Domain Name Acquisition Guide
After you pick a name you like, you still need to secure the domain. This guide walks through the common cases: normal registration, premium listings, and “taken but maybe for sale.”
1) Standard availability (the easy win)
If the .com is available at standard registration pricing, buy it immediately. These can disappear in hours. Use a reputable registrar and enable auto-renew.
2) Premium listings (available, but expensive)
Premium domains are usually being resold. Sometimes they’re held by investors; sometimes by a business.
- Ask: does this domain reduce friction enough to justify the spend?
- Check if the listing allows “make offer.” If yes, start lower than your max.
- Don’t signal desperation. Use a separate email if needed.
3) Taken domains (but still possible)
If the domain is taken, you have options:
- Pick a new name (often the fastest, cheapest path).
- Use a modifier domain (like getX.com) while you validate.
- Reach out to the owner, but be patient and set a strict max.
Most founders underestimate the time cost of negotiations. Your business is worth more than a week of back-and-forth.
4) Avoid common mistakes
- Buying multiple domains “just in case.”
- Skipping auto-renew and losing a domain later.
- Choosing a domain that’s hard to say out loud.
- Not checking for confusing similar spellings.
Want domain-aware name suggestions?
NameChat generates names and checks domains so you can focus on picking the best brand.