Which domain extension should I choose?

[wonderlandgirl]

I am ready to set up a new website, have chosen a domain name but the .com and .co.uk domains are already taken. Should I go for .net or for .uk.com? Or something else? Does it matter?

Thanks in advance

 

[nahosting]

It depends if they are doing similar things and where your target market is. The domain extension .net is more common than .uk.com

 

[wonderlandgirl]

The .com and .co.uk are taken but there is no website available when I go to these domains, my target market will be the UK to start with, but this could be international at a later date,

Thanks

 

[sirearl]

The .com and .co.uk are taken but there is no website available when I go to these domains, my target market will be the UK to start with, but this could be international at a later date,

Thanks

In that case go for .net

 

[wonderlandgirl]

OK thanks!

 

[nahosting]

It may be worth approaching the owners of the domains if they are not being used. Do a whois search on Nominet for the .co.uk and any commercial whois website for the .com. Getting the right domain name can be very important for your business so it is worth investigating. The .net will have a more valid presence international and is a more generic domain extension.

 

[GraemeL]

Must you really really have this domain name? Much better to get a unique one and buy couk and com for it yourself.

If you really want it because you think it will help people find you, that applies equally to those who have already registered it.

G

 

[wonderlandgirl]

How would I approach the owner of the .com and .co.uk with a view to buying the domains from them?

 

[Websitehandyman]

If your customer are UK based then the approach should be;

1. CO.UK
2. COM

If either one of those are taken you should concider a different name. If either are being used it's best to concider a different name. If neither are being used then do some research on the owner. If it's a domain seller I would even bother asking the price. If it's a private person they might be prepared to sell it. Transfer can be hard to understand if you've not done it.

If the site is ecom I wouldn't choose any other type of domain. If it's a service NET and others might be suitable.

 

[wonderlandgirl]

I have found out who owns the domain names, they are based in the UK and have a full time job as an estate agent branch manager! (The domain name is nothing to do with this estate agent). They registered it in June 2012 and have not created a website yet - I want to ask if I can buy it from them, any suggestions on my approach?!

 

[Websitehandyman]

Use the Whois to find the admin email address and just ask them "Do you have anything planed for this domain ? if not would you be will to let it go?"

 

[wonderlandgirl]

I've tried to email the domain owner using the whois email, but the email address is obviously no longer valid as it's bounced back. I don't feel happy phoning them, any suggestions? Thanks

 

[Websitehandyman]

Have you tried the email address admin@"the domain" if you like I'll take a look for you just pm the domain and I'll see if I can find anything you might have missed.

 

[webhostuk]

I've tried to email the domain owner using the whois email, but the email address is obviously no longer valid as it's bounced back. I don't feel happy phoning them, any suggestions? Thanks

In that case .net domain will be your best go.

 

[money road]

a lot of of good domain names are taken, waiting for something,
I would suggest to buy used domain name. In this case you can get kick start on your business. Domain with some traffic, rank, backlinks. Fresh domains it is harder to compete with old, because old has got authority during years.