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Domain Name Checker

If you’re creating a website for the first time, the domain name is the first step!
BrandSnag’s Domain Name Checker Tools is Simple, Fast and Free. Browse through millions of available domains to find the perfect one in just one click.

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How Important is a Good Domain Name?

Digital presence means everything for you as an individual or your brand. One of the first steps of creating your digital presence is picking a great domain name.

Just like someone walking into a store on main street for the first time, a domain name makes a first and lasting impression. It’s always great to pick a domain name that is easy to remember and relatable to you, your brand or a service that your business offers.

Picking a Perfect Domain Name

As we mentioned before, your domain name makes an important first impression. Hence, there are certain elements to picking a perfect domain name for your website

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when coming up with your page username:

Keep it Simple

Simplicity is the key here! Your domain name should be easy to remember. That means you should avoid numbers, too many words and special characters like hyphens. Just imagine you’re asking your grandparents to visit a website, isn’t just saying google.com easier than googleisasearchengine.com?

Avoid Special Characters

Another big no-no is the use of special characters and numbers in your domain name. Characters like “-” or numbers don’t just look odd, they can cause confusion. After all, numbers are the hardest to remember.

Make it Relatable

Your domain name should reflect you, what your business offers or what your brand is all about. For example, if you offer a flower delivery service in Boston, something like bostonflowers.com or flowerdelivery.com makes more sense than bostondelivery.com

Picking the Right Extension

We are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a domain extension like .com, .org, .net. There are over 200+ domain name extensions for you to choose from. The more popular ones like .com are harder to find availability, but you have more choices like .co, io and more. That’s when you have to take a step back and ask what’s best for you or your business, whether you want a worldwide audience or a country specific audience like .ca, .com.au or .co.uk

How to Check if Your Domain Name is Available?

So, you’ve narrowed down your domain name choices and it’s time to get cracking and lock down your preferred name!

hat’s a whole lot of work to check availability. Luckily BrandSnag’s Domain Name Availability Checker saves a whole lot of time by checking your domain is available across multiple domain extensions. After all, time is money!

What to do if your Domain Name is Taken?

Oops! Your domain is taken? That’s common, there are more than 300 million domains on the internet and that number is growing every day

Here are some steps you can take to modify your domain name to find available ones:

Abbreviate

Shortening your domain name but keeping it relevant might just solve your problem. If you chose a domain name like bunnyplumbingandheating.com try shortening it to bunnyph.com.

Verbs

Adding a verb to your domain name is another great way to find more available opportunities. If you picked a domain name like knives.com and it’s unavailable, try adding a verb like getknives.com or findknives.com

Choose another Extension

In today’s digital landscape you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to domain extensions. There are country specific domain extensions like .ca, .co.uk, .com.au and there are unique ones like .io, .co, or .inc. Pick something that’s relevant or just simply pick what you like.

Should your Domain Name and Social Media Name be the Same?

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If you’re a brand or running a business, then yes! Being visible and findable on digital platforms means everything.

If someone knows your website, it’s only natural for them to search for your business or brand on social media platforms. People are going to type in the first thing they remember about you, which happens to be your website, and being found on the top of the results on social means you did things right by choosing the same name for all your platforms. Lucky for you BrandSnag makes short work of this arduous process, simply enter your name in our Social Media Name Check Tool and check availability across multiple social platforms.

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Domain Name Checker FAQs

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How Does BrandSnag's Domain Name Checker Work?

To check if a domain name is available, simply enter the name you want in the search bar above and click "Check Domain." You'll see a green "Available" message if the domain is available. If it's not available, you'll see a red "Unavailable" message.

Is BrandSnag's BrandSnag's Domain Name Checker Free?

Yes, BrandSnag's domain name checker is completely free to use. There are no hidden fees or catches.

Is BrandSnag's Domain Name Checker Secure?

Yes, BrandSnag's domain name checker is 100% secure. We do not store any of your personal information or keyword terms.

Do I Need an Account to Use BrandSnag's Domain Name Checker?

No, you do not need an account to use BrandSnag's domain name checker.

What is a Domain Name?

