The domain you want is already taken: what you can do, and what to avoid

Domains & DNS·· 35 views· 3 min read

The short answer: a name that is already registered cannot be registered again. But “taken” means different things: the name may be in use, parked and unused, or about to expire. What you can do depends on which, and nearly always there is a good alternative sooner than pushing for that name.

First, understand the case

1 Open the address in a browser. If a site is running, the name is in use: look for another.
2 Check WHOIS at WHOIS lookup: it shows, among other things, the registration date and the expiry date (sometimes with the holder’s details hidden). See What WHOIS shows.
3 If the name is parked, it does not mean it is for sale. It may belong to someone who is keeping it, who will still use it or who is waiting for a buyer.

The alternatives, from simplest to most work

Option When it fits
Another extension of the same name (for example, your country’s instead of .com) When the name is mainly for customers in your country. See How to choose the right domain.
Add a word that says what you do or where you are “companyname” becomes “companyname-services” or “companyname-maputo”. Prefer words to numbers and avoid many hyphens.
A different name, short and easy to say on the phone Almost always the best choice: a new brand with a free name is worth more than an old one with a crooked name.
Contact the holder If the name really matters. Be polite, say who you are and what you want the name for. Expect a high price, and there may be no reply.
Wait for it to expire A domain that is not renewed goes through stages before becoming free again. See Expired domain. There is no guarantee the holder will not renew it.
Beware of names almost identical to another company’s. Registering a name similar to a well-known brand, to win its customers, can be treated as abuse and lead to losing the domain. Choose a name that is yours.
Before paying for a name, check that the social media handle is free too and say the name aloud to someone: if it has to be spelled out, it is bad. When the right name is free, register it at once and add e-mail on your domain: Free e-mail or e-mail on your own domain.

Want help choosing between a few names you thought of? Open a ticket with the list and what the business does.

Open a support ticket

SEE ALSO

How to choose the right domain for your business

WHOIS: what it shows about your domain and how to check it

Expired domain: what happens and how long you have to recover it

Registry, registrar and registrant: who owns the domain?

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