Choosing a domain name can be hard, but having the right tools can make the process a little bit smoother.
Here are three tools I use to make my domain searches a breeze:
1. MakeWords
MakeWords.com allows you to find domain names that contain a specific word or phrase. It also lets you choose the minimum and maximum character length of your URL. And if you have absolutely no idea what you’d like for a domain name (did you read my domain rules?) then you can use MakeWords.com to create names at random that almost sound like words.
Here are a few available names I created today using MakeWords:
- trumin.com
- schags.com
- snowbe.com
- tazoid.com
- stackl.com
Are those good domain names? Probably not…do I need to do everything for you!
2. Ajax Whois
Ajax Whois is usually where I start my search because it allows me to test possible domains as fast as I can think. Just start typing and it begins searching the domain name database to see what’s available. Ajax Whois also has an iPhone optimized site, so it’s possible to search for domain names while on the road, running errands or out for a drink (use wisely!)
A word of caution about Ajax Whois: it’s only right about 95% of the time. Don’t fall in love with a domain name you find there until you’ve also tested it in Godaddy to see if it’s truly available.
3. GoDaddy
Godaddy is where I buy all my domain names. Domains at Godaddy are inexpensive and more importantly, GoDaddy is a large and reputable company. Financial stability is important because I don’t want to risk registering a domain with a company that may go out of business in a few years. The downside to GoDaddy’s service is their constant effort to up-sell you throughout the checkout process.
So Tell Me
Have you tried these tools? What tools do you use to make your domain name search easier?
January 27th, 2009 at 11:18 am
[...] Once you understand the rules that make a domain name great, you’re ready to begin searching for and registering your domain. For this, read more about the domain name tools I use. [...]
January 27th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Edash,
I found a domain that would be perfect for my company. GoDaddy shows that someone bought it and parked it but Whois shows that the contract is up in a couple months. Is it worth waiting around to try and grab it or is it a lost cause?
Thanks
January 27th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Kienan -
Picking up domains that are already registered is tricky business.
You can register for notification services at Godaddy to inform you when the domain status changes. Even then, someone is likely to grab it before it returns to the general domain pool.
This is a great article on the topic: http://www.mikeindustries.com/blog/archive/2005/03/how-to-snatch-an-expiring-domain
Thanks for the comment!