Where do I find available domain names?
Finding available domain names is trickier than you may think - most of the good ones have already been taken, and it's difficult to think of something unique, original, and catchy. But don't worry - it's not a lost cause. If you spend some time brainstorming different ideas, it's possible to come up with domain names that no one has thought of yet.
The best domain names are easy for people to remember and find online - they are related to the product or service you're promoting, and represent your website in the best light. And they shouldn't conflict with any trademarks that have been established by other companies.
If your search for available domain names comes out empty-handed, consider using something different than .com. Although this is the most popular extension and offers the most professional look, many websites have experienced no problems using .net or .biz as alternatives. If you're located in a country other than the U.S., search for available domain names listed under your country's top level domain. For instance, if you're operating out of Canada, purchase a .ca domain if the name you want isn't available as a .com.
It's recommended to keep the domains you choose short - less than seven characters. Shorter web addresses are easier for people to remember and will be mistyped less often. It's important to ensure that visitors make it to your site, and don't accidentally land on a competitor's website.
Of course, if your search for available domain names is unsuccessful it's a daunting task to find something that hasn't already been purchased by someone else. Check out a domain auction site if you can't find the domain you want through a registrar. Sometimes domain owners put their web addresses up for sale - this is one way to find available domain names that aren't listed for registration through web hosting companies and resellers.
The prices of the domains on auction sites can vary, and tend to be on the expensive side due to speculators wanting to make a quick buck reselling domain names. It is possible to find a good deal, so it's worth your time to search auction sites to see what's available.
However, the easiest and simplest way to find available domains is simply to do a search in a reliable domain name registrar like
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