How to Search for Domain Availability

Companies often offer special pricing or free domains with the purchase of hosting plans.

An Internet domain name works much like a mailing address does: your domain name shows where your website is located. Searching for a domain name is the first step in setting up a business or informational website. The domain name you choose is important: it should be easy to remember, easy to type and easily brandable. Use your browser to search for the perfect domain name.

Instructions

1. Open up your web browser and navigate to a domain name search site such as Go Daddy, Network Solutions, or APlus.net.

2. Type a domain name into the domain search box. Pick something such as your current or future business name, or another name that can be easily related to your business.

3. Choose the extension that you would like your domain name to have. The site will offer extensions such as .com, .net, .org and .info. Not all of them may be available for your domain name, however.

4. Click the search button to see if anyone has already registered that domain name.

5. Register your domain name. If the domain name is available with the extension that you want, register it with the domain name search company. The website will display the price. It will then ask you to create an account and go through the checkout process, as well as offering you services like hosting and email.

References

• Go Daddy
• Network Solutions
• APlus.net