It’s disappointing when you come up with an absolutely perfect domain name but it’s already taken. What should you do? You have a few options.
Choosing a Great Domain Name
- Come up with a plan B
- Come up with a URL name that’s close
- Use a different extension
- Try to buy the name you’re after
A plan B is another name. Very often when you try to register a domain name that’s already taken, a site like GoDaddy will suggest alternate names that seem related. This can be helpful and give you a few ideas. You might also tweak the name a little so that it’s close.
You could also go with a .net instead of a dot com or go with your local country (such as: .co.uk in the UK or .ca in Canada.) Most experts agree that a .com extension is the best bet from an SEO and a brand perspective but if you have a perfect name and really want to use it, it can still get great indexing when you use a different extension.
Are All the Great Domain Names Gone?
If you want to buy the domain name that you’re after, buying the domain from someone else might be an option for you but one that could be financially costly. Is it really worthwhile? It could be perfect for you, if it’s a name that really speaks volumes about your business and contains the elements of a great name for being memorable to others as well as SEO value.
In the end, the choice is yours but you do need to weigh the pros and cons. Buying a domain that someone else owns could be quite pricey. You won’t know until you make an offer though and sometimes, domain parking isn’t as profitable as someone expected so they can be anxious to unload to someone for a price that could be less than you expect.
About Sean Rasmussen
I agree that .com is probably still the best, but you should be able to compensate a different extension with great content. Especially if the taken name is only parked and doesn’t have any relevant content.
Hi Sean,
Every time I go to register a domain name I usually have this problem. I just keep looking and eventually I find one that I love. I think that it’s just a matter of employing some creative thinking because there is no shortage of great domain names.
Exactly Jazz, creativity is the key.
Thanks Sean
When I go looking for a domain I go for a .com. If it isn’t available I will look at a variation but still with my keywords in it. Occasionally I have opted for a .net. Generally I will find what I am looking for
It sure is frustrating to see the ideal name already taken, particularly when it is just parked and not being used. But a bit of lateral thinking, and brainstorming with friends/family can sometimes help find a solution.
Nowadays it is becoming more and more difficult to come up with simple domain names that contain one of your main keywords. The frustrating thing is that a lot of simple domains are parked. So be creative.
As Sean mentions, you can try .org, .net, .info, .me and .tv, just to mention some top-level domains. Another thing to remember, you’ve likely got a large audience out there who are used to SMS texting short forms. Can you come up with a domain utilizing short forms. Or if worse comes to worse, just make up a name.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
I think nowadays a .net is almost as good as a .com – and that gives a wee bit more choice when wanting to get your chosen domain name.
Another way, of course is to use prefixes like best, top, premier before the keyword you want as part of your domaon name.
I have two gardening websites – one a .net and one a .com – the .net ranks better than the .com.
I have gone with .net after checking the same name as a .com – if the latter is simply being parked – and they often are – then the .net is going to do well.
Certainly doesn’t take long to be creative when your looking for a domain name like it or not. The one you want never seems to be there. I actually prefer come up with extensions rather than the options that are given just to get the dot com.
I have found that usually it is a matter of playing with prefixes and suffixes to get what you want – this can some time and can be quite frustrating with lots of grrss at the computer “How dare someone else think of that!”. It is very interesting to see how much some domain names sell for and it would be great to get a portfolio of domains ready for flipping at some stage.
Hi Sean,
I know I’m going the wrong way about it because I buy a domain name and let it go after a year or two. I lose sight on the original idea why I purchased it in the first place.
I know someone who has purchased a lot of domain names and has them parked. I think the idea is to flip them in the future but the yearly renewal cost is high.
Once I get very savvy at domain names, SEO, and keywords, I would really like to buy great domain names and flip them down the track.
It is just another investment and the two yearly subscription is no different than paying interest. I would think the fee would be a tax deduction and we all want plenty of those.
It can be disheartening not getting my chosen domain name but with what I have been learning here, in the forum and with the new IMPOTY home study, I will find a way to get a good domain name that will be advantageous for me. I have no doubts.
Parking domain names is a good investment and not that costly. Another good thing to do is buy a domain that is your name – for that time in the future when your name is a brand like Sean’s is.
I have a super idea for a site and the perfect name. The problem is that the .com was taken. I did what you suggested and registered the other extensions. I also contacted the seller but he was not interested. What dangers do I face developing my site with him owning the .com?
Hi Lenny
Your risk is only that he can piggyback off your good name if you do well.
I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Just got out there and make your own name and don’t worry about what others will do.