You have your eye on the perfect domain name that is already registered but has been suspended. So what can you do?
UK domain names are handled by Nominet. Whilst you may have bought your domain name via 123-REG or other registrars it is Nominet who holds the official domain records on its registry. UK domain names need to be renewed every two years to keep them live, this is a simple and inexpensive process and is normally done via your current domain host or Registrar.
But what happens if you forget to renew a domain name?
Well, the owner will have received several reminders about the need to pay and renew the domain. Some people either do not receive these emails or forget that it needs to be done, others will have no further use for the name and rather than sell it, will simply let the domain name renewal lapse.
Whatever the circumstances, the process for UK domain names that are not renewed is the same. Once the domain reaches its renewal date Nominet changes the status of the domain to suspended. This information can be seen on a WHOIS search or just go to the Nominet website and type the domain name in to see the details. The name is normally suspended for 90 days, during this suspension period the current holder can renew the name and effectively claim it back.
Once the 90 day period has finished the domain name is put back in to the market for anyone to register as their own. It might seem simple then to simply put a note in your diary to go online after this 90 day period and register your chosen name. Unfortunately, in the world of domains things are not so simple.
If the domain name is of good quality and highly sort after there will be many people who would want it as their own. Some will want it so they can set up a new website, others to compliment an existing collection of domains but there are also domain brokers whose business is trading in domains. If a highly valuable name is coming back onto the market the competition will be high. Occasionally, the domain owner will renew the domain right at the last minute so then the opportunity is lost.
So what can be done to secure the name?
Registering popular names that have been suspended is a complex process if you intend on being successful and there will be many people aware that the name is being lapsed. You will need to employ the services of a domain expert who has the necessary systems in place to register the name as soon as it becomes available. Whilst there is no guarantee of success, you generally only pay if the domain is purchased for you. This is a fairly low cost exercise when you consider how much the domain could be worth to you.
You will need to contact the domain broker in good time with details of the name you require. Don’t leave it too late as there is a finite amount of capacity when registering domains this way. If successful, your careful planning and research will be rewarded with the name registered to you in just a few seconds.
Alder Domains are a domain broker offering domains for sale and SEO services to help promote your website.
Author: Sean R Horton
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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