A domain name is a unique name that identifies an internet resource such as a website. A domain name is composed of two parts: a top-level domain (TLD) and a second-level domain (SLD). The TLD is the portion of the domain name that comes after the dot, while the SLD is the part that comes before the dot. For example, in the domain name www.example.com, the TLD is "com," and the SLD is "example."Domain names are used to locate websites on the internet. When you enter a domain name into your web browser, your computer will contact a DNS server and request the IP address associated with that domain. The DNS server will then provide your computer with the IP address which your browser uses to connect to the website. Domain names are important because they provide a human-readable way of identifying websites. On the other hand, IP addresses are difficult for humans to remember.
A domain name can be registered by anyone who wishes to use it as long as it is not already in use by someone else. Once you have registered a domain name, you can use it to host a website, create email addresses, or set up DNS records. Domain names are registered through registrars who ICANN accredits. Registrars charge an annual fee for their services. Once you have registered your domain name, you will need to renew it annually in order to keep it active. You can typically do this through your registrar's website. Domain names are important to your online presence, so choose yours carefully!

What is a Subdomain?

In the Domain Name System (DNS) hierarchy, a subdomain is a domain that is part of a larger domain. For example, in the domain example.com, the com part is the top-level domain (TLD), while the example part is the second-level domain (SLD). Subdomains are often used to organize websites into different categories.
For instance, a company might have a website with subdomains for each of its product lines. Another common use for subdomains is to create separate websites for different countries or regions. In this case, each subdomain would use a different country code top-level domain (ccTLD).
For example, a website might have subdomains for the United States (us), Canada (ca), and the United Kingdom (UK). Finally, subdomains can also be used to create deeply nested directory structures within a website. This can make it easier for visitors to find the content they're looking for.

What Are TLDs & SLDs?

A TLD is a top-level domain, while an SLD is a second-level domain. In other words, a TLD is the end of an Internet address, such as .com or .net, while an SLD is the middle portion of an address, such as google in www.google.com. ICANN manages TLDs, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, while individual registrars control SLDs. While many different TLDs are available, most users choose either a .com or a .net address for their website.
However, newer TLDs, such as .biz and .info, are also becoming increasingly popular. When choosing a domain name, selecting one that is easy to remember and accurately represents your business or website is important. Once you have chosen a domain name, you can register it with a registrar to make it live on the Internet.

What Makes a Domain Name Good?

A good domain name should be short, easy to remember, and relevant to your business or website. Choosing a domain name that another website has not already taken is also important. You can check to see if a domain name is available by doing a search on BrandSnag's Domain Name Availability Checker. Many domain name providers, such as GoDaddy and NameCheap, can help you find and register a domain name. Once you have chosen a domain name, you will need to set up web hosting in order to get your website up and running.

What Are the 4 Types of Domain Names?

When it comes to domain names, there are four main types: generic top-level domains (gTLDs), country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs), generic second-level domains (gSLDs), and vanity domains.
Generic top-level domains are the most common domain type, including .com, .net, and .org. Country-code top-level domains are tied to a specific country, and they include .us for the United States, .ca for Canada, and .uk for the United Kingdom. Generic second-level domains are less common than other types of domains, but they can be useful for businesses or organizations that want to indicate their type with their domain name. For example, .biz is a gSLD for businesses, .info is a gSLD for information websites, and .name is a gSLD for personal websites. Vanity domains are custom domain names that are created for marketing or branding purposes. They can be any combination of letters and numbers, as long as another website is not already using them.

Should My Domain Name Be the Same as My Business Name?

Deciding on a domain name for your business website can be daunting. There are so many factors to consider, from SEO to brand recognition. One of the most common questions businesses face is whether their domain name should be the same as their business name. While both approaches have advantages and disadvantages, ultimately, the decision comes down to what will work best for your business.
If you choose to use a domain name that is different from your business name, you will need to make sure it is still relevant to your brand and easy for customers to remember. You will also need to be proactive about marketing your website, as potential customers may not be able to find it if they don't know the exact URL. But using a unique domain name can also be a great way to stand out from your competition and make your website more memorable.
On the other hand, using a domain name that is the same as your business name can help with brand recognition and make it easier for customers to find your website. However, it is important to make sure that your domain name is available and not already being used by another business. You will also need to be careful about choosing a top-level domain (TLD) that matches your business type or location, as this can help improve your SEO. For example, if you are a local business in the United States, you may want to consider using a .com or .net TLD.
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing a domain name for your business website. The best approach is to weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide what will work best for your particular business.

