“Domain Is Not Available”? Don’t Give Up. Here’s What to Do Next.

It’s a familiar story. You’ve just had a moment of inspiration—the perfect, catchy, and memorable name for your new business or blog. You rush to your computer, heart pounding with excitement, type it into a domain search bar, and… you’re met with those three deflating words: “Domain is not available.”

Don’t close the tab! This isn’t a dead end. Think of it as a creative detour.

The first name you think of is rarely the only option, and often, this little roadblock is the nudge you need to find an even better, more unique name. Before you get discouraged, let’s walk through the five best things you can do right now.

Option 1: The Simple Tweak

Often, your first idea is great, it just needs a small adjustment to make it unique. Instead of abandoning the name entirely, try adding a simple word to it.

• Add a verb: If Taco.com is taken, try GetTaco.com or TryTaco.com.
• Add your location: Is TheGoodBakery.com unavailable? See if TheGoodBakeryNYC.com is free.
• Make it a phrase: If you love the name “Apollo,” but Apollo.com is taken, try something like WeAreApollo.com or ApolloHQ.com.

A simple tweak can be enough to find an available domain that’s still easy to remember.

Option 2: Try a Different Door (Explore New Extensions)

For years, .com was the king of domain extensions, but the internet has grown. There are now hundreds of Top-Level Domains (TLDs) that can be more descriptive and relevant than a generic .com.

Consider these popular and professional alternatives:

• .io: Very popular for tech startups, apps, and online projects.
• .co: A common and respected global alternative to .com.
• .app: Perfect if you’re launching a web or mobile application.
• .store or .shop: The ideal choice for an e-commerce business.
• .net: A classic extension that’s great for network or community-based sites.

MyGreatIdea.io might be available and look even more modern than the .com you originally wanted.

Option 3: Play Detective and Investigate

“Not available” doesn’t always mean a website is actively using the name. To see what you’re up against, do a little digging.

• Step 1: Visit the website. Type the domain name directly into your browser. What do you see? Is it a fully developed business, a simple “Coming Soon” page, or a page full of ads? If it’s just ads, the domain is likely “parked,” meaning someone owns it but isn’t using it.
• Step 2: Find the registrar. If you want to dig deeper, you can find out which company the domain is registered with. We have a simple guide on how to check where a domain is registered that walks you through the process.

If the domain is parked or for sale, you might be able to buy it, but be prepared for it to be expensive.

Option 4: The Waiting Game (Backorder It)

If your heart is absolutely set on a specific domain name, you have one last option: a domain backorder.

A backorder service is like putting your name on a waiting list. You pay a small fee, and the service will automatically attempt to register the domain for you the instant it expires and becomes available.

A word of caution: This is a long shot. Most domain owners renew their names, so there’s no guarantee it will ever become available. This is a strategy for those with a lot of patience and a specific name they can’t live without.

Conclusion: Your Perfect Domain is Still Waiting for You

That “Domain not available” message feels like a roadblock, but it’s really just a signpost pointing you in a more creative direction. By tweaking your name, exploring new extensions, or doing a little research, you’ll often find a domain that’s even better than your first idea.

Ready to try out your new ideas? You can register your domain with us today. For more tips on building your online presence, check out our blog or learn more about us and our mission. If you have any questions, our team is always here to help on our contact page.