You've come up with the perfect name for your website. But is it still available? Before you get started, you'll want to know for sure. Checking a domain name takes just a few seconds and saves you from building a brand around a name you can't actually use. In this article you'll learn how to quickly check whether a domain name is available, what to look out for, and how to register the name right away.
What does checking a domain name mean?
Checking a domain name means verifying that the name you want isn't already registered by someone else. Every domain name exists only once: if yourname.nl is already taken, you can't register it again. A check shows you within seconds whether your preferred name is free — and if not, which alternatives and extensions (.nl, .com, .be) are still available.
It's the first step before you build a website or create an email address. That way you know exactly where you stand and avoid disappointment later on.
Check a domain name in 3 steps
At bHosted you check a domain name directly, with no hassle:
- Enter your preferred name. Type in the name you have in mind, with or without an extension.
- View the result. You'll see straight away whether the name is free. Is
.nltaken? Then you'll instantly see which other extensions are still available. - Lock it in. Is your name free? Register it in a few clicks, before someone else beats you to it.
Want to get started right now? Check and register your domain name — you'll be done in no time.
Why checking a domain name matters
A quick check seems like a small effort, but it saves you a lot of trouble:
- You avoid wasted time. You won't build a brand or logo around a name that turns out to be taken.
- You protect your brand. You'll spot in time whether a name resembles a trademark, so you avoid legal issues.
- You seize your chance. Good, short names go fast. Whoever checks and registers quickly gets there first.
- You think ahead. Seeing which extensions are free helps you grab
.comor.betoo and protect your brand across the board.
Choosing a good domain name: what to look for
A strong domain name is short, easy to remember and simple to spell. A few guidelines that always work:
- Keep it short and punchy. Long names are hard to remember and easy to mistype.
- Avoid hyphens and numbers. They cause confusion when someone hears your name rather than sees it.
- Pick a fitting extension.
.nlsignals trust with a Dutch audience. Targeting Belgium or beyond as well? Add.beand.com. - Think about the future. Choose a name that grows with your plans, so you don't have to move later.
Want to dive deeper? Also read how to choose and register a domain name.
What does "domain name available" mean?
If a name is listed as available, it hasn't been registered by anyone yet and you can claim it right away. If the name is taken, that's not necessarily the end: sometimes the owner is willing to sell, but that can be pricey. Often it's smarter to choose a variant or a different extension that is free. Before you register, always check that the name doesn't resemble an existing trademark too closely — that prevents trouble down the line.
Checking and registering a domain name at bHosted
At bHosted you check and register your domain name in one place. We've been an independent Dutch hosting company for 23 years, with our own hardware in a Dutch datacenter. What's handy about a domain name at bHosted:
- Sharp prices. See exactly what a domain costs in advance on our pricing page.
- Everything under one roof. Easily combine your domain name with web hosting and email, so your website goes live straight away.
- More names, more protection. Register multiple domain names at once to protect your brand.
- A real person on the phone. Stuck? Our support team is ready to help — with an average response time of just 19 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about checking a domain name
Is checking a domain name free?
Yes. Checking whether a domain name is available is always free and without obligation. You only pay when you actually register the name.
What does a domain name cost?
That depends on the extension. You'll find the current rates on our pricing page. A .nl domain is affordable to register at bHosted.
Can I check a domain name without registering right away?
Absolutely. You can check as often as you like whether a name is free, with no obligation. Only when you decide to lock in the name do you move on to registering.
What if my domain name is already taken?
Then you'll immediately see which alternatives and extensions are still free. Often a slightly different name or another extension such as .com or .be is a perfect solution.
Can I transfer my domain name to bHosted later?
Yes. If you already have a domain name with another provider, you can transfer it to bHosted easily and for free. Read how transferring a domain name works.
Ready to check?
A good domain name is the foundation of your online presence. Don't wait too long — the best names go fast. Check whether your domain name is still available and lock it in today. Just be hosted.
