How to Check if a Domain Name Is Available?

Choosing the right domain name is one of the most important steps in building your online presence. But before you can register it, you need to make sure that the domain name is available and not already taken by someone else.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to quickly and accurately check domain availability, what to do if your desired name is already registered, and how to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What Is a Domain Name?

A domain name is your website’s address on the internet—what users type in the browser to find you (e.g., yourbrand.com). It consists of two parts:

• The name (e.g., yourbrand)

• The extension or TLD (e.g., .com, .net, .org)

To make your brand stand out online, your domain name should be short, memorable, and relevant to your business or content.

Why Check Domain Availability?

Before launching a website, blog, or online store, it’s crucial to ensure that your domain name:

• Is not already registered by another user or business

• Doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks

• Is available on social media platforms (for brand consistency)

• Can be registered across multiple extensions (.com, .net, etc.)

By checking domain availability early, you can avoid legal issues and ensure a consistent digital identity.

How to Check If a Domain Name Is Available

1. Use a Domain Registrar’s Search Tool

The easiest and fastest way is to visit a domain registrar website and search for your desired domain:

Popular registrars include:

• Sadece Hosting

• GoDaddy

• Google Domains

Simply type the name (e.g., yourbrand.com) into the search box. If the domain name is available, you’ll see an option to add it to your cart and register it.

2. Use a WHOIS Lookup Tool

If the domain appears unavailable, you can check its current status using a WHOIS lookup:

• whois.com

• ICANN Lookup

• DomainTools

A WHOIS search will show:

• Whether the domain name is registered

• The registration and expiration dates

• The domain owner’s contact info (unless protected by privacy)

If the domain is already registered but expired or about to expire, you may still have a chance to get it.

3. Check Social Media Availability

Once you’ve confirmed that the domain name is available, it’s smart to check if it’s also free on platforms like:

• Twitter

• Instagram

• Facebook

• LinkedIn

Use tools like Namecheckr to search multiple social media handles at once.

What If the Domain Name You Want Is Already Taken?

If your desired domain name is not available, don’t worry. You still have options:

✔ Try a Different Extension

If yourbrand.com is taken, try:

• yourbrand.net

• yourbrand.io

• yourbrand.co

• yourbrand.store

There are now hundreds of TLDs (top-level domains) to choose from.

✔ Add Keywords or Modify the Name

Consider adding relevant words or short phrases:

• getyourbrand.com

• yourbrandonline.com

• yourbrandapp.com

Make sure the name still sounds natural and is easy to remember.

✔ Make an Offer to Buy the Domain

If the domain is taken but not in active use, it may be for sale. Use the WHOIS data or services like:

• GoDaddy Domain Broker

• Sedo

• Flippa

You can contact the owner and negotiate a purchase price.

Tips for Choosing the Right Domain Name

• Keep it short and easy to spell

• Avoid numbers and hyphens

• Use keywords if possible (e.g., yourbranddesign.com)

• Make it brandable and unique

• Register multiple extensions to protect your brand

Once you find the perfect domain, register it immediately available names can be snapped up quickly by others.