{"id":21860,"date":"2019-03-27T14:44:42","date_gmt":"2019-03-27T19:44:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostgator.com\/blog\/?p=21860"},"modified":"2021-07-01T14:21:13","modified_gmt":"2021-07-01T19:21:13","slug":"domain-name-checker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostgator.com\/blog\/domain-name-checker\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Check Domain and URL Availability with a Domain Name Checker"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Finding the perfect domain name<\/a> for your new website can be a little tricky. Not only do you need a domain that perfectly represents your website, but you need to ensure it\u2019s short, catchy, memorable, and actually available.
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Luckily, there\u2019s a number of tools that\u2019ll help you not only uncover the perfect domain name, but also ensure it\u2019s available.
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Below you\u2019ll learn how to find the right domain name for your website, and how to use a domain name checker to help speed up the process of locking down your dream domain.
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Finding the Right Domain Name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a lot that goes into choosing a domain name. Your domain needs to succinctly sum up what your site is about while being catchy and easy to remember.
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Your domain will define your brand and be the first thing that visitors see. As a result, your domain will create either a good or bad impression of your website.
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Here are some tips for finding the best possible domain name for your new website:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Connect Your Brand to Your Domain Name<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You want your domain name to be a differentiator. Having a unique domain name will always be better than a generic domain that sounds all-too-similar to competing sites.
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When you\u2019re launching a brand, chances are you\u2019re doing something different than the competition. Make sure that your domain name reflects this.
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For example, think of sites like Google, DropBox, Zillow, Facebook. All of these sites have unique and memorable names. Whether you\u2019re creating new words from scratch or combining two unrelated words, one thing is for sure: they stick in your mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Keep the Character Count Low <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As a general rule, the shorter the domain name, the better<\/strong>. It might be very difficult to find a shorter domain name as most of these were purchased a long time ago. But, you still might be able to find a unique word or combination of words that are still available. When in doubt, go for something memorable over something long.
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Think about when you\u2019re telling your friend about a website. For example, they\u2019re more likely to remember catgram.com over picturesthatiloveaboutcats.com. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Make Your Domain Easy to Pronounce <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your domain name needs to be easy to remember, and part of that is making it easy to pronounce. When someone thinks about your domain name, they shouldn\u2019t have to look it up in a dictionary to get the spelling right.
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You want to make it easy for other people to pass on your domain name, whether that\u2019s written or spoken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Avoid Numbers, Hyphens, and Other Characters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A memorable site name can go a long way towards helping your site gain traction. One quick way to make things more difficult is by adding hyphens or numbers to your domain name.
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Hyphens not only make it more difficult to pass on your domain, but it\u2019ll probably lead to a lot of misspellings and people not being able to find your site.
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For example, what\u2019s easier to remember and type into your browser? C-N-N.com or CNN.com. Or how about Face-book.com, or Facebook.com?
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The same goes for numbers. Adding numbers to your domain can come across as spammy and much more difficult to pass on.
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What\u2019s a Domain Name Checker?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Domain name checkers are tools that help you to determine if a domain name is still available<\/a>. Often, these tools can also suggest other related domain names, along with presenting other domain name extensions that might be available under your chosen domain name.
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There are also other related domain finder tools that are more focused on helping you generate unique domain names, while at the same time searching for availability.
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URL Availability Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are a myriad of different domain name checkers you can use to see if a given domain is available for purchase. Most domain name registrars will have these tools<\/a> built into their domain search tools. After all, it\u2019ll be impossible to buy a domain if it isn\u2019t actually available.
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However, you might also come across domains that have been previously purchased or are currently owned by another party. Still, you can purchase these domains, but expect to pay a great deal more than a fresh domain.
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Here\u2019s a breakdown of a few different domain name checkers you can use: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

HostGator Domains<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

HostGator Domains<\/a> is not only a domain name registrar, but it\u2019ll tell you which domains are available, and even offer suggestions for similar domains.
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With this domain name checker you can quickly see if your domain of choice is available and get it registered right away. Plus, you can pick up quality web hosting<\/a> at the same time and start building your new site right away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Do if a Domain Name Isn\u2019t Available?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s say you\u2019ve found the perfect domain name, but when you run it through a domain name checker, it comes up as unavailable<\/a>. This doesn\u2019t mean that your search should end there.
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In some cases, you might be able to place a bid on the domain or even pick up a different domain name extension.
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Here are these two options in a little more depth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Placing a Domain Name Bid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes the domain you want will already be owned by someone else. If the domain isn\u2019t being used for an existing website or application, then you can usually get in touch with the owner and place a bid on the domain.
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For example, here\u2019s the website of a domain name that someone else owns. You have the option to reach out and purchase the domain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Keep in mind that the owner might not always respond, or they might want more than you\u2019re willing to spend. Generally, when you place a bid you\u2019ll be spending a couple of hundred bucks at the very minimum. Sometimes these domains will run up into multiple thousands of dollars.
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For example, take a look at some of these domains offered on Sedo<\/a>.
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Overall, the price of domains will go up the simpler they are. You\u2019d be hard pressed to find a single word domain of a dictionary word for less than a few grand.
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If you\u2019re placing a bid on a domain name, expect a little negotiation back and forth until you land on the selling price. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Choosing a Different Domain Name Extension<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most common domain name extensions are .com, .org, and .net. But, that doesn\u2019t mean your search should end, just because these extensions aren\u2019t available.
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In some cases, a different domain extension<\/a> might even work better, but overall it depends on the type of site you\u2019re running.
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When considering a different domain name extension, keep the following questions in mind:
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