Domain Owner Lookuphow To Find An Owner
Securing your own domain online is as simple as choosing a domain name and paying the appropriate fees to register it. But, in some cases, the way to get the perfect domain for your brand or business is to buy one that already exists. Expired domain names are available for anyone to buy, but if your sights are set on one thats currently in use, youll need to find out who owns that domain in order to contact them about buying it. With the help of online domain owner lookup tools and some research, you can find out the legal ownership of a domainincluding your own.
Domain.com has the tools you need to continue building your business into a success.
How To Find A Domain Name Owner
Are you trying to learn how to find a domain name owner, but dont know where to start? If you want to find the owner of a domain name, its essential to first understand the meaning of a domain name.
Its helpful to think of the relationship between a domain name and a website in the same way you think of your home address. When you look up a website, you enter the domain name so that you can be delivered to a specific website. In order to find a single website, you need an exact domain name.
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Owning Your Domain Name Is Important
You may not own your domain namereally! Just because a domain name has your website hooked up to it, does not mean that you are the legal owner. Having the wrong name on your domain registration can be cause frustrating and sometimes expensive problems. The registered domain name owner has complete control including what website it points to, what domain name registrar maintains it, and they can even sell it.
Since domain names are intangible items, it can be difficult to understand how this can happenbut here is an example. If you give a friend $5,000 to buy a car and the friend puts the title of the car in his or her name, then s/he owns the car. You have no power to claim it or sell it. The car is their property even though you paid for it. This is the same for your domain name.
Several times a year we come across a business owner who is shocked when I tell them they do not own their domain name. Most often, their website developer owns it. This can be a really bad situation especially if you are thinking of moving to a new website provider. The developer can hold the domain name hostage, remove your website from it, or do whatever they he or she wants to do with it. The only way you can force someone to change domain owner to you is if your business name is trademarked and the domain is your business name. In that case, the domain owner must sell it to you at cost.
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What Is A Domain Name
Every website on the internet has an IP address. These addresses point to a websites location think of them like GPS coordinates. The IP address, which is generally a set of numbers, usually resembles something like this:
216.27.61.137
Unfortunately, trying to remember all of those numbers in order to navigate to a website can be challenging. Thats where domain names step in and lend a hand.
A structure called the Domain Name System translates those IP addresses into names that are simple to remember. Those names are called domain names.
Your website’s domain is what people enter into the address bar on their browsers to point it toward your website. In the simplest terms, if an IP address is your websites GPS coordinates, the domain is its street address. Some examples are mailchimp.com and google.com.
When someone types a domain into a browser, it gets routed through a DNS server. That server translates the name to figure out which IP address it points to. Then it grabs the data for that website and delivers it to the browser. This process happens in a matter of seconds, letting you find and view a website fast.
Run A Domain Name Search
Now that you have found a registrar through which to register your domain, the next step is to perform a domain name search.
When choosing a domain name, make sure to pick the right domain extension as well its the suffix at the end of a web address. Domain name extensions are also referred to as top-level domains .
There are different types of domain extensions available, such as:
- Country Code Top-Level Domain . This kind of TLD represents a specific country, letting both users and search engines know that a site is designed for visitors from a particular region. An example of this is the .us domain, which is the ccTLD for the United States.
- Sponsored Top-Level Domain . Its a type of TLD restricted to certain types of groups and organizations. Some of sTLD examples include .mil, .gov, and .edu.
- Generic Top-Level Domain . Its the most common type of TLD it doesnt rely on a country code and can be used for general purposes. A few examples of gTLDs include .com, .org, and .net. This category also includes new extensions, such as .xyz, .club, and .online.
When deciding on the extension that is suitable for your domain, look for a TLD that represents the purpose of your website. Choosing the wrong suffix can confuse visitors and make your brand name prone to being misinterpreted.
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Find The Information You Need In Whois Records
If the domain owner is interested in selling their domain, their contact information is typically available in the Whois records. However, youll sometimes find that the information youre looking for has been blocked by the domain provider for privacy reasons.
