So, what’s the best way to find if a domain name is available? You could try Googling it to see if anything comes up, sure, but we have a better, easier way: our patented, CIRA .CA domain search tool!
Just plug your desired domain into the search bar below, hit the button and in milliseconds, you’ll see if it’s available (hooray!) or not (whomp, whomp).
We’ll run through both scenarios here.
See if your .CA domain name is available today!
Your .CA domain name is available – huzzah! What next?
If your domain name is available, you’ll be presented with a list of CIRA-certified domain name registrars—a.k.a., the people who sell domain name registrations.
All you need to do is click on any one of the registrar links and you’ll be whisked off to their site to complete the domain-buying process. Check out our step by step guide on how to buy a .CA domain which shares some helpful tips along the way.
Remember: it’s always worth clicking on a few domain providers, comparing prices and seeing what other services—like web hosting, business emails, website builders—they might bundle in with your registration fee. We do love a good deal here at CIRA!
What if your .CA domain name is taken?
In the event your domain name has already been registered by someone else, our search tool will tell you exactly that…then offer up some suggested alternatives. If those alternatives don’t quite work, fear not—there are still more options!
First—you could try spelling out your domain name in a different way. For instance, if the domain you wanted was “calgarybagels.ca,” you might try a simple rearrangement, like “bagelsincalgary.ca,” to see if it’s available. The only potential snag here is that businesses will often register multiple variations, or common misspellings of their domain names to protect their brand from rivals and imitators.
Pro tip: in addition to being cheap insurance, registering multiple domains can net you some tasty discounts depending on which registrar you go with!
So then, you might want to get a little more creative. Bring Calgary’s nickname (cow-town) into it—“cowtownbagels.ca.” Or—you could incorporate location, by using Calgary’s airport callsign to create “yycbagels.ca” or perhaps the street where your business is located – i.e., “bownessbagels.ca.” Read our blog to learn other ways local businesses can use location in their domain name.
If you’re still stumped, some domain providers, like GoDaddy, offer name generators which can provide you with a few options based on a couple key words or phrases related to your business.
Just remember: keeping your name simple, easily typeable and memorable always wins the day. Check out this blog for more sage advice on how to choose a good domain name.
What if you just gotta have that domain name and will accept no substitutes?
Well, aren’t you the plucky Canuck? In this case, two options come to mind:
1. Bide your time ‘til the domain becomes available. From our search tool, you can click the “domain information” button and see when the domain registration is set to expire.
If the current owner decides not to renew, or lets things lapse, you might be able to scoop it up either during a TBR (To-Be-Released) session, or if the domain makes it back to general availability.
2. You might want to work with a domain name broker. They’ll work on your behalf to contact the domain name’s current holder and negotiate a fair price.
Ready to see if your dream .CA domain name is available and up for grabs? There’s no time like now to start with our search tool. Let the adventure begin!
Kira is the Marketing & Channel Specialist at CIRA. She focuses on content, digital marketing and channel strategies to help Canadian business owners make the right domain choice for their business website so they can find success online.
