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Last Update: October 2024 Choosing and registering a domain name is one of the first steps to setting up an online website. If you’re in the early stages of creating an online business, you might be anxious to get your website off the ground. Table of Content: Steps to Registering a Domain Name
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.
Finding out how to get a domain name that you want 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.
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. We cover best practices for how to buy a domain name in the next section.
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. How to purchase a domain name is straightforward with most registrars, and costs typically range 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.
Domain names are rented from a registrar, and terms usually last one year, though you can purchase domain name contracts 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 BusinessThink 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 NameIf 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 ExtensionWhile .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:
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 NameDomain 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 IdeasIf 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 BrandAfter you’ve followed the steps above, you’ll be ready to move on to the next steps of building your business. A domain name is an important part of your business’s brand, but don’t let choosing the perfect name hold you back from getting your dream business off the ground.
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