s availability . Unless the owner has elected private registration, you can find their contact information through a simple WHOIS database search.

Playing the waiting game

Every domain name has an expiration date – the date at which the original domain name registration term comes to an end. At that time, the domain owner may – or may not –choose to renew. The owner will have a grace period (typically 30 days), during which the domain name is only available for their renewal. Depending on your timeline, you may be able to wait to see if the domain becomes available. If you are concerned that someone else will come by and steal your domain name, the domain name’s registrar may allow you to "backorder" the domain by paying a fee to hold your place at the front of the line. Again, you may use a WHOIS database search to obtain a domain’s expiration date.

Making a compromise

The most popular and widely-used web addresses, .COM domain names have become a limited online resource. If you are flexible about using alternate domain name extensions, you may want to check the availability of other TLD’s like .BIZ or .ORG. Many online business accomplish their online goals with extensions other than .COM.

If you find that your desired domain has already been registered, don’t give up hope just yet. Consider the amount of time and money you have to spend before deciding how to proceed with getting the best domain name for your business.