How to Register a .COM Domain If Yours Is Unavailable

Learn what to do if your preferred .COM domain name is already taken. Explore buying options, smart alternatives, and registration tips.

It can be frustrating when your ideal .com domain name is already taken, but don’t despair! There are many strategies you can employ to find a suitable alternative or even acquire your desired domain.

Here’s a breakdown of your options:

✅ Step 1: Get Creative with Your Domain Name

If the exact .com is unavailable, try making slight modifications:

Add a verb or descriptive word: Consider adding words like “get,” “try,” “shop,” “buy,” “my,” or “the” before your desired name (e.g., getyourproduct.com, shopmybrand.com).
Extend your brand: Add a word that naturally extends or describes your brand (e.g., if your brand is “GoGo” and you provide in-flight internet, gogoair.com makes sense).
Include your location: If your business is location-specific, adding your city, state, or country can make it unique (e.g., newyorkbakery.com).
Use abbreviations or acronyms: If your brand name is long, an abbreviation might be available.
Try a different order of words: If your desired name has multiple words, rearrange them to see if a variation is open.
Brainstorm new angles: Sometimes, a fresh perspective can lead to an even better, more unique domain name. Use a thesaurus to find synonyms related to your brand.

✅ Step 2: Explore Alternative Top-Level Domains (TLDs)

While .com is generally preferred, especially for businesses, many other TLDs are widely recognized and can be excellent alternatives.

Popular alternatives:
- .net: Originally for networking, now widely accepted for various purposes.
- .org: Often used by organizations and non-profits, but can also be used by other entities.
- .co: A popular choice for companies and commercial ventures.
- .io: Very popular in the tech and startup communities.
Industry-specific TLDs: Many TLDs are tailored to specific industries (e.g., .tech for technology, .app for applications, .shop for e-commerce, .agency, .photography, .blog).
Newer, generic TLDs: There’s a growing list of generic TLDs like .online, .site, .xyz, .digital, .solutions, etc.
Country-code TLDs (ccTLDs): If your target audience is primarily in a specific country, a ccTLD (e.g., .vn for Vietnam, .uk for the United Kingdom, .ca for Canada) can be a good option. However, be mindful that it might limit your global appeal if that’s a future goal.

Important Considerations for Alternative TLDs:

Memorability: Choose a TLD that is easy for your audience to remember and type.
Brand perception: Some TLDs carry specific connotations. Ensure the chosen TLD aligns with your brand image.
User trust: .com is still the most trusted TLD for many users. While other TLDs are gaining acceptance, be aware that some users might initially associate non-.com domains with less credibility.

✅ Step 3: Attempt to Acquire the Taken Domain

If you’re set on a specific .com domain, you might be able to acquire it from the current owner.

Check who owns it (WHOIS lookup): Use a WHOIS lookup tool (available on most domain registrar websites) to find the registrant’s contact information. Keep in mind that many owners use privacy protection, which redacts their direct contact details. In such cases, you might be able to contact them through the registrar or a general contact form on the website if one exists.
Make an offer directly: If you can find the owner’s contact information, politely reach out and inquire if they’d be willing to sell the domain. Be prepared to negotiate.
Use a domain broker: If you’re having trouble contacting the owner or negotiating, a domain broker can act as an intermediary. They specialize in finding domain owners, negotiating prices, and facilitating the transfer. This can be a more costly route but may be worth it for a highly desirable domain.
Monitor for expiration: Domains are registered for a specific period (usually 1-10 years). If the current owner doesn’t renew, the domain will eventually expire and become available for re-registration. You can use domain backorder services to attempt to acquire it the moment it becomes available. This is a gamble, as others might also be waiting.
Check domain marketplaces/auctions: Many previously registered domains are listed for sale on domain marketplaces (e.g., Sedo, Afternic) or come up for auction. These might be premium domains at higher prices.
Dispute resolution (if applicable): If you own a trademark for the name, and someone has registered the domain in “bad faith” (e.g., to cybersquat or profit from your brand), you might have grounds to file a dispute through ICANN’s Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP). This is a legal process and requires consulting with an attorney.

✅ Step 4: General Best Practices for Choosing a Domain Name

Regardless of whether your first choice is taken, keep these tips in mind for any domain you choose:

Keep it short and memorable: Easier to type, recall, and share.
Avoid hyphens and numbers: These can make a domain name harder to remember, prone to typos, and less professional.
Be relevant to your brand: Your domain name should clearly communicate what your website is about.
Check social media availability: Ideally, your social media handles should match your domain name for consistent branding.
Think long-term: Choose a name that can grow with your business and won’t limit future expansion.
Avoid trademark infringement: Before finalizing any domain, do a quick trademark search to ensure you’re not infringing on existing trademarks.

By considering these options and strategies, you significantly increase your chances of finding a great .com (or alternative) domain name for your online presence.