How to Check if a Domain Name is Available?

Key highlights

• Know how to check domain availability early to avoid legal risks, branding issues and delays when launching your website.
• Learn simple, step-by-step methods to find, verify and register the perfect domain name for your business or blog.
• Discover strategies for handling a domain name that is already taken, including negotiation tips and creative alternatives for naming.
• Understand why owning a domain name is essential for brand control, long-term credibility and online security.
• Uncover bonus strategies like securing social media handles and similar domains to strengthen and protect your brand identity.

A domain name is the foundation of your online presence. Whether you’re starting a personal blog, launching an eCommerce store or creating a business website, your domain is the first thing visitors will notice. It’s not just an address; it represents your brand’s identity online.  

But before you can start building your website, you need to ensure your desired domain name is available. Why? Imagine spending hours coming up with the perfect name, only to find out someone else already owns it.  

That can cause unnecessary complications. Checking domain availability upfront helps avoid legal issues, branding conflicts and potential delays in getting your website live.  

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps on how to check if a domain is available. We will also see why it’s crucial and what to do if your ideal domain is already taken.  

Why do you need a domain name?

You need a domain name to create a professional, trustworthy and memorable online presence. While it’s possible to launch a website using various free hosting services, those typically assign you a subdomain (like yoursite.[platform].com) instead of a custom web address.

This not only limits your branding but can also reduce credibility with visitors and search engines. A unique domain name gives you full control over your identity, builds trust with your audience and makes it easier for people to find and remember your site.

Instead of owning something like [yourwebsite].com, you’ll end up with yoursite.[hostname].com or hostname.com/yoursite, which doesn’t sound professional, does it?  

Additionally, if that free hosting service ever shuts down, your site will go down with it. You end up losing your online identity. In the worst-case scenario, you can’t take that subdomain and move it to another hosting platform.  

On the other hand, owning your own domain name gives you full control. It’s your permanent online identity, no matter where you host your site. Once you buy and register a domain, it’s reserved exclusively for your use as long as you keep up with the registration fees (which usually range from one to several years). Just be sure to renew it, or it could be claimed by someone else if it expires.  

In short, having your own domain name isn’t just about professionalism, it’s about control, security and ensuring your brand stays yours, no matter what.  

Why is it essential to check domain name availability? 

Checking domain name availability is essential before you invest time, money or branding resources into a new website. It helps you avoid conflicts, delays and reputational setbacks that could harm your online presence. It matters because:

1. Avoid legal issues and trademark conflicts 
2. Brand identity and uniqueness 
3. Avoiding delays in launching your website  

 Let us look at the reasons one by one:

1. Avoid legal issues and trademark conflicts 

If you choose a domain name that’s already in use or trademarked could lead to legal trouble down the road. Imagine investing in your site’s development and branding only to get a cease-and-desist letter. A quick domain availability search using a website domain search tool helps you avoid that nightmare.  

2. Brand identity and uniqueness 

Your domain name is a key part of your brand’s identity. You want something unique and memorable that represents your business or project. If a domain is taken, you may need to rethink your brand name altogether. By checking availability early, you can ensure your brand stands out without confusion.  

3. Avoiding delays in launching your website 

If your preferred domain is taken, you may face setbacks in launching your website. Checking availability before committing to a name saves time. It ensures you stay on track with your website’s launch.  

Steps to check domain name availability 

You might have the perfect name in mind for your website, but before moving forward, check if the domain is actually available.

Checking if a domain name is available using a domain checker isn’t as complicated as it might sound. Let’s walk through the process step-by-step.  

Step 1: Brainstorm domain name ideas 

Before diving into the search, take some time to brainstorm. You want a custom domain name that’s unique, memorable and reflects your brand. It’s like naming a business with something easy to remember and that clearly reflects your brand.  

If you’re stuck or short on ideas, you can use our domain name generator.

Our AI-powered domain generator suggests the perfect domain name based on your site idea. Simply describe your website idea and the tool will suggest creative, available domain options. 

• Keep it simple: Short and sweet is the way to go. The easier it is to spell and type, the better.  
• Use keywords that matter: If possible, include a word that relates to your business or niche.  
• Get creative: Combine words or invent something entirely new that aligns with your brand’s vibe.  

Check the availability of your top name but have 2–3 strong backups ready if it’s already registered.  

Step 2: Use domain name search tools 

Now that you have a few ideas, it’s time to see if those names are available. There are plenty of easy-to-use website domain search tools out there that let you search for domain names. At Bluehost, we offer a simple domain search solution. 

Here’s what you do:  

• Go to the domain search page and enter your desired domain name. It will tell you if the name is available or already taken.  
• If it’s available, great! You can take it up instantly.  

Step 3: Check for domain extensions 

You’ve probably noticed that websites can end with .com, .net or .org. These are called domain extensions and choosing the right one can make a difference.  

• .com is the gold standard. It is what most people expect and you will get many premium domain names under this.  
• .net and .org are also common but are often used by tech companies or nonprofits.  
• There are newer extensions, such as .co or .shop, which may be perfect for your business.  

It’s a good idea to check availability across multiple extensions. If .com isn’t an option, another extension could still work well for you.  

Step 4: Verify social media handle availability 

After checking your domain, take a moment to see if your preferred social media handles are also available. For example, you don’t want your website to be [mybrand].com, but your Twitter handle to be mybrand_official93, that’s confusing for your audience.  

There are handy tools like Namecheck, or you can just go straight to platforms like Instagram or Twitter and search for the handles you want. Keeping everything consistent makes your brand look professional, easy to find and trustworthy.  

