Tools and Techniques for Finding Available Online Store Names

Apr 17, 2024

Selecting a perfect domain name for an online store is a crucial step in building a brand identity and online presence. Finding an available domain name aligns with your brand and is memorable for a challenging task. This is especially important for increased competition in the eCommerce space. This article shares the tools and techniques for discovering available domain names for an online store.

1. Brainstorm and Idea Generation:

Start domain discovery by brainstorming keywords and ideas regarding your business, services and products. Look for brand identity, unique selling propositions and target audience for generating memorable and relevant domain name ideas. Encourage creativity and think outside the box for coming up with distinctive and unique names. 

2. Use Domain Name Generators:

There are online tools for generating domain name ideas based on keywords and business themes. The tools offer plenty of suggestions such as synonyms, variations and domain extensions. Famous domain name generators include ServerSea Hosting Domain Name Generators among others. It’s entirely free to use.

3. Check Domain Availability:

Once you have generated a list of domain ideas, use domain availability checkers to see if the names are available for registration. Many domain registrars provide search tools allowing you to check the extensions and specific domain names. You can also use our third-party domain search platforms such as WHOIS Lookup or domain to check availability through different registrars.

4. Check Alternative Extensions:

In case, your domain name is taken with .com extension, check alternative extensions such as .org, .net and even country-code extensions such as .pk, .co.uk and .com.pk. Although .com is preferable for commercial sites, other extensions can also be effective if they align with your brand and are memorable for the target audience.

5. Use Domain Auctions and Marketplaces:

If your preferred domain name is registered but not in use then you can also check and acquire it through domain marketplaces and auctions. Websites such as Flipps and GoDaddy are doing that including expired domains. However, note that these premium domains are high in price so negotiate the price first.

6. Check Copyright & Trademark Issues:

Before checking a domain name, do a thorough search for ensuring that there are no copyrights and trademarks. You can also use trademark databases and legal resources for checking the potential conflicts to seek legal advice if necessary. You need to avoid using brand names in your domain to prevent the legal issues that may arise otherwise.

7. Test for Memorability and Pronounceability:
  

After you have listed the available domain names, check the pronounceability and memorability by reviewing them and sharing them with friends and focus groups. Make sure the domain chosen is easy to spell, pronounce and remember for industry and brand.

8. Register Your Domain:

Proceed to register your domain name with a domain registrar after its finalized. Check the pricing, renewal fees and additional features such as privacy protection and domain management tools when choosing a registrar. Set up auto-renewal to avoid expiration.

These tools and suggestions will help you streamline your domain discovery process. Finding an available domain name represents your online store to resonate with the target audience. Make sure to work on creativity and brand consistency when choosing a domain name as that would reflect your business and success online.