A specific domain name helps you create brand recognition and makes it easy for your customers to engage with your website. But have you ever searched for domain names for your website to discover that someone else already owns it?
What should you do next when you search for domain names and still want to buy a domain name already used by some other website or business? Don’t worry.
This article will help you understand the situation and rips on getting your desired domain, even if someone has already taken it. Also, remember you need a domain and hosting for your website’s online presence.
In this article, we will discuss specific ways by which you can find out who owns a domain name and how to acquire it if you need to.
You can do a domain check for availability in a few ways. First, you can contact the registered domain owner and ask to buy it. But before that, you need to know who owns the domain name.
Key Facts about Domain Names
- Domain names are used to access specific websites.
- Domain name registrars annually register domain names.
- You can register a domain for as long as 10 years.
- You can get domain name owners’ information from the WHOIS website.
- Domain names become public if they are not renewed annually.
How to Find a Domain Name Owner?
- Visit the Website
The first step is to visit the website to check domain availability. Then find the “contact information” page on the website or links to their landing page.
In some rare cases, the website may not have contact details listed publically, but in most cases, the owner’s name is mentioned, which can help you to reach out to them.
You can directly contact them and show interest in buying that domain name and putting your price.
- Check the WHOIS Directory
Internet Corporation regulates domain name registrations for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). Registering a domain name requires a registrant, an administrator, and a technical contact for every domain name.
Each contact must provide their name, email address, contact number, and mailing address. This information is stored in the WHOIS directory, which is publicly available.
In addition to it, domain name owners can keep their information private. Private registration services replace registration contact information with that of the registrar or the registrar’s private registration service provider.
- Contact the Domain Registrar
If you are still waiting for the domain owner’s details from the website of WHOIS, you can contact the domain registrar.
From WHOIS, you will get information about the registrar. In addition, you can use information from directory listings if their privacy enables it.
Further, WHOIS knows when a domain can become available. So, besides the registration information, you get the domain registration date, expiry date, and current status.
For example, the domain is likely to be available if it is nearing the expiration date and has expired.
Conclusion
If you want a specific domain name for your business, you might get it by following the procedure if someone already has it.
But, in the worst-case scenario, you can do another domain name search if you don’t get it. But, on the other hand, buying a domain name from one owner can cost you a lot.
