Since you’re reading this, you’ll find yourself doing some type of domain name search, whether it’s when you’re just beginning with your first web site or blog, or when you’re expanding your ever growing web empire.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll likely have new domain name ideas come into mind at various times thoughout the day. I’m talking about times like: while you’re driving, eating a meal, talking on the telephone, exercising and even while you’re sleeping.
Over the years I’ve found that the simplest thing for me to do is write down the domain names so I won’t forget them (and try not to forget where the paper is that you wrote them down on). Once you have a name or two written down, do a domain name search to see if it’s available.
I like to search my domain name ideas through the same company that I plan on registering the name through if it’s available if possible. Why? Because I don’t like the idea of putting an idea out there to a company that I may not use, which would potentially allow them to see what I searched for and register themselves. I know it may not happen, but I’d prefer not to take the chance.
That being said, I do use http://www.domaintools.com for research on domain names as a secondary tool. For my primary tool I will search using the search box I’ve included below/above, which allows you to search and register domain names through 1and1, my preferred domain provider. (I use 1and1 for my domain names for several reasons, the primary one being that private registration is FREE, which I’ve seen others charge anywhere from $5.00 to $15.00 extra for private registration.)
When you do a search using the tool, the results will show whether or not your search input is available. It will also show other variations or closely related names that are available as options.
Note: You may also have noticed that I have the same domain name search box in the lower right column of all site pages on WDJ. I only post links to products or services that i use and feel are valuable and worthy of sharing. 
About the Author
