How to Choose a .com When All Names Are Taken

The Challenge of Finding Available .com Domains

The .com domain extension is the gold standard for business websites, but with millions of domains already registered, finding an available .com that perfectly matches your brand name can feel impossible. However, with strategic thinking and creativity, you can find a perfect .com domain.

1. Get Creative With Your Brand Name

Before settling, try these naming variations:

• Add descriptive words (GetXYZ.com, FindXYZ.com)
• Use numbers or Roman numerals
• Modify with location or industry terms
• Try abbreviations or acronyms
• Use puns or wordplay if appropriate
• Combine words creatively (portmanteaus)

2. Consider Domain Brokers and Marketplaces

If a taken domain is absolutely perfect, you can purchase it from its current owner:

• Use domain brokers like Sedo or DomainAdvisors
• Search marketplaces like NameJet or Flippa
• Contact the domain owner directly via WHOIS
• Negotiate pricing and transfer terms
• Prepare for potentially high prices

3. Look for Expiring Domains

Many domain owners let their registrations expire. You can:

• Check domain expiration dates via WHOIS
• Use tools like DomainGang or Caught.com to monitor expiring domains
• Set reminders for upcoming expiration dates
• Be ready to register immediately upon expiration
• Understand domain grace periods and redemption windows

4. Add Modifiers or Descriptors

Strategic modifiers can make a domain both available and brandable:

• "Get" prefix (GetMyBrand.com)
• "My" prefix (MyBrandName.com)
• "The" prefix (TheBrandName.com)
• Year or version numbers (Brand2025.com)
• Industry descriptors (BrandDesigns.com)

5. Explore Alternative Domain Extensions

While .com is preferred, other extensions can work well:

• .co - Modern alternative gaining credibility
• .io - Popular for tech and startup companies
• .app - Perfect for applications and tech services
• .agency, .design, .shop - Industry-specific
• .online, .company, .business - General alternatives

6. Check Hyphenated and Non-Hyphenated Variations

Small variations might be available:

• Try hyphens between words (My-Brand.com)
• Remove hyphens from hyphenated names
• Check spelling variations
• Try singular vs. plural forms
• Add or remove common prefixes/suffixes

7. Use AI Tools for Brainstorming

Leverage technology to generate alternatives quickly and efficiently. AI brand name generators can suggest variations you might not have thought of, and many include domain availability checking.

Pro Tips for .com Success

• Shorter domains are generally better (easier to remember)
• Avoid numbers unless they add meaning
• Make sure the domain is easy to spell
• Ensure it sounds good when spoken
• Consider global appeal if expanding internationally
• Don't sacrifice brand identity just to get .com