How to Find a Good .com Domain

When it comes to web addresses, .com has long been the gold standard. Even as hundreds of new domain extensions have entered the market, .com remains the most trusted and recognizable top-level domain (TLD) on the internet.

That popularity comes at a cost as many of the best .com names were claimed years ago, either by active businesses or early domain investors. So how do you compete today? Is securing a .com still worth the effort, or is it better to look at new TLDs? 

To answer those questions, we’ll break down why .com still matters, how to find a strong domain, and what to do if your ideal name is already taken.

What makes a good domain?

Your web address is a core piece of your brand identity. In one sense, it’s just your digital address. But in reality, it’s much more — a first impression, a credibility signal, and a key part of how people recognize your brand.

Whether you’re eyeing a classic .com or considering a distinctive new domain extension, the same core principles apply. A good domain is always:

• Concise and typo-proof: Shorter is better. Aim for domains that are easy to type and less likely to be misspelled. Ideally, stick to one or two words, avoid tricky wordplay, and minimize hyphen use.
• Memorable and brandable: A good domain name sticks in the mind. It should be unique enough to stand out but familiar enough to feel natural. Think of names that evoke a feeling, idea, or function.
• Relevant to your brand or industry: Whether you use your exact business name or something descriptive, make sure it’s contextually connected to what you do. This builds trust and makes it easier for customers to find you.
• Legally clear: Before committing, check for trademarks or existing business names that might create legal risk. A seemingly available domain could lead to future disputes if it overlaps with someone else’s intellectual property.
• Registered on a trustworthy extension: Your domain extension signals credibility and intent. While .com is the default standard for many users, there are situations where an industry-specific TLD might be a better fit. The key is to avoid domains that have spammy reputations or don’t resonate with your target audience.

Why .com domains are the standard

The .com domain extension has been around since the early days of the internet. The name — short for “commerce” — was meant to distinguish it from the other early generic top-level domains (gTLDs). Unlike .org, (organization), .edu (education), .gov (government), or .net (network), .com signified clear commercial intent. 

The early popularity of .com was fueled by the explosive growth of businesses building their first websites in the ‘90s. As the internet became more mainstream, .com domains were the default choice, not just for e-commerce brands, but for any organization that wanted to be taken seriously online. Media coverage, advertising, and the rise of search engines all helped launch the “dot-com boom,” cementing .com as the most visible and widely adopted TLD.

That early dominance created a flywheel effect: The more people saw .com domains in use, the more they came to associate them with legitimacy and professionalism. Even today, .com remains the most recognized and trusted TLD among global consumers. For many users, a .com address simply “feels right.” 

Why is it so hard to find a great .com?

The popularity of .com has become a double-edged sword. The more companies choose .com extensions, the harder it becomes for brands to find unique domains. As of 2025, there are over 150 million .com addresses, representing nearly 43% of all registered domains. The next closest competition is .cn, the ccTLD for China, at only 5.4% of all registrations. (Domain Name Industry Brief, 2025)

That makes it especially hard for businesses to find short, brandable domains. Many of the most desirable domains were snapped up long ago, either by early adopters or domain investors who continue to hold them for resale. Companies now often find that their ideal domain is already owned, inactive, or listed for sale at a steep premium.

The competitive secondary market adds another layer of complexity. Even when a .com is technically available, it may only be for sale on the aftermarket, where prices can be steep.  It’s not uncommon for high-value domains to be listed for thousands — or even millions — of dollars. And with domain squatters and automated registration tools constantly scanning for new opportunities, even slight variations on common brand names can disappear quickly.

What to do (and not to do) if your .com is taken

Just because .com domains are competitive doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Limited availability can spark creativity and help you find a domain that stands out. Here are some smart moves — and common mistakes to avoid — when searching for the right .com for your brand.

1. Use smart, brand-aligned variations

If the .com domain you want is already taken, try these strategies to find a strong alternative that still fits your brand:

• Add a verb or descriptive TLD (e.g., getacme.com, acme.solutions)
• Use your geographic region (acme.co, acmechicago.com)
• Try a domain hack if appropriate (acme.online). Just be sure to avoid excessive hyphens, numbers, or intentional misspellings, which can hurt credibility and lead to lost traffic.

Plenty of well-known brands have opted for a variation of their preferred website, at least until they were able to secure the primary domain. Dropbox.com was getdropbox.com for a few years, and Tesla had to use teslamotors.com until 2016. (DN.org, 2025)

2. Contact the current domain owner

If the .com is parked or inactive, it may be for sale. Use domain lookup tools like who.is to find the registrant or check domain marketplaces where the owner might have listed it for sale. Be prepared to negotiate, and budget accordingly, but don’t overextend your budget unless the name is absolutely essential.

3. Consider a credible alternative TLD

Plenty of businesses now succeed with newer domain extensions, as industry-specific TLDs gain momentum. Options like .ai, .dev, and .io are especially popular in tech spaces, while domains like .bio and .me are growing in popularity for personal portfolios and individual brands. 

Chosen carefully, these can be easier to register and still signal professionalism, especially if the .com is unobtainable. Explore a variety of options for your full domain name on our domain name search to find a few good options for your business.

4. Avoid legal rabbit holes (unless you have a strong case)

If a specific .com is highly valuable to you, it may be tempting to pursue legal action or a claim under the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP). However, it’s wise to proceed with caution as these processes can be timely and/or expensive. Focus on strategic alternatives first.

What to do once you have your .com

Securing the right URL for your brand is a big win. But, whether you secure a valuable .com domain or one with a creative new TLD, you’ll want to take all the necessary steps to protect your investment for the long haul. That includes:

• Enabling auto-renewal: One of the most preventable disasters is losing your domain because it wasn’t renewed in time. The first thing you should do is enable auto-renewal with your registrar, then make sure your payment info is up to date.
• Using domain locking: Many registrars offer a “domain lock” feature, which prevents unauthorized transfers. This adds a layer of protection against domain hijacking or accidental changes. It’s somewhat like putting a security freeze on your credit report.
• Keeping your contact info current: ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) requires accurate contact details for all domain registrations. Outdated email addresses can cause you to miss critical alerts about renewals or disputes.
• Registering related domains: If your budget allows, consider buying common variants of your domain name to prevent squatting, reduce confusion, and strengthen overall brand protection.
• Setting up alerts or monitoring: Use tools to monitor for typo domains, lookalike attempts, or trademark infringement. This helps you stay ahead of bad actors who might try to mimic your brand.

Finding the right .com is hard — but not impossible

In a world where .com domains are in increasingly short supply, landing the perfect one takes strategy, creativity, and sometimes, a little compromise. The most desirable names may already be claimed, but that doesn’t mean your brand can’t find a domain that’s powerful, memorable, and credible. From clever workarounds to modern TLDs, you’ve got more ways than ever to stake your claim on the web.

Ultimately, your goal should be to find a domain that reflects your brand, builds trust, and sticks in the minds of your customers. A good .com still carries weight, but it’s not the only path to legitimacy. With the right approach, you can find a domain that works for you.

 

Sources:

DNIB. (n.d.). Global Domain Name Base Trends.

https://www.dnib.com/dashboards/global-domain-name-base-trends

Domain Name Stat. Domain name registrations in All TLDs.

https://domainnamestat.com/statistics/tldtype/all 

DN.org. Case Study How Dropbox Went from GetDropbox.com to Dropbox.com.

https://dn.org/case-study-how-dropbox-went-from-getdropboxcom-to-dropboxcom/