How To Find Out Who The Domain Owner Is

You’ve been brainstorming domain names, running them through all the suggestion tools, and finally nailed the perfect one. But when you go to register it, surprise—someone else has already snagged it.  

Before you toss your desired domain name aside and start over from scratch, know that there may still be a way to acquire it.  

Registered domain names are sometimes still available if you know how to find the website owner.  

Sometimes, even if a domain name is already registered, it’s still up for grabs—if you know where to look.  

People buy domain names for all kinds of reasons. Some plan to build a site, while others just want to hold onto it as an investment. And sometimes, it’s for a project that never quite gets off the ground or gets forgotten over time.  

If the domain you’re after isn’t being actively used, the owner might be open to selling it. And even if they’re using it right now, you might just persuade them to let it go with a tempting offer.  

In either scenario, be prepared to pay more than you would for an unclaimed domain. But if that name is the one, it’s definitely worth a shot. 

How to Track Down Who Owns a Domain Name  

Before you can start dreaming about buying that domain, you have to figure out who to talk to. Depending on the situation, it might take a little digging, but here are three steps to get the ball rolling.  

Step One: Visit the Website 

If the domain was scooped up as an investment, the owner might make it easy for you to reach them. So, start by pulling up the website to see what’s there.  

You might find that the domain is listed for sale with contact info or a handy form to get in touch. If the site is active, check out the Contact or About page for more details.  

If you hit the jackpot and find the owner this way, congrats—you can skip the next two steps.  

Step Two: Check the WHOIS Database  

Every time someone registers a domain, the registry operators collect some basic contact info. Sometimes, this info makes its way to the WHOIS lookup tool, which keeps a public record of who’s behind each domain.  

So, your next stop is the WHOIS search tool. Pop in the domain name you’re after and see what comes up. If you’re lucky, you might find the owner’s contact details right there, and you can skip ahead.  

But even if you don’t hit gold, you’ll still get useful info like the domain registrar and expiration date. Knowing when the domain is up for renewal can give you a chance to grab it when it expires—if the owner doesn’t renew, of course. It’s a bit of a gamble, but it could pay off.  

Either way, the registrar info will help you with the next step.  

Step Three: Contact the Domain Registrar  

These days, many registrars offer privacy protection services that keep the owner’s details out of the WHOIS domain lookup directory. Plus, GDPR rules mean that personal info isn’t as easy to find as it used to be.  

So, if you can’t get the owner’s contact info directly, don’t sweat it. You can still find out which registrar they used.  

Head to the registrar’s website (a quick Google search will do if you don’t have the name), and track down their contact details. Give them a call or shoot them an email, letting them know you’re interested in buying the domain. Ask them to pass along your info to the owner. The registrar has the owner’s contact details on file and can share your interest without stepping on any privacy toes.  

Now that you’ve done some groundwork, you’ve got three options to move forward with:  

1. Reach Out to the Domain Owner 

If one of the previous steps led you to the domain owner, it’s time to make contact! Send them an email expressing your interest in buying the domain.  

To make sure your message doesn’t get flagged as spam, keep it professional and serious. If you have a business email associated with your own domain, use that—it’ll look more legit than a free email service like Yahoo or AOL. If not, at least consider using a Gmail address, which tends to be more reputable.  

Here’s what your email should include:  

• Your contact info: Provide both your email and phone number so they can choose how they’d like to respond.  

• A hint that you’re ready to pay: You don’t need to throw out a specific offer just yet (you don’t want to overshoot), but make it clear that you’re making a serious business proposal.  

• Something to prove you’re legit: How can you show you’re a real person with genuine intent? Maybe include a link to a website you already run or your LinkedIn profile.  

People get tons of spam, so your goal is to stand out as a real person with real interest. Nail that, and you’re more likely to get a response.  

2. Hire a Domain Broker 

If you haven’t managed to find the owner’s contact info, or if you have but want some help with the negotiation, consider hiring a domain broker. Companies like Sedo and Brannans specialize in facilitating deals between domain buyers and sellers.  

If you’re new to buying a web address, a broker can guide you on what price to offer, help you reach the right person, and make sure the transaction goes smoothly. The online world has its fair share of scammers, and a broker can help you navigate the domain industry safely.  

3. Explore New Domain Name Options  

There’s always a chance that despite all your efforts, the current owner won’t want to sell, or will only sell at a price that’s out of your budget.  

If that’s the case, you’re not alone—many people have had to rethink their first choice. Consider different domain extensions—if the .com is taken, the .net or .co might still be available. Or brainstorm new domain ideas. You might just land on something even better than your original idea.    

Conclusion  

Finding the perfect domain name that hasn’t already been claimed can be tough—there are so many websites out there, and a lot of great ideas are already taken. But don’t sweat it. You might still be able to get the domain you really want. And if that doesn’t work out, a little creativity and flexibility will help you find one that’s just as good, if not better.