If the domain that youre interested in is being sold by someone who is looking for a willing buyer, the steps outlined above is the easiest way to start negotiating a purchase. But if the seller has hidden their contact information or is not interested in selling their domain, dont despair! There are workarounds for those who are interested in a domain that has already been registered.
How To Use A Domain Name Efficiently
Your domain name is your online business card.You can define its uses to best benefit your business.For example, you can create a domain name to display:
- opening hours or menus, handy for shopkeepers and restaurant owners
- your art, if you want to put an online portfolio together
- any other information your customer base could benefit from having attheir fingertips!
You can even register a domain name to set up your own online shop.With our many web hosting packages including the most popular CMS on themarket, you will be able to create your website in a breeze!
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What Is A Subdomain
A subdomain is essentially a child domain under the main domain name. For example, ias.ittvis.com is a subdomain of ittvis.com. Where ias is the subdomain, ittvis is the parent domain and .com is the top-level domain also known as domain extension.Generally, subdomains are commonly used by websites to create child-sites under the same domain name for diversity purposes while keeping the brand authenticity in check. A business website can create a subdomain for their blog or their online store as store.example.com or blog.example.comOnce you register a domain name, you will have the ability to create as many sub domains as you want for it by yourself.
Complete The Domain Registration
As soon as you have completed the payment, youll be redirected to the control panel. Inside, there will be a setup box that youll need to fill out to complete the domain name registration.
Youll need to fill in all the fields with the correct details, such as your name, address, andcontact information. This data will be stored on WHOIS, the official domain ownership database.
After submitting your details, the domain registration will be processed.
Its possible to modify the domain ownership details using the domain management section within the control panel. Once the changes are made, you will have to confirm them via email.
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Verify Domain Name Ownership
The final step is to verify the domain ownership through the email address you used when registering the domain. The email usually arrives within a few minutes after finishing the domain setup. Simply click the verification link in the email to verify your contact information.
If the email doesnt arrive, resend the request from the control panel. We recommend doing it immediately, as waiting for 15 days or more will lead to a temporary suspension from the registry.
Thats all there is to it. Now you know how to buy a website domain name and complete the initial registration process.
Expert Tip
To make the most out of your newly acquired domain, consider authorizing it with the Google Search Console. This will provide you with important analytical insights and make it easier for Google to crawl the content of your site.
First, log into your Google account and head to the Search Console page. If you want your entire domain to be crawled, enter the URL in the bar on the left. Once thats done, click Continue and youll be presented with a code. Then, copy it and do not close the tab.
Now, log into your Hostinger account, head to the hPanel, and on to the DNS Zone Editor. Under Manage DNS Records, select TXT as the Type. Unless youre only adding a specific subdomain to the Search Console, leave @ as the Name. Next, copy the code youve received previously as the TXT Value. We recommend leaving the TTL Value as the default. To finish it all off, click on Add Record.
Darius G.
How Much Does A Domain Name Cost
When you buy a domain name through domain registrars, you register it for one year with the option of a multi-year registration. You will be able to renew your domain name registration when the initial period finishes, and will usually be alerted by the registrar to do so. Domain names are also sometimes included in your web hosting plan and if not, usually offered by your hosting company.
Domains purchased through Mailchimp are priced based on the TLD you choose, such as .com or .net.
A domain name with a common top-level domain, such as .com, can be had for as low as $12.99 per year, and promotions are often available. Internet domains purchased through Mailchimp also come with free WHOIS privacy protection and a Secure Sockets Layer certificate to provide your website with free verification and encryption.
You do need to have a web hosting plan to put your site online, but you dont need to have hosting to purchase a domain. Assuming you have a business or blog name in mind, its possible to reserve your brands name for the future by purchasing and registering your domain name now. Then youll have plenty of time to consider how to build your website.
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Who Legally Owns A Domain
Searching for a domains owner can turn up multiple names provided as contacts for functions such as technical support, administration, and billing. But, the legal owner of a website is the registrantthe person or entity in whose name the domain has been registered with a dedicated domain registrar or hosting provider. As long as registration fees are kept up to date, that owner retains full rights to the domain and has sole control over selling it at any time, whether or not the domain is nearing expiration.