Should My Domain Name Be the Same as My Social Media Name?

If you're just getting started with online branding, you may want to keep things simple by using the same name for your domain and social media accounts. This can help create a cohesive and recognizable brand identity from the start. However, it's also worth considering the long-term implications of this decision. If you ever want to change your social media name (for example, if you rebrand or expand your business), you'll also need to update your domain name accordingly. This can be a time-consuming and expensive process.
On the other hand, if you choose to use a different name for your domain and social media accounts, you'll have more flexibility down the road. You can change your social media name without affecting your website and vice versa. However, this approach can also make it more difficult for customers to find your online presence if they're not familiar with your brand. Ultimately, the best solution is to weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide what's best for your business.

What is the Best Length for a Domain Name?

In the early days of the internet, it was important to have a short, easy-to-remember domain name. This was necessary because internet users would typically type in addresses directly into their web browsers, and long domain names were difficult to remember and easy to mistype. However, as the internet has evolved, domain names have become less important, and there are now many different ways to find a website. As a result, there is no definitive answer to the question of what is the best length for a domain name. While shorter names may still be easier to remember and type, longer ones can provide more keyword targeting and SEO opportunities. Ultimately, the best length for a domain name depends on the individual needs of the website owner.

Can I Use Hyphens in My Domain Name?

When registering a domain name, you may be wondering if you can use hyphens. The answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, hyphens can make it harder for people to find your website. Because of this, you may want to use them sparingly. Second, hyphens are often used to indicate that a word is spelled incorrectly. As a result, people may get the wrong impression of your website if you use them too frequently. Finally, some search engines do not index websites with hyphens in their domain name. For these reasons, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of using hyphens in your domain name before making a decision.

Can I Use Numbers in My Domain Name?

One of the most common questions domain name owners ask is whether or not they can use numbers in their domain names. The answer is yes. You can use numbers in your domain name. In fact, using numbers can be a great way to make your domain name more memorable and easier to pronounce. However, there are a few things to remember if you choose to use numbers in your domain name. First, avoid using anything other than Arabic numerals (0-9). Many people mistakenly interpret other symbols, such as dashes, periods, or slashes. Secondly, when using numbers in your domain name, be sure to spell out the word "and" (for example, "domainname129and928.com"). This will help prevent confusion and ensure that people can easily find your website. Finally, remember that some numbers have special meanings in certain cultures, so be sure to avoid any that might be considered offensive. With these simple guidelines in mind, you can confidently use numbers in your domain name and know that you're doing it right.

Can I Use Symbols in My Domain Name?

While you might be tempted to use symbols in your domain name to make it more unique or memorable, doing so can be detrimental to your business. Search engines often have difficulty indexing symbols, which can make it difficult for people to find your site. In addition, many people will simply be unable to remember a domain name that includes symbols. For these reasons, it's best to stick with letters and numbers when choosing a domain name for your business.

What are the Restricted Characters for Domain Names?

There are certain characters that cannot be used in a domain name. The restricted characters are: " * : / \ [ ] < > | ( ) ; , @ $ ^ # ' ` ?" + = & %. These characters are reserved for use in the DNS and cannot be used in a domain name. Additionally, the hyphen (-) must not be the first or last character of the domain name.

How Do I Register a Domain Name After I Find One That's Available?

Once you've found an available domain name that meets your needs, you'll need to register it with a domain name registrar. This simple process typically involves providing your contact information and paying a small fee. However, choosing a reputable registrar that will protect your rights and safeguard your investment is importantif you have any problems with your domain name. Look for a registrar that offers features such as privacy protection and automatic renewals. You should also consider the company's customer service record in case you have any problems with your domain name in the future. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your domain name registration goes smoothly and that your new website gets off to a good start.

My Ideal Domain Name is Already Taken. What Should I Do?

You may have the perfect domain name in mind for your website, but there's a good chance it's already been taken. Don't despair - there are still plenty of options available. One option is to try a different top-level domain (TLD), such as .net or .biz. You could also try a different variation of the name you want, such as using hyphens or abbreviations. If you're willing to get creative, you can often find a domain name that's both unique and memorable. And if all else fails, you can always contact the owner of the domain name you want and see if they're willing to sell it. With a little perseverance, you'll find the perfect domain name for your new website.

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