Great Resources for Finding Even Better Domains

The search for a brandable domain has to start somewhere. Most likely, any terms that you think of for use as a website name will already have been taken, especially if it is more common. As in the case of this website, blogtips.com was already taken and anything related to it didn’t really pertain to the niche as closely. However, the domain I chose had an interesting spin to it, albeit still a bit general.

I have gathered up a list of resources that you can use to find domains. It is incomplete and may be expanded – I need your recommendations. What tools do you use beyond those listed for finding domains besides those that come with your registrar?

1. FreshDrop – This site presents a list of affordable, recently dropped domain names. They are often much more affordable (up to twice) than when you purchase new domains from most registrars, although this cost may be associated with purchasing the domain and not the yearly registration.

Nearly 2.5 million domains can be found through the site, although some may be more costly than others to purchase. You can browse the sites through the various languages, apply filters, and view statistics and information about the sites. You are given a set amount of time to purchase a domain – the site is based around a “bid” system of sorts. Traffic, Page Rank, number of Google searches, listings in directories, and more are displayed on a complete list.

2. GreatDomains – This site displays some of the best domains, and with the better domains, you’ll have to make offers (six figure or higher costs). You can also sell domains through the service, ideal if you have a number of unused domains “laying around.”

3. Flippa – A new service from SitePoint, this is the number one place on the web to find developed and new domains and websites, including those that you can purchase with content – ideal if you don’t know where to start with building a site.

4. Deleted Domains – Find valuable deleted and expired domains. You have the ability to perform an unlimited number of deleted domain searches, filter domain searches, export domain deletion results, receive daily deleted email alerts, and more.

Membership plans are available to gain access to more features and discounts on domains. For example, you are limited to a select number of results when you perform the search without any plan.

5. Stuck Domains – Browse through more than 27 million unique domains. When searching for the term “blog,” I found quite a few domains that are brandable, albeit quite long in length. Within the set of search tools, you can filter out some domains, such as those with hyphens, numbers, and those with longer lengths.

6. Just Dropped – You need a membership to join the site, although it is free, can be a hassle if you need to find an expired or recently dropped domain quickly. In addition, the site doesn’t have the best organization and layout.

7. MakeWords – This is my favorite site for finding domains and getting ideas for new domains, as it has the cleanest and most organized layout. It might not have the most complete set of tools for organizing domains and finding them by link popularity, Page Rank, etc., but is ideal for people who want a domain within a certain length of characters and those starting or ending with a certain set of characters.

By signing in, you can save your domains, settings, and keywords.

8. Whois.net – Find deleted domains and search the WHOIS directory. This is one of the primary methods that people use to look up who they registered their domains with.

9. Old Domains – Great domain names, with the ability to search and browse through recently dropped domain names.