What Is A Name Search?

Before you can present your website on the Internet, you need to register a domain name. This allows Internet traffic to be effortlessly directed to your webpage. However, the popularity of domain names has become so intense, that it is very necessary to perform a name search before registering a domain name. A name search is needed, because your first attempts to secure a domain name will most likely be thwarted.

Most of the unique, memorable, and simple domain names are already registered to individuals or organizations. Therefore, you need to scour through the master domain name database to determine if one of the names you were considering is available. You may also search the WHOIS database. Either of these databases can be accessed through various web hosting or domain registration services to perform a name search.

Searching the master domain name database will tell you if the domain name is already registered. However, if more information is needed, you may want to explore the WHOIS database. The WHOIS database provides much more data from a name search. You can search all possible extensions including alternative extensions like .kids or .name. You even have access to country-code top-level domains. Many websites offer a name search of the WHOIS database and report the website’s status, traffic ranking, and title. There are options to search by domain name, NIC handle, IP address, or registrar.

Performing a name search in the WHOIS database can be extremely helpful for those interested in purchasing an occupied domain name from a registrant. The name search will reveal the registrants name, address, fax number, and phone number. It also shows contact information for the administrative contact and technical contact. Other useful data is when the domain was created, its expiration date, and how frequently it’s updated. With that information, you can determine if the registrant is likely to sell the domain. If they are, you may contact the registrant and offer to purchase the domain name from them.

A name search is a necessary process you must go through to ensure that you get a desirable domain name for your website.