Step 5: Consider similar or misspelled domains 

You’ve got your domain, but someone registered a similar variation or common misspelling. This could confuse customers and potentially divert traffic from you. To prevent that, check for similar domains or common misspellings of your name and consider securing those as well.  

For example, if your domain is [mybrand].com, you might also want to secure [my-brand].com or [mybrand].net. This helps protect your brand and prevents anyone else from taking advantage of your hard-earned traffic.  

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to find the perfect domain name for your website.  

But what if you’ve come up with the perfect domain name, only to find out someone else beat you to it. Don’t worry, you’ve still got plenty of options. Let’s explore what you can do when your first choice isn’t available.  

What to do if your domain name is taken? 

If your desired domain name is already taken, don’t panic. There are strategic options available to secure a suitable web address. The right path depends on your goals, brand flexibility and how attached you are to the original name.

Here are two actionable options you can explore:

1. Option 1: Reach out to the current owner
2. Option 2: Go for an alternative domain

These choices allow you to either pursue your first-choice domain or move forward confidently with a strong alternative. You’ll want to weigh cost, availability and brand identity before deciding which path is best.

Let us explore both options one by one.

Option 1: Reach out to the current owner 

If you really like that domain name, you can always try contacting the current owner. Here’s how to do it:  

• Look up the owner: Use a tool like WHOIS Lookup to find out who owns the domain. Sometimes, the owner’s contact details are listed and you can reach out directly.  
• Make an offer: If they’re not actively using the domain, they might be willing to sell it. Be prepared to negotiate—the price could range from modest to substantial, depending on the domain’s value.  
• Consider a domain broker: Unsure about how to handle negotiations yourself? No problem. A domain broker can help you communicate effectively with the owner and negotiate the best possible deal.  

Reaching out can work, but it’s not always guaranteed. And sometimes, the price might not fit into your budget, so it’s good to have a backup plan.  

Option 2: Go for an alternative domain 

If buying the domain from the current owner isn’t feasible, it’s time to get creative and come up with an alternative. Here’s what you can do:  

• Switch up the domain extension: If the .com version is taken, try a different extension, such as .net, .co or newer options like .shop or .online. These can still make your site look professional and might give your brand a fresh twist.  
• Add a keyword: If [mybrand].com is taken, consider alternatives like mybrandstore.com or shopmybrand.com. Adding a relevant keyword can keep the domain unique while still staying true to your brand.  
• Use a domain generator: Use a domain name generator tool. It takes your original idea and provides you with numerous creative alternatives.  

Sometimes, the backup plan turns out even better than your first choice. You might end up loving your new domain name even more!  

How to register your domain name?

To register your domain name, you need to follow a simple process through a certified domain registrar. This ensures your web address is officially recorded and reserved for your exclusive use. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Step 1: Pick a domain registrar 
2. Step 2: Search for your domain name 
3. Step 3: Add it to your cart 
4. Step 4: Choose your registration period
5. Step 5: Complete your purchase
6. Step 6: Link your domain to your hosting plan  

Let us look at the steps one by one:

Step 1: Pick a domain registrar 

Firstly, you need to choose a company to register your domain with. If you plan to host your website with Bluehost, it’s a good idea to keep everything easily organised and accessible.  

Bluehost not only makes the domain name registration process easy, but they also bundle it with hosting, which means fewer complications in the future. 

Plus, at Bluehost, we offer a free domain for the first year with our web hosting plans. This helps lower your initial website setup costs. 

Step 2: Search for your domain name 

Next, head over to your chosen registrar’s website and search for your domain name to double-check domain availability. Since you’ve already brainstormed your options, this part should be quick. If your first choice is taken, most registrars will suggest similar alternatives, so you’ll still have a chance to find something that fits your brand.  

Step 3: Add it to your cart 

Once you find your domain name through domain name checker, go ahead and add it to your cart. You’ll likely see some additional options appear, such as domain privacy protection. 

Why is privacy so crucial? When you register a domain, your personal contact information, such as your name, address and phone number, is entered into a public database called WHOIS. Without privacy protection, anyone can access this information. That could lead to unwanted spam, targeted ads or even identity theft. By adding domain privacy protection, you keep your personal details hidden, which helps protect you from these risks. 

Other options might include additional security or email forwarding. Choose what works best for you, but don’t feel pressured to add everything.  

Step 4: Choose your registration period 

Now, you’ll need to decide how long you want to register your domain. Most registrars offer domain name registrations ranging from one to ten years. If you’re committed to your website, longer is better—it’ll save you from having to remember to renew every year. You can always set up auto-renewal too, so you won’t have to worry about losing your domain by accident.  

Step 5: Complete your purchase 

You’re almost there! Now, just enter your payment details and complete your purchase. Once the payment goes through, the domain is officially yours! 

Step 6: Link your domain to your hosting plan 

If you’ve got your domain and hosting with Bluehost, this part is super easy; we’ll link it automatically for you. But if you’re using a different host, you need to update your DNS server settings. (usually, registrars provide clear instructions to set up DNS settings).  

Final thoughts 

Choosing the right domain name isn’t just important; it’s foundational to your brand’s success. It’s how visitors will find you, remember you and share your site with others. Verifying availability upfront protects you from legal risks and brand confusion down the line.

Ready to secure your perfect domain? With Bluehost, you can instantly check availability and secure your domain name in just a few clicks.

And when you’re ready to launch, Bluehost hosting plans include everything you need to build, grow and manage your site, all in one place.

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