Let’s be honest—finding a great domain name that’s actually available and affordable can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Most of the good ones are taken or come with a hefty price tag. But don’t worry—with a little creativity and a few smart strategies, you can still lock down a solid domain name without blowing your budget.
Here are 7 practical tips to help you land a memorable, brandable domain at a reasonable price.
1. Use Domain Name Generators
Stuck on ideas? Domain name generators are your best friend. Just plug in a few keywords related to your niche or brand, and these tools will churn out hundreds of available options. Many also show you instantly whether a domain is up for grabs.
Popular picks:
- -LeanDomainSearch
- -NameMesh
- -BustAName
They’re especially helpful if you're starting from scratch or want to spark new ideas.
2. Keep It Short and Simple
The best domain names are easy to say, easy to spell, and easy to remember. Try to keep it under 15 characters if you can. Avoid hyphens, numbers, and complicated words that people might mistype.
Example:
✅ BrightBean.com
❌ Br1ght-B34n-website.com
Short, simple names are also easier to share and look better on social media handles or business cards.
3. Explore Alternative Extensions
Yes, .com is the king—but it’s not the only option anymore. These days, there are plenty of great alternatives like .co, .io, .net, .shop, .tech, and even industry-specific extensions like .design or .studio.
These can often be more affordable and give your domain a unique flair, especially if you're in a creative or tech field.
4. Look for Promotions & Deals
Registrars frequently offer deals for first-time buyers or during holiday seasons. Keep an eye out for discounts, bundle offers, or coupon codes.
Tip:
Sign up for newsletters or follow registrars on social media—companies like Gname.com often announce flash sales and promos that can save you a few bucks.
5. Check Expired Domains
Sometimes the best domains are ones that were previously registered but have expired. These domains might already have backlinks, existing traffic, or a bit of SEO juice—which can be a nice bonus.
Check out platforms like:
- -ExpiredDomains.net
- -Gname.com
Just be sure to look into the domain's history to avoid anything shady like spam or blacklisting.
6. Stay Flexible with Name Variations
If your dream domain is taken, don’t give up—get creative. Add a short word, try a different suffix, or combine keywords in a unique way.
Examples:
- -SunnySideBakery.com → GetSunnySide.com
- -UrbanYoga.com → UrbanYogaStudio.com
- -NomadTravel.com → Nomadly.co
You might stumble on something even better than your original idea.
7. Act Fast Once You Find a Good One
Found a domain you love and it’s within budget? Grab it. Good domain names don’t stay available for long, and if you wait, someone else might snatch it up.
If you’re serious about the name, consider registering it for multiple years to lock in the price and show commitment to your brand.
Final Thoughts
Great domain names don’t have to come with premium price tags—you just need the right tools, a little patience, and a willingness to get creative.
Use generators for ideas, explore non-.com extensions, look for deals, and don’t be afraid to check out expired domains. Keep your name clean and memorable, and when you find a good one, don’t hesitate.
Remember, your domain is often your first impression online. Make it count—but make it smart.
