How to Register a Domain Name

Steps to Registering a Domain Name

1. Find a Reliable Domain Registrar
   
   

A domain registrar reserves and manages domain names. There are dozens of domain registrars on the internet, but if you’re just getting started, you’ll likely want to go with a reputable option. GoDaddy, BlueHost, Ionos and Dreamhost are a few well-known choices to consider. You can also purchase domain names directly from website-building platforms like SquareSpace and Wix.com.

Before you choose a domain registrar, compare different factors, such as price, customer support and the cost of add-on options. For example, an SSL certificate is a common security measure you will need for your website. Some domain registrars include an SSL certificate in their fee while others charge extra.

Another feature to consider is privacy. Domain names are managed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). When you register your domain name, your information as the owner will become publicly available on ICANN. However, domain registrars will give you the option to make your information private either for free or for an additional fee.

2. Check if the Domain Name You Want Is Available

Finding out if your desired domain name is available is as simple as using a search bar on whichever registrar you choose. For example, when searching for “the bestdomainname.com” through GoDaddy, you will find that it is available for $1,700 per year.

Typically, the domain registrar will also display other, cheaper options.

Sometimes, a domain name you want will already have an owner. If you see that the website is not in use, you can ask the owner if they would like to sell this domain name to you. You can find a website owner’s contact information on WHOIS directory, and if it is publicly listed, reach out with an offer. It’s also possible to use a broker to negotiate this deal.

3. Choose the Best Domain Name for Your Business

Choosing the perfect domain name for your business that is available and within your budget can take patience, persistence and a little creativity. If your first choice is not available, you’ll likely find a name close enough to what you’re looking for with a few minor changes. It’s very possible that your top choice domain name will already be registered, especially if you’re aiming for a simple one or two-word domain name.

We cover best practices for choosing the best domain name in the next section.

4. Buy and Register Your Domain Name

Once you have chosen a domain registrar and a domain name you are happy with, the next step is to purchase it. Domain registrars typically offer special rates for new customers who sign up for multi-year contracts. If you already know you want to build this business long-term, consider a longer term to take advantage of the discounts.

Domain names typically cost between $10 to $20 per year. However, that number increases for more desirable domain names and can even go up to the millions for the most desirable ones. If you are willing to be creative with different name variations, chances are that you’ll find a domain name you are happy with for a reasonable annual price.

5. Make Sure Your Domain Name Does Not Expire

Domain names are rented from a registrar, and terms usually last one year, though you can purchase a contract of up to 10 years. Setting up automatic payments is a reliable way to ensure you don’t lose access to your domain name and that someone else won’t snatch it up when your contract expires.

How to Choose the Best Domain Name for Your Business

Think about the last time you needed to remember the name of a website. Which ones were easy to remember, and which ones did you promptly forget? A successful domain name is one your potential customers can easily remember. The good news is that there are many different ways a domain name can be catchy and memorable.

Base your Business Name on an Available Domain Name

If you haven’t already chosen a name for your business, you’ll have a lot more flexibility to factor in the availability of different domain names into the business name you choose. This is an opportunity to take a step back and consider which name will best represent your brand. “The brand name you select should strike a balance between being strategic, creative, and technical,” Rob Meyerson, a professional business namer, wrote in Harvard Business Review. He recommends asking yourself whether the name is distinctive, adaptable and meaningful.

On the other hand, if you already have a business name, you still have a lot of flexibility in choosing a domain name, even if your first choice is taken.

Use an Alternative Domain Name Extension

While .com is still the most conventional address for commercial web pages, alternative options have become more common lately. Other examples of domain name extensions include:

• .co

• .xyz

• .studio

• .shop

• .store

These options can be fun to experiment with, especially when the extension relates to your brand. A design studio might want to use the “.studio” extension, for example.

Make Your Domain Name a Catchy Phrase Instead of Your Business Name

Domain name expert Alexandra Watkins suggests trying a catchy phrase or a call to action as a domain name. “Creating a clever phrase related to your business can make people smile and help them find you if they can't recall your business name,” she writes for Inc.com. She shares that when trying to recall the name of a company, she couldn’t remember the name Greenberg Smoked Turkey, but certainly could remember the catchy URL, “GobbleGobble.com.”

Use a Domain Name Generator to Brainstorm Ideas

If you’re feeling stuck or out of ideas, consider using a domain name generator for creative inspiration. A domain name generator will suggest different available variations and options based on your desired domain name.

Once you Register Your Domain Name, You’re Ready to Build Your Online Brand