How to Browse Domain Names

Businesses can create unique Web presence and optimization by browsing domain names.

There are several reasons to browse domain names. A business looking to optimize its Web presence browses domain names to find the right name to represent the business. An individual starting a blog will browse domain names to find a unique name to make his blog stand out in the blogosphere. Individuals or business desiring to buy a domain name that is already registered will browse domain names at the domain name registrars in order to find out information about the person or business who has registered the name.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet browser

Instructions

1. 

   Domain names are text representations for numerical IP addresses on the Internet.

   Open your Web browser and go to a domain registrar's site, such as whois.net or godaddy.com. Domain registrars will give you several options for browsing domain names. Some will offer browsing domain auctions as well as browsing the domain names.

2. Locate the keyword search option. Each registrar names this search differently. On GoDaddy, it is in the upper middle portion of the page under the navigation menu in the section "Start Your Domain Search Here" and is named Smart Search. On WhoIs, it is in the middle of the page and is called "Search by domain or keyword".

3. Type in the keyword or keywords that you would like to search. Keyword variations are endless. Niches may be used as a keyword. Business names may be used as a keyword. Any combination of words can be used as a keyword. See an explanation of domain names in References.

4. Click the "Search" button. A list with possible domain names will be generated from the keyword search. The size of the list will depend on the keywords that you have typed in. Some keywords will limit the search, while others will generate a huge list.

5. Type in a specific domain name to search for information about ownership of the domain name. Domain name ownership includes the person or company that has registered the domain name, the address and telephone number. Owners of domain names can also opt to keep that information private. In that case, the results of the domain name search will tell you that it is private information.

Tips & Warnings

• Use general terms in the keyword search to bring up multiple combinations of domain name possibilities.

• Domain registrars sometimes offer cheap registration fees along with hosting packages.

• When browsing domain names, it is not necessary to take a registration package if you are only looking for information on a previously registered domain owner.

References

• Choosing a Good Domain Name
• Domain Names Explained

Resources

• WhoIs.net