| u are new to domain names, it's easy to get baffled | | | | 'domainers' in the hope that they become valuable or |
| by the terms used to describe their status. If a | | | | someone makes them an offer. If you really want a |
| domain is 'free', what does that really mean? Is an | | | | name which is already registered but not being used, |
| expiring domain the same as a deleted one? Is it | | | | remember the owner will probably ask for far too |
| better to look for a domain that is for sale, or just | | | | much. Try to negotiate downwards. If you can't, look |
| register a completely new one? | | | | for another name. |
| Here we will explain what all the jargon really means. | | | | 3. Expiring |
| You are probably looking for a domain, or want to | | | | This means the period that the person who |
| add another domain to build a site with. Any potential | | | | registered the name for has expired; they still have a |
| domain you are interested in registering can be either | | | | chance to renew it if they want. The domain is 'on |
| free and available, already registered, expiring, | | | | hold' while the domain registration company awaits |
| deleted or for sale. Let's look at each of these now. | | | | contact and payment from the owner. They will do |
| 1. Free and available | | | | their best to make sure the owner has a chance to |
| If you have typed a domain name in the address | | | | renew. Valuable domain names which are about to |
| field of a browser, and you get a message like | | | | expire will be snapped up by speculators the instant |
| 'Server not found', then it is likely that the domain | | | | they are released. |
| name has not been registered by anyone yet. If you | | | | 4. Deleted |
| do the same search at a domain name registrar you | | | | The expiring period has ended, and the domain is |
| can confirm the name is still free, and then buy it. If | | | | released. It can be registered again by anyone who |
| you are having trouble finding a suitable domain name, | | | | wants to pay for it. |
| most of the registrant services, or search tools like | | | | 5. For sale |
| will be able to suggest variants of your keyword. | | | | The owner of the domain is actively trying to sell it, |
| You should note that a lot of sites mean something | | | | either through an auction, an agent, or through a 'This |
| different when they talk about a 'free domain'. They | | | | domain is for sale' message on a parked page. You |
| are often referring to the domain name you can get | | | | can buy the domain if you want. Remember, unlike |
| as a freebie when you sign up for web hosting. | | | | physical real estate, most domains sell for a fraction |
| 2. Already registered | | | | of their advertised price. But remember if the domain |
| If a domain name is already registered, it means | | | | is associated with an actual web site, and the site |
| someone else has the name in their ownership. There | | | | can be found in the search engines, then it could be a |
| may or may not be a website associated with it. | | | | more valuable purchase. |
| Some domains are bought by speculators or | | | | |