Strategies for Finding an Unavailable .com Domain Name

Finding an unavailable .com domain name can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies, you can increase your chances of success. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you through the process.

1. Brainstorm Keywords

Starting with keywords is a crucial step in the domain name search process. Consider your business niche or interests and think of words that are relevant to your brand. Combine these keywords to create unique phrases that could make memorable domain names. For example, if you're in the tech industry, you might start with keywords like 'innovation', 'technology', 'future', and 'solution'. By combining these, you could come up with phrases like '' or ''.

2. Use Domain Name Generators

There are several tools designed to help you generate ideas based on your keywords and check domain availability. Tools like LeanDomainSearch, NameMesh, and BustAName are excellent resources to start with. These tools can suggest variations of your keywords and provide a quick way to see if your desired domain is available.

3. Check Availability

Once you have a list of potential domain names, it's important to check their availability. Most domain registrars, such as GoDaddy and Namecheap, offer search tools that can help you find available domain names. Simply input your desired name and the tool will show if it's available for registration.

4. Consider Different Variations

If your top-choice domain is unavailable, don't give up! Try different combinations of words and consider adding prefixes or suffixes. For example, if '' is taken, you could try '' or ''. Additionally, use synonyms or related terms to expand your options and increase the likelihood of finding a suitable domain.

5. Keep It Short and Memorable

A good domain name is one that is easy to spell, pronounce, and remember. Avoid using hyphens or numbers, as these can confuse users. A memorable name will help improve brand recognition and drive more traffic to your website. Consider names like '', '', or ''.

6. Check Social Media Availability

To maintain brand consistency, ensure that the domain name you choose is also available on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If a .com domain is unavailable, register the same name with the primary social media handles on these platforms to reinforce your brand identity.

7. Consider Using a Domain Marketplace

If the exact domain name you're after is taken, check domain marketplaces like Sedo and Flippa. These platforms often have a pool of domain names that are up for sale and can be a good alternative if you absolutely need the specific name for your brand.

8. Be Open to New Domain Extensions

While .com is the most recognizable domain extension, it's not the only one. Consider other extensions like .net, .co, or .io. If a .com domain is unavailable, these alternatives can still convey strong brand identity and be just as effective.

9. Act Quickly

Good domain names can be fleeting. Once you find a domain name that you like, act quickly to register it. The sooner you do, the less likely someone else will swoop in and grab it.

Using Foreign Characters for Domain Names

If you absolutely need a specific domain name but it is taken in a Roman alphabet format, consider registering it using a different alphabet. For example, if 'johndoecom' is taken, you might consider registering 'johnoecom'. Notice that the letter 'd' is from the Georgian alphabet.

Domain registrars like Swastikinfo and Kinamo allow the registration of foreign characters. These are known as punycode domains and can be a unique and effective way to secure a desired domain name.