How do I check a domain name for availablility?
To check if a domain name is available ro register, check this site -
. Just use their 'Start a domain search' box at the top left to find out if the domain you want is still free.
Coming up with domain names is necessary before starting the registration process due to limited availability. You'd be surprised how many words and phrases have already been taken - it can take some time to find something unique that doesn't stray too far from the intended theme of your website. Once you have a good list compiled, the next step is to check domain availability.
There are several ways to perform a domain name check. You can do the search independently by using a Whois service online - this is a search engine that lets you look up domain names and their owners for free. If the domain you have in mind has already been snatched up by someone else, it will show up in the database with information on the registrar that set up the domain. Do an online search for the term 'Whois' and you should come up with multiple links providing access to this helpful resource.
The registrar you decide to use for domain registration can conduct a domain name check on your behalf if you prefer. This is the easiest of all the methods because it occurs automatically when you start the registration process. Just type in a name and the company will let you know instantly if the domain is available. If it isn't, keep trying until you hit the jackpot.
Another way to check domain availability is to type the web address you want in a browser and see what comes up. If the site has been taken already, you'll see something pop up – either a full website or a parked page. A parked page may not contain anything on it, but that doesn't mean the domain is available – it's either under construction or being reserved for use at a later date.
However, this is not the preferred method for a domain name check because if a site has yet to be developed and doesn't have a parked page, you won't know if it's available or not. The domain may have been registered even though nothing shows up when you type the address into your browser. This method is incomplete, but it's a good way to get started if you're curious about what's out there.
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