Are you ready to build a website, but your ideal domain name is no longer available? With a little research and creativity, you can find a domain name that’s right for your business. For instance, you could try a different extension, such as .co, .tech, or .us. If you run an online store, look for domain names ending in .shop.
Feeling creative? Go ahead and experiment with abbreviations or come up with a new word. Top brands like Yahoo, Google, and Trello have successfully used this approach, and now everyone knows their names.
Many of the best domains are taken, but this doesn’t mean you should settle for less. Instead, keep an open mind and check out the tips below for inspiration.
Look Beyond .COM
In 2021, there were around 1.88 billion websites worldwide—and this number continues to increase year after year. Most of them use the .com extension, but that’s not your only option. Some domain extensions, such as .net, work for just about any site. Others are suitable for websites targeting specific countries or industries. Let’s see a few examples:
- Online stores: .shop, .store, .sale
- Business websites: .biz, .co, .agency
- Technology-driven companies: .io, .tech, .ai, .dev
- Lawyers, architects, and other professionals: .pro
- Associations, nonprofits, and other organizations: .org, .foundation, .community
- Blogs: .writer, .blog, .ink, .press, .info
- Healthcare businesses: .health, .clinic, .care, .medical, .wellness
- Country-specific websites: .us, .ca, .ro, .no, .dk, .de, .co.uk
Say you want to register “hirealawyer.com.” This domain name is taken, but the website doesn’t exist. So, if you opt for a different extension like .biz or .info, you won’t be competing against “hirealawyer.com.” If it goes live at some point, you’ll have a competitive advantage, assuming you put in the time and effort to improve your SEO and build a loyal clientele.
Add Your Brand Name
Let’s assume you come up with a great domain name, but the .com is taken and the website is live. In this case, it doesn’t make sense to choose a different extension, as it may confuse users. Plus, you may have a hard time climbing Google’s rankings, especially if both sites target similar keywords.
One solution is to include your brand name in the domain name. An example would be “MayaCosmetics.com” instead of “Cosmetics.com” or “GoldGymFitness.com” instead of “Fitness.com.”
On a similar note, you can add relevant words to the desired domain name. These could be nouns, verbs, or whatever makes sense, such as in “getapocket.com,” “startabusiness.com,” or “bodyleanfitness.com.”
Look for Synonyms
Use an online thesaurus to find synonyms for the words in your preferred domain name. For instance, you could go for “findalawyer.com” instead of “hirealawyer.com” or replace “lawyer” with “attorney,” “legal help,” “or “legal adviser.”
Now let’s say you’re a local guide. “CityTours.com” would be a great choice, but if it’s not available, you could opt for “urbanadventures.com” or “getaguide.com.” Alternatively, country code top-level domain (ccTLD), such as .is, .jp, or .es, depending on where you do business.
Use a Catchy Phrase
Think of a short, catchy phrase you could use in your domain name. This could be your tagline, slogan, or a combination of words that reflects your brand’s values.
For instance, TheGoodLife.com is a lifestyle blog aimed at helping people make better choices. Depending on what you offer, you could name your website “dreambig.com,” “feeltheburn.com,” “breaktheice.com,” and so on.
Break Down Language Barriers
Consider replacing the words or phrases in your desired domain name with their equivalents in another language. Think of BonAppetit.com, which means “Enjoy your meal.”
Similarly, you could use “café” instead of “coffee,” “fiesta” instead of “party,” “or bambino” instead of “child.” Another option is to add words like “hygge,” “viva,” or “laissez faire,” which describe different moods and feelings.
Add Your City or Country
Even if you run a global business, you can add your city or country to your domain name without confusing consumers. It all comes down to what you sell. Take LoudBarcelona.com, for example. The marketing agency appeals to an international audience, but its domain contains the name of the city where it has its offices.
This strategy works for companies that either target a local market or sell digital products and services.
Invent a Word
Have you ever heard of Kenvue? The name of Johnson & Johnson’s former consumer health division comes from “ken,” a Scots word that means “knowledge,” and “vue,” a French word for “eyesight” or “vision.”
Adidas, Accenture, Xerox, IKEA, Kodak, Pixar, and other global brands have made-up names, too. For example, IKEA is named after its founder, Ingvar Kamprad, and Elmtaryd, the farm where he spent his childhood.
Why not use a similar approach for your domain name? All you need is a bit of creativity. Think about what you stand for, your brand and products, a beloved friend, or the little things that inspire you. Write down your ideas, ask for feedback, and pick a winning name.
Get Help from Technology
If you’re having a creative block, harness the power of technology to find the perfect domain name. For example, Wix features a free domain name generator. Simply enter a word or phrase related to your business, and you’ll get dozens of domain name ideas in seconds.
Another solution is to use AI-powered tools like Google’s Gemini or OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Describe your brand, products, and target audience, and then tell the bot to generate ideas for a domain name that would fit your business. You can also ask it to include specific terms or stick to a word count.
Note that AI bots may suggest domain names that have already been taken. Because of this, you have to check each option to make sure it’s available and doesn’t infringe any trademarks.
Should You Buy a Domain Name That’s Already Registered?
Just because a domain name is taken doesn’t mean you can’t have it. First, go to Whois.com to see who owns the domain and how to reach out to that person. Ask them about the domain’s availability and sales price.
Alternatively, contact a domain name broker or check if the domain is for sale on Sedo, Afternic, NamePros, or similar platforms.
Keep in mind that, with any of these options, you’ll pay a lot more than what you’d shell out for an available domain name. In some cases, the costs can run into thousands of dollars—and the benefits are negligible.
