Try a different ending first, such as .co.uk or .uk instead of .com. If that's taken too, add a short word that describes what you do or where you are, like bluefoxbakery.co.uk or bluefoxbristol.co.uk. Keep it short, easy to say and free of hyphens if you can.
First, check other endings
A name that's taken as a .com is often still free as a .co.uk or .uk, and for a UK business those endings can be the better choice anyway. One search shows every available ending and its price at once.
Before you settle on a different ending, look at what's on the taken domain. If it's a busy business in your industry, customers could mix you up, so a different name may be wiser. If it's unused or in an unrelated field, a different ending is usually fine. Our guide to .co.uk vs .com vs .uk explains the differences.
Need ideas fast? Try our free business name generator. It suggests names and shows which .co.uk and .com domains are available right now.
Eight ways to find an alternative
Imagine your first choice, bluefox.co.uk, is taken. Here's how you might adapt it:
| Approach | How it works | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Say what you do | Add your product or service | bluefoxbakery.co.uk |
| Add your location | Great for local businesses, and helps local searches | bluefoxbristol.co.uk |
| Add an action word | Words like get, try, shop or visit | shopbluefox.co.uk |
| Add "the" | Simple and often available | thebluefox.co.uk |
| Add a short ending word | Words like hq, co, studio or store | bluefoxstudio.co.uk |
| Use your full business name | Include the words you trade under | bluefoxdesigns.co.uk |
| Try a different ending | .uk, .co.uk, .com or a newer one like .shop | bluefox.uk |
| Rethink the name | Use a synonym or a new angle on your idea | redkitebakery.co.uk |
Swipe the table to see all columns.
Tip: some of the best business names come from the second or third idea, not the first. A clear name that tells people what you do often works harder than a clever one.
What to avoid
Try to avoid
- Hyphens, which are easy to forget when people type
- Numbers, which are confusing when said out loud (4 or four?)
- Unusual spellings, like "kwik" instead of "quick"
- Very long names that won't fit on a logo or van
- Names very close to a well-known brand
Aim for
- Short and easy to spell
- Easy to say on the phone
- Clear about what you do
- Something you'll still like in five years
Before you commit, check the name isn't someone else's registered trade mark using the GOV.UK trade mark search. A domain name doesn't give you the right to use a protected brand name.
Can you buy a domain that's already taken?
Sometimes. If the domain isn't being used, the owner may be willing to sell it. Look at the website, if there is one, for contact details, or check whether it shows a "for sale" notice.
Be realistic, though. Prices for taken domains can range from a small amount to thousands of pounds, and the owner doesn't have to sell. For most small businesses, a good available alternative is quicker and cheaper.
Test your shortlist
Once you have two or three options, put them through these quick tests:
- The phone test. Say it out loud to a friend. Can they type it correctly without help?
- The email test. Imagine it as an email address, such as hello@bluefoxbakery.co.uk. Does it look right?
- The social test. Check whether the same name is free on the social platforms you plan to use.
- The future test. Will it still fit if you add new products or move to a new area?
When you've found the one, register it straight away. Good names can be taken quickly, and it costs very little to secure the extra endings too.
Common questions
Is it OK to use a different ending to a business with the same name?
It can be, but check what the other business does first. If it's in the same industry or area, customers may confuse you. Also check that the name isn't a registered trade mark.
Do keywords in a domain name help with Google?
A little, mainly because they tell people what you do, which can make them more likely to click. Useful content and a good website matter far more, so choose a name that's easy to remember first.
Should I use a hyphen if my name is taken?
Only as a last resort. People tend to forget hyphens when typing, so some visitors and emails could end up at the version without one.
Will a taken domain ever become available?
Sometimes, if the owner doesn't renew it. However, many domains are renewed automatically, so it's not something to rely on.
Keep reading
More plain-English guides for getting your business online.
See all guides →Check your name ideas
Search for your name to see every available ending and its price.
