How To Find Out Who Owns A Domain
Have you ever come across the perfect domain name for your brand, only to realize that it is already taken? Do not lose hope because many registered sites might be up for sale. This is why identifying the name and contact details of the owner can help you learn more about the possibilities of acquiring it.
This article will explain everything you need to know about the WHOIS directory, the benefits of buying a registered domain, and the steps you can take to secure a site you have your heart set on.
WHOIS Directory
One surefire way to uncover ownership status and information of a website is using the popular directory WHOIS Lookup. This directory can disclose details about the registrar, owner, expiration date, and other specifications related to the web property in question. This is because standard information about the website owner is collected and added to the database whenever new domains are acquired.
Knowing the email address or phone number of the person who holds the legal rights over a domain will help you reach out and make a direct offer. While many website owners use privacy settings to hide their contact details, you will be able to see the expiration date and details of the registrar.
You can use this directory by following these steps:
- Go to https://hostadvice.com/tools/whois-domain/
- Enter the complete URL of the website owners you wish to know more about
- Click “LOOKUP”
- Get the details of the registrant or technical contacts which include their name, email, registration date, registration location, and expiration date
Why Do People Buy Domains?
Did you know that some people have as many as 30 web properties they do not even use? In some cases, they see ownership of these sites as an investment and in other cases, they are saving them for future projects. Here are some more key facts:
- Parking refers to buying and holding a domain rather than launching it
- Resale of domain names is common as attractive website names are typically bought and held
- Cybersquatting is an illegitimate action of buying a name with the motive of tarnishing the reputation of an existing business
How To Buy A Domain You Want
Before you start saving up to buy your dream domain, you need to find out who to reach out to. Here are three ways to find out the information of a domain owner.
Contact The Site Owner Directly
Oftentimes, website owners who want to sell their properties make it easy to find their information via the domain itself.
When you contact the website owner, share your name, email address, phone number, and other contact information with a proposal, along with links or references to your social media profiles to prove the legitimacy of your request.
Seek Assistance Of A Domain Broker
For those of you who could not find the contact details of the owners directly, a broker can help you reach them and make an offer. Two ideal service providers that mediate between vendors and customers while walking you through the whole process are Brannans and Sedo. They can shield you from scammers too.
Think About Using A Different Domain Name
There is a real chance that even if you successfully acquire the contact details of the owner, they might not be willing to sell the property. Hence, a viable alternative is to brainstorm other relevant names and check other extensions such as .com, .net, .co, or others.
Summing Up
Whether you want to start a business or secure your dream website name that is already registered, WHOIS lookup can help you locate the contact details of the owner and negotiate directly. If that does not work, check the contact page of the website, or try using a broker.
If all else fails, start thinking about switching to a different domain extension, or change your URL concept altogether.
