In this post I look at 17 Tools and Websites that can help you with your domain name hunt. For tips and guidelines on choosing a good domain name please read my previous post titled “18 Tips for Choosing a Good Domain Name”.
1. Instant Domain Search
Instant Domain Search (IDS) allows you to check the availability of a domain name as you type it (letter by letter) in real time. This tool can be used to search .com, .net and .org domains. IDS is very fast compared with other real time search tools.
2. Domize
Domize supports real time name search. Using Domize you can search .com, .net, .org, .biz, .info and .us domain names. One nice feature of Domize is that it provides a history of what you type, allowing you to check the availability of many names all in once.
3. Ajax Who Is
Very similar to Instant Domain Search, but, supports other Top Level Domains (TLDs) such as .ca.
4. Psychic Who Is
Psychic Who Is is another real time search service that provides name suggestions as you keep on typing (see above picture).
5. Domains Bot
Another real time search tool similar to Domize. Based on my experience Domains Bot is pretty slow to use.
6. Bust-A-Name
At Bust-A-Name you can enter your keywords and the system will show you with different domain name combinations that are available for registration. Bust-A-Name also provides the ability to add suffixes and prefixes, look for plural version of a name and the ability to drop the last vowel (example Flicker –> FlickR).
7. Dot-O-Mator
I really like the way Dot-o-Mator generate domain names. First you pick a keyword and then you select an ending word. In the screen shot above I picked “Tech” as my first word and “Experts” as my ending word. Dot-o-Mator will generate possible domain names using synonyms for the ending word. In the above example it suggested names such as TechPro, TechSage etc.
8. MakeWords
MakeWords has a rich set of features to combine keywords and generate domain names.
9. Xona Domain Name Hacks
Domain Hacks are domain names that are created in combination with a Top Level Domain. Example includes “del.icio.us” and “inter.net”. Xona domain name hacks allows you to create an unconventional domain name. I personally do not like a hacked domain name primarily because it is hard to type and is confusing.
11. GoDrops
GoDrops is a cool service that shows dropping domain names in real time on a daily basis. During the drop a chatting service allows you to chat about the domain names that are currently being dropped!
12. Pool
Pool.com publishes a daily list of all expiring domains around the world. In addition at pool.com you can take part in Domain Auctions and Back Order domains that are going to expire soon.
13. Archive.org
Archive.org’s WayBack Machine is the best place to find what type of content was hosted on a domain in the past. It is a good idea to check that the domain you are going to register did not contain any inappropriate content in the past.
14. Google Banned Domain Name Checker
If you are going to buy a domain name that is already registered, it is a good idea to check whether Google has banned this domain in the past (due to spamming and fraud). By using the Banned Domain Name Checker you ensure you invest only in good domains which did not offend Google in the past.
15. DN Forum
DN Forum is the largest forum on the web that is dedicated to domain names. This forum is very active and is viewed by thousands of users. DN Forum is a great place to get all types of advice on domain names and to buy or sell domain names.
16. NamePros
Another popular domain name discussion forum.
17. DN Hour
DN Hour is a service that lets you submit news related to domain names. Each news item is ranked by the DN Hour user community.