Creating a website is an exciting project, whether it’s for a small business, blog, or personal use. But, it can be frustrating when you have your heart set on a domain that’s already taken.
Unfortunately, there are already over two billion websites on the internet. So it’s not uncommon to think of the perfect domain name only to find that it’s already taken.
Here’s the good news:
You can still buy a domain name that’s been registered by someone else.
Keep reading to learn:
- How to check domain name availability
- How to buy a domain that is taken
- Tips for buying a domain name from its owner
Why your website needs a domain
Your domain name serves as your website’s address on the internet. For example, the URL Walmart.com is the domain for the Walmart Corporation.
It’s made of the domain name, “Walmart”, and the top-level domain, “.com.”
Other common top-level domains (TLDs) include:
Every website needs a domain to exist on the web. Typically, you’ll register your domain name for one year — and it’s a good idea to set up automatic renewal to ensure you can keep it.
Choosing (and getting) the right domain for your company
The domain name you select is important. It affects your branding and can provide search engine optimization (SEO) benefits.
Take some time to make sure you’ve chosen the best domain for your company. It should be simple to share on social media and advertising materials — that means short (three words or less) and easy to spell.
In general, .com domains are preferred over other top-level domains, but they’re also the most popular. If you have a more generic brand name or business name, there’s a good chance the .com TLD is already taken.
How to Check if a Domain Name Is Available
Before you purchase a domain, you need to check its availability by performing a domain name search.
Most companies that offer website hosting also offer domain search and registration services. You can run a domain name search through Bluehost.
To check if your ideal domain is available, enter it in the search bar and click Search.
If no one owns the domain you want, you’ll have the option to purchase it.
If the domain name you entered is already registered to someone else, Bluehost will suggest similar domains that are available. You can select one of these alternative domain names, or you can explore more unique TLDs to match your company name.
Don’t get so attached to your first domain name idea that you won’t consider alternatives.
Learning how to buy a domain that is taken is fairly simple. But negotiating with the owner of a domain can be a long-drawn-out process.
You’ll be better off if you’re willing to consider an alternative.
Think about it.
If your heart is fully set on someone else’s domain, they have more leverage in a negotiation. You can get a better value if you’re willing to say no to an overinflated price.
What to consider before buying a domain name?
- Domain name relevance: Choose a domain name that aligns with your brand, business, or website’s purpose. It should be easy to remember and reflect the content or products you offer.
- Keyword research: Incorporate relevant keywords, if possible, as they can enhance your site’s visibility in search engines. However, prioritize readability and brandability over keyword stuffing.
- Domain extension: Select an appropriate domain extension (e.g., .com, .net, .org) that suits your goals. .com is widely recognized and trusted, but industry-specific extensions may be suitable for niche markets.
- Uniqueness: Ensure your chosen domain name is unique and not trademarked or copyrighted by someone else. Check for trademark conflicts to avoid legal issues.
- Domain length: Shorter domain names are easier to remember and type. Aim for brevity while maintaining clarity and relevance.
How to buy a domain name that is taken
When learning how to buy a domain from someone, it’s important not to get swept up in the chase. If you don’t do your due diligence, you may end up overpaying for a domain or even losing your money altogether.
Here is the step-by-step process for how to buy a domain name from someone who already owns it:
- Research the domain name’s value
- Find out who owns the domain
- Get the domain owner’s contact information
- Negotiate with the domain owner
- Pay for the domain with an escrow service
- Transfer ownership of the domain
Let’s break each of these steps down.
Step 1. Research the Domain Name’s Value
Purchasing a new domain name costs around $10-$15 on average for one year of registration. However, if you want to learn how to get a domain that’s taken but not used, it will likely cost much more than $15.
Some individuals make a business of buying new domains and re-selling them at a higher price. If you don’t know how to calculate a domain’s value, you may end up over-paying.
Consider the factors that affect a domain names’s value, including:
- TLD (.com vs .net)
- Name length (the shorter, the better)
- Spelling
- Keywords (for SEO)
You can work with a domain name appraisal service like EstiBot to determine your maximum budget before you negotiate.
A good domain name appraisal search can help determine a fair domain price and explain the rationale behind a domain’s value.
Ultimately, business owners and individuals need to decide if the selling price is worth it in the long run.
Step 2. Find Out Who Owns the Domain
The first step in learning how to buy a domain that is taken is finding the owner.
Start by checking to see if the domain is being used for an active website. Type your desired domain into the URL bar of your web browser.
