Here's how to find the perfect domain name, even if your choice is taken
Picture the scene. You’ve got your business name sorted and you’re ready to make things official by buttoning down your dream URL.
You tap your chosen URL into your chosen domain name search tool and eagerly read the results before stopping dead.
Your domain name is unavailable.
Surely it’s a mistake. You hurriedly try another search tool. And then another. How can this be? You feel hot and cold all at once and your heart is beating hard in your chest.
What are you going to do?
I tell you what. You’re going to take a deep breath and try one of these options instead!
Yes, it’s a pain in the neck when your preferred domain name is taken. But it happens. And happily, there are several workarounds you can use to get something just as good - if not better.
Seven ways to find a domain name for your VA business
Add a relevant word that’s related to your work
This is one of my favourites. Let’s say your company name is Tulip VA but tulipva.com and tulipva.co.uk are unavailable. Instead, you could play around with options such as workwithtulip.com, tuliphelps.com or tulippro.com. This gives you the benefit of a more memorable and creative URL.
Add words before or after your company name
This is nice and easy - for example you could use mytulipva.com or tulipvaservice.com.
Add a verb to your domain name
This is quite fun because it can turn your URL into a call to action of its own. Here are a couple of examples: choosetulipva.com, lovetulipva.com. Persuasive, wouldn‘t you say?
Tell clients where you’re based
Using a geographical term can be an easy way to find a domain name that no one else wants. You could go for a country-specific name such as tulipvauk.com or use something more local such as bristoltulipva.com.
Use specialist tools
There are heaps of tools out there that you could use to generate available domain names. Want to keep things easy? Let AI such as ChatGPT do the work for you.
Use a different domain extension
OK, so the .com or .co.uk options might be taken, but have you considered some of the other extensions you could use? .va is a great option, but .net and .biz could also work well. You could also have fun with extensions such as .guru, .ly and .online.
Use a completely different word
If your domain name options are being used by companies all over the place, you might want to start again. Don’t feel like you need to stick to convention - using a word you’ve created from scratch, a portmanteau (joining two words together to make one word) or even a word from another language are all viable options to help you stand out from the crowd.
Whatever domain name you end up choosing, make sure you:
Stay away from trademarked names
Use a name that’s relevant to what you’re doing
Choose an option that’s simple and memorable.
Good luck!
