Choosing a domain is a crucial step in creating your website. The domain is the first impression that visitors will have of your offering. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the desired domain is actually available. In this guide, I will show you how to quickly and efficiently perform a domain check so that you can successfully launch your website.
Key Insights
- A domain can only be assigned once.
- You can use various hosting providers to carry out your domain check.
- There are alternatives if your desired domain is already taken.
- The domain extension matters; even small variations can help.
Step-by-Step Guide
To find out if your desired domain is available, you can take the following steps:
1. Start Domain Check
First, decide where you want to conduct your domain check. I recommend simply searching for "Domain Check" on a search engine. In this case, I am using the site checkdomain.de, but you can also use hosting providers such as world4you or ionas.at.
2. Enter Desired Domain
Once you are on the domain check page, you have the option to enter your desired domain directly into a search field. Be ready to enter the name you have chosen. It's good to know that some providers also offer the option to check multiple domains at once.
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3. Check Availability
After entering your desired domain, click the button to check availability. For example, I entered the domain "tobyalk.at". You will be promptly informed whether the domain is already taken or not.
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4. Evaluate Results
If the domain is already taken, you will be notified. In the example above, I found out that "tobitalk.at" is already taken. This can be frustrating, but do not worry, there are alternatives to consider.
5. Consider Alternatives
If your desired domain is not available, you have the option to try different extensions, such as ".online", ".page", or ".store". Specific extensions like ".tech" can also be useful in finding a combination that is available.
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6. Use Filters
Most domain check sites offer filtering options that allow you to display only the available domains. This saves time and gives you a faster overview of your options. In our example, you could also filter by categories.
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7. Check Additional Domains
Go a step further and check some well-known domains to ensure they are available. Domains like "business.de" are often already taken, and it can be helpful to get a sense of which extensions are commonly used.
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8. Preference for Your Domain
If you want to use a brand name or your own name, be careful if those domains already exist under different extensions. It is advisable to avoid choosing domains with similar names to prevent confusion and avoid legal complications.
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Summary
Choosing the right domain requires care and patience. When performing a domain check, always pay attention to availability and be prepared to consider alternatives. It is entirely possible to find a domain that fits your project and is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a domain check?A domain check is an examination to determine if a specific domain is already taken or if it is still available.
Why is choosing a domain important?The domain is often the first impression visitors get of your website and can be crucial to its success.
What can I do if my desired domain is already taken?You can try using different extensions or combinations to find an available domain.
What are the best websites for a domain check?Popular websites are checkdomain.de, world4you, and ionas.at.
Should I pay attention to similarities with existing domains for my domain?Yes, it is advisable to avoid confusion with existing domains to exclude legal issues.