If you are ready to launch a website, one of the first key steps is to check available domain names. Your domain is your online identity and it can affect your brand, SEO, and how easily users can locate you.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to check available domain names and what to look out for.
Why It’s Important to Check Available Domain Names
Before you even start building your website, you need a domain that is:
- Unique to you and not already taken
- Easy to remember and spell correctly
- Relevant to your brand and business
When checking for available domain options, it’s best to do so early on to avoid any brand issues or missed opportunities.
Step 1: Use our Domain Search Tool
The quickest way to check for available domain names is using the Heart Internet Domain Search Tool. Just enter your domain name idea and select the appropriate extension (e.g. .co.uk or .com) and hit search.
Our tool will instantly show you whether your domain is available or taken.
Step 2: Try Variations
It is common that your desired name isn’t available but not to panic. Try adding keywords like “shop” or “uk” or switching the wording around. Instead of yourbrand.co.uk, try yourbrandonline.co.uk
Step 3: Explore Different Domain Extensions
If .com or .co.uk versions of your desired domain name are already registered, you can try using alternatives such as:
- .org
- .net
- .store
Make sure to choose the right extension to help you create a strong brand image.
Step 4: Check for Trademarks and Social Media Availability
Before you register your chosen domain name, make sure it isn’t already trademarked to avoid any legal issues and see if your name is available on social media platforms so you can marry your site to your profiles so your branding is both consistent and easy to find for SEO purposes.
You can find and search for registered trademarks on the UK Government website.
Step 5: Register Your Domain As Soon As Possible
Domain names get snapped up quickly. If you find one you’re happy with when you check the available domain results, don’t wait to register it. Secure it before anybody else does.
Tips for Choosing the Best Domain Name
- Keep it short and simple so it’s easy to remember and type
- Use keywords relevant to your brand can help with SEO
- Avoid numbers and hyphens as these can missed by users when searching
- Make it brand-appropriate so that you stand out amongst competitors
Avoid The Common Errors
- Waiting too long to register a domain name
- Choosing overly complex names
- Ignoring SEO practices
- Not checking for similar existing domains
How Checking Domain Availability Aids SEO
Your domain name plays a vital role in SEO. Keywords used in your domain will help to remove relevance and using something memorable will help to increase direct traffic to your site. If you create a brandable name, you’ll build trust with users and authority in search engines.
Learning how to check available domain names is a major step in creating a website. With the right tools, you can find a domain that supports your brand and SEO. Start early and get creative and act fast.
Use Heart Internet’s Domain Search Tool today to help you check for available domain names and secure your desired address.
