Where to go online to find good URLs?

[deborah]

I've read about domain kiting (or domain tasting) and wonder where is a "safe" place to search for domain names?

[kayceee]

Are you just looking to register a new name for a website you have in the works? I wouldn't worry about it -

If you're concerned about someone registering a name because you've shown interest in it, brainstorm a list of ideas in advance THEN go to the site where you plan to register and see what's available. If you find a name you like, register it on the spot - otherwise back to the drawing board.

[deborah]

Yowza, I'm finding that one of the hardest tasks is finding a good domain name! I had NO idea how hard it would be.

I got one today that was about my 57th choice. Now I'm working on figuring out another domain name for another site. Of course, my first 5 choices are gone!

[kayceee]

If your choices are all taken, surf to the addresses to see if they're parked and/or if there are "for sale" links on them. Also, check the "whois" information to see if any are due to expire soon.

- If the name is due to expire shortly and there's no developed site (there might be a parked page) at that address, email the owner (also in the "whois") and make an offer for the name - never hurts to try.

The other thing you can do is backorder the name and see if you can get it if/when it drops. If its a desirable name expect to have lots of competition!

- If there's a site there that looks like it hasn't been maintained in over a year, email the owner and make an offer - they may have lost interest.

- If there's a "for sale" link, follow it and check out the details.

Be prepared to bargain, try your best to sound casual and only slightly interested, no matter how much you like the name. However, don't expect to get a 1 word .com or a highly-searched phrase for cheap. Those are valuable investments and like prestigious real-estate, they come with a price.