For many companies, a domain name is just as important as the business name. But with more than one billion websites already online, securing the right domain can feel like an impossible mission, especially if you’re looking for something short, catchy, and brandable. Luckily, there are ways to work around it.
Start by checking if your desired domain is available, or use a domain name generator to brainstorm ideas. Wix offers both options, so go ahead and see what you can find. Consider the domain cost, length, uniqueness, and how well it aligns with your brand.
Say you want to register “fitzone.com.” This domain name is already taken, but can be purchased for $17,495 (!) or more. Alternatively, you can add or change words, opt for a different extension, or think of a brand-new name with a similar meaning.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry—you’re not out of options. Here are some practical tips for finding the perfect domain name when your top choice isn’t available.
What to Do If Your Preferred Domain Name Is Taken
Just because a domain name is taken doesn’t mean you can’t get it. Owners are sometimes willing to sell, often for a premium price.
If you go this route, you can either:
- Use a domain lookup tool to find the owner’s name and contact details. If the website is live, reach out directly to show your interest in the domain name.
- Hire a domain broker to identify the owner and handle negotiations on your behalf. With this option, you’ll pay a flat fee or a percentage of the domain’s selling price.
Be aware that purchasing an existing domain name carries some risk.
For example, the domain may have been penalized by search engines, which could hurt your brand. You’ll also want to check for trademark issues to avoid ending up with a domain name you cannot legally use.
Another aspect to consider is the price. Premium domain names like voice.com, insurance.com, or hotels.com are worth millions of dollars.
To put that in perspective, PrivateJet.com was sold for a whopping $30.18 million in 2018, whereas Connect.com went for $10 million in 2022.
Our advice? Don’t buy an existing domain unless you’re 100% sure it’s your best option. Consider these alternatives before making a decision:
Choose a Different Domain Extension
While most domains end in .com, you have hundreds of other options to choose from.
For example, you could go for .de.com, .it.com, .gr.com, or other top-level domain extensions (TLD) specific to the country you operate in. If, say, fitnesszone.com isn’t available, you might have better luck with fitnesszone.uk.com or fitnesszone.us.com.
Consider your industry andtype of business, too. Based on these factors, you may use one of the following domain extensions:
| Domain Extension | Best For / Common Uses |
| .org | Professional associations, community groups, organizations, non-profits |
| .net | Most types of businesses, especially tech and networking companies |
| .edu | Colleges, universities, and some other educational institutions |
| .biz | Small businesses, online shops, service providers |
| .agency | Creative agencies, such as those offering SEO or web design services |
| .store | Online shops |
| .info | Websites sharing informational or educational content |
| .blog | Bloggers, content creators |
| .io | Tech startups, developer platforms |
| .ai | Companies offering AI tools and related services |
| .dev | Developers, software tools, coding resources. |
| .design | Graphic designers, studios, creative agencies |
| .health | Clinics, wellness brands, healthcare startups |
| .travel | Travel bloggers, tour operators |
If you’re targeting a specific country, your domain name could end in .us, .uk, .it, .de, .ro, .hu, and so on. These are known as country code TLDs and work best for local or national companies.
Try Abbreviating
When your preferred domain name isn’t available, abbreviations can help you keep its meaning while maintaining originality.
For example, if your desired domain contains the word “consulting,” you could use “consult.” Similarly, you could use “co” instead of “company,” “dev” instead of “development,” or “fit” instead of “fitness.”
Add a Simple Modifier
Shorter domains are easier to spell and remember, but that doesn’t mean you’re limited to one or two words. Sometimes, adding a simple modifier like “try,” “go,” “get,” or “shop” can actually make a domain name sound better.
Take PeakBalance.com, for instance. This domain isn’t available, but if you add the verb “get,” you have a brand-new domain name you can register instantly.
“GetPeakBalance.com” could work perfectly for a wellness or fitness brand focused on mobility training. It’s also a great choice for an online store selling balance boards, stability balls, yoga blocks, and similar products.
Include Your City or Region
Consider adding your city or region to the domain name, such as in “LAfitness.com,” “NYmag.com,” or “NumeroBerlin.de.” This way, your domain will indicate the market you serve and may help you rank higher in local searches.
City-specific domains work best forlocal businesses. Think law firms, auto shops, bookstores, fitness centers, or service providers. They can also be an ideal choice for companies selling products tied to a particular city or region, like Broadway memorabilia or Murano glass jewelry.
Use a Catchphrase
Create a catchphrase that reflects your mission or values, then see how it could work as a domain name. Here are some examples:
- SleepLikeRoyalty.com
- GetMovingNow.com
- AdventureAwaitsYou.com
- SipAndSavor.com
- FitStrongLean.com
Make your catchphrase playful, inspiring, or slightly unexpected to boost its memorability. For instance, “FitStrongLean” is more engaging than “StayFit” or other generic domain names.
Look for Synonyms
Still trying to find the perfect domain name? If the one you want is taken, swap one or more words for synonyms. All you need is access to an online thesaurus or dictionary and a domain checker, such as the one from Wix.
Suppose your first choice is a domain name that includes the word “cuisine.” Consider replacing “cuisine” with “cooking,” “cookery,” “gastronomy,” “meals,” or “feast.” While these aren’t exact synonyms, they convey a similar message.
You could also use a word from another language as long as it’s clear to your audience. One example is “bonappetit.com,” which means “good appetite,” or “ladolcevita.com,” which can be translated as “the sweet life.”
Flex Your Creative Muscles to Find a Great Domain Name
Let your creative juices flow so you can find a unique domain name. Mix and match words, use abbreviations, or choose a different extension. You could even make up words, such as in “Google.com,” “Kodak.com,” or “Zappos.com.”
For instance, “movely.com” suggests an active lifestyle and could work for a fitness brand or workout app. “Brewlio.com,” on the other hand, could be an excellent choice for a coffee shop, tea brand, or brewery.
Feeling stuck? Use technology to your advantage. Type one or more words into a domain name generator, then check the suggestions made. With Wix for example, you can also choose your preferred domain length and extension for more precise results.
Once you’ve found the best match, run a quick trademark search to ensure you can legally use it. Then register the domain and, ideally, close variations like other popular TLDs to protect your brand from lookalike domain names.
Last but not least, keep your domain short and sweet. Avoid numbers unless they’re part of your brand name, and try not to exceed three words. A domain that’s too long or difficult to pronounce is more likely to be misspelled or forgotten.