Check If Your Domain Name Is Available
To find out if your proposed domain name is available, use our Business name check tool. You can also use the tool to check if your business name is available.
Note that a domain name doesnt give you protection of that name. It simply secures you the url. You should always register your business name first and consider protecting it with a trade mark. If you use a business name or domain name that someone else has already trademarked, you could face legal action.
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Consider A New Domain Name
Theres a decent chance that even if you take all of these steps, the person that owns that domain now either wont want to sell, or will only accept a higher price than you can pay.
In that case, youre far from the first person to have to come up with an alternative to the first name you set your heart on. Consider different domain name extensionsif the .com is taken, the .net or .co may still be available. And brainstorm new domain name ideas. You may just come up with something you like even more than your original idea.
How To Buy A Domain Name: Domain Registration Guide
What you need to know about domain names, how to choose the right one, and the steps to take to check if a domain name is available and to register your domain.
If you want to start a blog or a new online business, youll need to register a domain name, the name for your website. Getting the right domain for your needs might sound technical at first, but the process is pretty simple.
This domain registration guide will tell you what you need to know about domain name extensions, how to choose the right one for your needs, and the steps youll need to take to check if a domain name is available and to register your domain.
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The Geek Way: Start With The Domain Name
First, always start from the beginning. Start with the domain. Do a whois to find out which name servers are being used with this domain.
You will see this in the results:
Name Server: NS.RACKSPACE.COMName Server: NS2.RACKSPACE.COM
There are 2 or more name servers listed usually as there is a primary server and secondary server. Very often, where you have your DNS is where you have other things like your website hosting and email, so this is a valuable clue.
I also have an article here about how to tell who is hosting your website and you might want to read that one as well.
Come Up With New Ideas For Your Domain Name
If your negotiations dont bode well and you cant secure ownership for the domain name, youll have to brainstorm some new ideas. Try these tips to help you choose a domain name without having to completely start from scratch:
- Opt for a different top-level domain . Many websites use a .com TLD, but you can also see if your domain name is available at a .co, .org, .shop, .biz, or other TLD.
- Add a word to your domain name. Words like shop and buy make excellent additions to your domain name. If shoes.com isnt available, for example, you could do shopshoes.com or buyshoes.com.
- Get help from a domain name generator. Get ideas from Shopifys free domain name generator. Plug in your ideas and keywords and youll get popular and alternative domain names to use for your business.
Find your perfect domain name
Search for domain name ideas and instantly check domain availability.
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How To Find The Owner Of Your Ideal Domain
The right domain name enhances your visibility and promotes your brand, but that perfect name may belong to someone elseand locating that person can be the first step toward securing the domain for your own use. Checking ownership of a domain can help keep your own domain secure and up to date, as well. With the help of online search tools such as WHOIS and a little detective work, its possible to find any domains legal owneror to protect your own domains essential information.
Domain.com has the tools you need to continue building your business into a success.
Kristin Crabb
Content Marketing Strategist working in the digital marketing industry. Skilled in SEO-focused content creation, keyword research and competitive analysis, interactive content, web content optimization, and landing page creation.
How Do I Know If My Pc Is On A Domain Windows 10
You can quickly check whether your computer is part of a domain or not. Open the Control Panel, click the System and Security category, and click System. Look under Computer name, domain and workgroup settings here. If you see Domain: followed by the name of a domain, your computer is joined to a domain.
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Why Look Up A Domain Owner
There are many reasons someone would want to look up a domain owner. Often, its because the owner can furnish information about the domain and website that no one else can. Its also common for domain owners to search themselves in order to confirm that their website is being accurately represented online.
Other reasons to look up a domain owner:
How Do I Buy A Domain Name
Congrats! You found an available name and youre ready to make it yours. Simply add the domain name to your cart and start the checkout process. During checkout, youll make some decisions like how many years youd like to register it for, if youd like to add site hosting, email, advanced security, auto-renewals, and other features.
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