Increase Your Chances of Securing the Perfect Domain Name for Your Website or Business by Following These Strategic Tips and Tricks for Searching Unregistered Domains on ICANN Whois, and Avoid the Risk of Losing Your Idea to Domain Squatters.
When it comes to registering a domain, time is of the essence. The longer you wait to register a domain, the greater the chances that someone else will swoop in and register it before you. This can be frustrating, especially if you have a great idea for a domain that you want to use for your business or personal website.
There are some tips and tricks you can use to search for unregistered domains on ICANN Whois without the risk of having it registered by someone else. In this article, we’ll explore these tips and tricks so that you can secure the perfect domain for your needs.
It’s important to understand why you shouldn’t search for an unregistered domain on a regular registrar website. As mentioned earlier, registrars are in the business of selling domains, so they have a vested interest in making unregistered domains available for purchase. When you search for an unregistered domain on a regular registrar website, you’re essentially putting that domain up for grabs. Other people who are also searching for domains may see that it’s available and register it before you have a chance to do so.
Instead, you should use ICANN Whois to search for unregistered domains. ICANN Whois is a database of domain name registration information that’s available to the public. It’s used to look up information about domain names, including the date they were registered, the name of the registrar, and the contact information for the domain owner. While it’s not a registrar itself, it can help you find out if a domain is available for registration.
One of the best things about using ICANN Whois is that it doesn’t put your domain up for grabs like regular registrars do. When you search for an unregistered domain on ICANN Whois, you’re not broadcasting to the world that you’re interested in that domain. This means that you have a greater chance of being able to register it yourself before someone else does.
Here are some tips and tricks for using ICANN Whois to search for unregistered or soon to expire domains:
- Use the advanced search feature: ICANN Whois has an advanced search feature that allows you to search for domains based on certain criteria. For example, you can search for domains that contain certain words or phrases, or you can search for domains that were registered within a certain date range. This can be a useful way to narrow down your search and find domains that are more likely to be available for registration.
- Check the expiration date: When you search for a domain on ICANN Whois, you’ll be able to see the expiration date of the current registration. If the domain is set to expire soon and the current owner hasn’t renewed it, there’s a good chance that it will become available for registration in the near future.
- Use a domain backordering service: Some domain registrars offer backordering services that allow you to reserve a domain that’s currently registered but is set to expire soon. This can be a good option if you really want a particular domain but it’s currently registered by someone else. Keep in mind, though, that there’s no guarantee that the current owner won’t renew the domain, so there’s a risk involved with this approach.
- Don’t give up too easily: Even if a domain you’re interested in is currently registered, there’s always a chance that it will become available in the future. Keep checking ICANN Whois regularly to see if the domain’s registration status changes. You may also want to consider contacting the current owner to see if they’re willing to sell the domain to you.
Searching for unregistered domains can be a tricky business. If you’re not careful, you could end up inadvertently giving away your great domain idea to someone else. By using ICANN Whois to search for unregistered domains, you can minimize the risk of having your idea stolen by others. The tips and tricks outlined above can help you search for domains in a more strategic way, increasing your chances of securing the perfect domain for your needs.
It’s worth noting that even if you follow these tips, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to register the domain you want. Domains can be registered very quickly, especially if they’re in high demand. However, by using ICANN Whois and being strategic in your search, you can give yourself the best possible chance of success.
One final tip: if you do manage to register the perfect domain for your needs, make sure to renew it on time every year. Domains that aren’t renewed on time can be snatched up by others, meaning that all your hard work in securing the domain could be for nothing. Set up automatic renewals or set reminders for yourself to make sure you don’t forget.
Searching for unregistered domains is a delicate process that requires some careful planning and strategy. By using ICANN Whois and following the tips outlined in this article, you can minimize the risk of losing out on the perfect domain for your needs. Good luck with your search, and may you find the perfect domain for your website or business!
Have you ever lost out on a domain because someone else registered it before you could? What did you do to try and secure the domain?