Simple add-on lets you search domain name availability of any text in browser.
Sometimes the simple tools are best. That’s the case with Richard Kershaw’s “Domain Lookup” for Firefox browsers.
Here’s how it works. Say you’re reading this great article on Domain Name Wire. The article is about trends in domaining, and you see the term “methodical domaining”. You think that term might catch on, so you want to register the domain. Instead of firing up another tab, going to your registrar, copying-and-pasting the term, and checking for availability, you can do it from within your window. Just highlight the term, right click, and select Domain Lookup. A tab will open with the availability check at your favorite registrar. Presto.
Kershaw, who’s background is in affiliate marketing, got into the domain business in 2006.
“I started looking at domain names as an asset after hearing Jeff Libert – aka WebmasterWorld domains moderator WebWork – speak at PubCon 2006,” Kershaw wrote in an e-mail to Domain Name Wire. “As a domaining newbie, I was surprised that certain tools didn’t exist, so I started getting custom tools coded for my own use. Ultimately, Domain Lookup came about because it’s a tool I wanted to use myself.”
Domain Lookup is free and takes about 60 seconds to download. I’ve been using it for several weeks after reading about it at Predictive Domaining. It is available at Kershaw’s site, Domain Lookup.
Frank Michlick (DomainNameNews.com) says
Actually iwhois.com has a bookmarklet that fulfills a similar purpose, I’ve been using that for years 😉
http://www.iwhois.com/bookmarklet/
Also wrote about it on DomainEditorial.com.
Andrew says
That’s cool, thanks Frank. Although I like how the Firefox extension lets you look it up at your favorite registrar. You can then just click through to register if it’s available.
Troy Duncan says
I have been using it for a few weeks also. I bought 1 domain so far with it. I don’t do a lot of domain look-ups, but I like to take advantage of opportunities.
tommus says
The iPhone is still my favorite and best way to look up domains!
fordy says
What a great idea. I’ve developed loads of tools for finding available domain names at http://www.domainnamesoup.com and I love this idea.
Harry says
Nice plugin for any domainbie.