Domain names are governed and need to be registered. If you already have a domain name, it is usually fairly quick (but not always necessary) to transfer it to another registrar or hosting service.

If you do not have one, and have an idea of what you want to use, you will need to verify whether it is already taken. You may do so at a website such as
Uwhois.com. Just enter the name of the domain you wish to use, followed by a checkmark in the ending you want. For example, if we wanted to name our website "pegspages" we enter that phrase into the text box, put a checkmark in the top-level domains we were curious about (.com, .de, and .ca), and clicked Go.

domain search example

We found pegspages.com was available, so we were able to purchase and register it, and now we are the only company in the world who can use that domain.

If it had already been registered, it would have shown us who the registrar was and the date it was purchased and the date it is set to expire. If the domain name you want is already registered to someone else, it is conceivable you may be able to purchase it from that individual or company.

HINT: If you already have a 'commonly known as' or nickname with your established clientele, consider that as your domain.

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