You’ll see one of three things:
- An active website
- A “domain for sale” landing page
- An error message
If you see an active website, your chances of purchasing the domain are slim. But, it doesn’t mean you can’t ask. To find the owner of the domain, try checking the footer or Contact Us page for a phone number or email address.
If you see a “domain for sale” landing page, that’s good news. You’ll find contact information on the page or even a form you can use to make an offer.
If you see an error message (or can’t find contact information on an active website), you can use a WHOIS lookup to find the registered owner.
Step 3. Get the Domain Owner’s Contact Information
A WHOIS record provides registration and contact information for every registered domain. The data is publicly available because the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) legally requires it.
You can find this information by typing your domain into the search bar at lookup.icann.org.
However, some web hosting providers offer a proxy registration service to protect their client’s privacy. If that’s the case, you’ll see contact information for a hosting company rather than the real owner.
Step 4. Begin Negotiations with the Domain Owner
Once you have the registrant’s information, it’s time to reach out. If you landed on a “domain for sale” page, you might be able to enter a bid for the website directly on the landing page.
Otherwise, contact the owner via email, find out if they’re willing to sell, and then ask for a price or make an offer.
If the owner uses a domain broker or domain broker service, you may need to negotiate with a middle man. A domain broker buys and sells domains for other people. Like real estate agents, domain brokers assist with connecting buyers with sellers and negotiating a fair price.
Step 5. Use an Escrow Service to Pay For the Domain
Buying a domain name isn’t as simple as purchasing a product in a store. You have to pay the current owner, and they have to transfer the domain to you.
But who goes first?
Should you pay first and trust, the owner will transfer the domain? Or does the owner transfer the domain and hope you pay the agreed amount.
There’s no guarantee that the owner will transfer the domain after they receive your payment. That’s why you should always use an escrow service to manage domain sales.
An escrow service is a third party that ensures everyone sticks to the agreed transaction.
You pay the escrow service, and they hold on to your money until the domain transfer is complete. Then, the escrow service gives your money to the original owner.
If a domain seller doesn’t want to use an escrow service, this could indicate a scam. You shouldn’t agree to buy a domain if this is the case.
Step 6. Transfer Ownership of the Domain
Let’s say you contact the owner, make a bid, and they accept.
Congratulations! You’re one last step away from owning your dream domain.
Once you’ve made your payment through an escrow service, the last step is to wait for the current owner to transfer ownership of the domain to you.
How to Transfer Domain Ownership
To transfer ownership of a domain, the current owner needs to disable the transfer lock and retrieve a transfer authorization code. The new owner will then use the transfer authorization code to request a domain transfer and purchase another year of registration.
The domain transfer is done through the original owner’s domain registrar. A domain registrar refers to the company that the owner used to register the domain.
Each registrar has a transfer process, but the necessary steps of how to transfer a domain to another person remain the same across providers.
And that’s it! Now you know how to buy a domain that is taken and make it yours.
Purchasing a new domain is an exciting and necessary step when creating any website. If you find yourself wanting a domain that’s taken, you’re not entirely out of luck.
You can take steps to find the domain owner, negotiate a price, and purchase the domain. However, be prepared to spend more time and money if you want a domain that’s already registered.
Otherwise, you can still consider brainstorming alternatives. Who knows, you just might find a great domain name when you weren’t expecting it.
Learn more about Bluehost web hosting services today, and receive a free domain for one year with the purchase of a web hosting plan.
FAQs about buying a domain name that is taken
Yes, you can, but it involves a bit of a process. If a domain name is already taken, it means someone else currently owns it. However, you can acquire it if the current owner is willing to sell. Some hosting companies offer domain brokerage services to facilitate these negotiations. It’s a bit like real estate – just because a house isn’t for sale doesn’t mean you can’t make an offer!
1) First, try contacting the current owner. Their contact information might be available in the WHOIS database unless they have privacy protection. Alternatively, you can work with a domain broker who specializes in these negotiations.
2) Consider different variations or similar domain names that might still suit your brand.
3) Also, check the domain’s expiration date. Sometimes, owners don’t renew their domains, making them available for purchase again.
The cost varies widely and depends on several factors like the domain’s desirability, its SEO value, and how much the current owner values it. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands or even millions for highly sought-after domains. It’s a marketplace dictated by supply and demand.
This is a common scenario. The owner might be holding onto it for future use, as an investment, or to protect their brand. You can still approach them to negotiate a purchase. If they’re not actively using the domain, they might be more inclined to sell it.
