How to Register a Domain Name for Your Website or Blog
A step by step guide
Having a strong online presence is one of the most important aspects of running a successful business. Whether you’re starting a new blog, setting up an e-commerce website, or creating a portfolio to showcase your work, securing a good domain name is an absolute must. Understanding how to register a domain name serves as an important first step toward establishing your online presence. In this post, we will guide you through the entire process, explain what a domain name is, and offer insight into the ways you can register your new domain. Let’s dive in.
What is a Domain Name?
Also known as a uniform resource locator, or URL, a domain name is essentially your website’s address. Without domain names, people would have to access your website through an IP address with a string of numbers, such as 12.364.23.354. Can you imagine how tedious it would be to navigate websites using that method? Thankfully, there’s a better way: domain names. A domain name provides an easier way to navigate websites directly or through a search engine. A domain name helps your business be more memorable and easier to find and helps with search engine optimization (SEO).
Step 1: Brainstorm Possible Domain Names
When starting the process of brainstorming and choosing a domain name, there are a few things to consider.
- First, your domain should be related to your brand, website, or business name. Typing it should be easy, so avoiding overly long domain names is key. After all, you want your visitors to be able to easily type your domain into the browser directly, so keeping it short, catchy, and memorable is important.
- Another consideration is to always opt for a top-level domain (TLD), such as .com. They are the most common, so most people consider them safe and reliable. Although there aren’t any technical differences in TLDs, it’s widely considered that .com will likely be more effective than a .net, .biz, or .org. In fact, according to w3Techs, .com domains make up nearly 48% of all domain names on the internet.
However, not having a .com TLD doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. The most important thing is to find the right domain name for you. That means choosing a lesser-known TLD is okay if your desired domain isn’t available as .com, and you’re set on your choice.
Step 2: Choose a Domain Registrar
Before registering your new domain, it’s important to consider the best registrar for your business. Thankfully, several domain name registrars will fit the bill. But first, let’s explain what a registrar is. Domain registrars are like an online store for domain names. You can buy, register, and point your domain to your hosting provider, where your website’s files are located. That said, there are some hosting providers, such as SiteGround, where you can purchase your domain and hosting together. Generally speaking, we don’t recommend doing this, as moving your domain could be difficult if you fall out of love with your hosting provider.
Step 3: Check Domain Name for Availability
When brainstorming domain name ideas, checking for their availability is essential. All reputable domain registrars offer this capability, so it’s typically easy to determine what is available. For example, Namecheap allows you to check for potential domain names without having to purchase anything upfront.
One thing to keep in mind is not to get frustrated if your first pick isn’t available. With thousands of domain names being registered daily, it’s not out of the realm of possibility to miss out on your favorite. That said, you can easily find variations of your initial pick, with most registrars offering similar options based on your initial search.
Step 4: Purchase and Register Your Domain
Once you have chosen an available domain name, you can purchase the name for a nominal fee, typically around $10 to $15 per year. This fee is typically paid on an annual basis, but some registrars offer multi-year terms. When registering the name, you’ll want to pay close attention to the duration of the registration.
Rather than choosing a long-term registration, you may want to consider a shorter duration with automatic renewal. This way you still have the option to transfer your domain name to another company if you’re dissatisfied with the service, but you aren’t vulnerable to the domain name being scooped up by another party in the event it expires before you’ve had a chance to renew the registration.
You may also be able to bid on a domain name that is already owned, but a word of warning: the costs can be quite high, depending on the popularity of the domain name.
As you can see, registering a new domain with a hosting provider or domain registrar is a straightforward process, making it simple for people with any skill level to achieve.
Advice: Don’t Lose Your Domain Name
Renewing your domain name is critical to ensuring that you can continue to use the domain name. If you have selected the auto-renew option with your domain name registrar, this step is as simple as ensuring that you have up-to-date payment information. If your domain name expires before you’ve renewed it, the name becomes available for purchase by others and you risk losing use of the domain name.
Add a Hosting Service
In order for your website or blog to be seen online, you need a web hosting service. Web hosting services differ by how the servers are set up (i.e. the space allocated) and the type of access that people (aka hosting customers) have to them. All websites you visit have web hosts. The main types of website hosting are Shared, Dedicated, VPS, and Reseller.
Build Your Website
If you plan to use your domain name with a functional website, you will next build your website. You will need to find a separate company to host the website if your registrar doesn’t provide both services. And if you lack coding experience, you may want to use a drag-and-drop website builder such as Weebly, Squarespace or Wix to build your website.
Final Thoughts on Registering a Domain
Registering a domain name is an exciting milestone in building your online identity. By following our comprehensive guide, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the domain registration process effortlessly, ultimately securing the best domain for your business.
If you need both a domain and hosting, you should try SiteGround. However, if you only need to purchase and register your domain, Namecheap is the perfect choice to kickstart your new business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Before we wrap up, let’s answer some of your most common questions regarding how to register a domain name. Did we miss one? Leave a question, and we will respond!
How can I register a domain name?
To register a domain name, choose a domain registrar or hosting platform like Namecheap or Siteground and check if the desired domain name is available. Then, fill out the registration form with your personal and payment information, select the desired registration length, and submit the form. The registrar will process your registration and verify your information before the domain is officially registered under your name.
Can I get a domain for free?
It is possible to get a free domain, but it may come with certain limitations. Some hosting providers offer free domains on their paid hosting plans. There also are free domain extensions like .tk. However, free domain extensions are infamous for their uses for scamming, and they may not have the same level of security, credibility, and reliability as paid options. It’s important to consider the trade-offs carefully before choosing a free domain.
How much does it cost to set up a domain?
The cost to set up a domain can vary depending on the domain registrar and the type of domain you want to register. Generally, a domain can cost anywhere from $10 to $50 per year plus ICANN fees. Some registrars may offer discounts for multiple-year registrations or bundle domain registration with hosting services.
What is the best domain registrar?
The best domain registrar is subjective and depends on individual needs and preferences. However, Namecheap is considered one of the best domain registrars due to its affordable prices, user-friendly interface, and excellent customer support.
Do domains incur a monthly fee?
No, domains don’t incur a monthly cost, but you must pay an annual registration fee when registering a domain name. Remember that your domain name will need to be renewed yearly, but the renewal fee is usually a little higher than the registration fee.
How long does it take to register a domain name?
Registering a domain name typically takes a few minutes to a few hours. It involves choosing a domain name, checking its availability, providing contact information, and paying the registration fee. Once the registration process is complete, the domain name becomes active and can be used to host a website or email service.
Is paying for a domain name worth it?
Yes, paying for a domain name is worth it. It provides a professional and unique online identity, increases credibility and trustworthiness, enhances search engine optimization, and allows personalized email addresses. The cost of a domain name is relatively low and offers long-term benefits for businesses and individuals.
What are the risks of not registering a domain name?
The risks of not registering a domain name include losing control over your brand and online identity, leaving your business vulnerable to cyber-squatters who may register the domain and hold it for ransom, and missing out on potential customers searching for your business online. Additionally, not registering a domain name may make it difficult to establish credibility and trust with potential customers, especially in today’s day and age.
What is a domain extension?
A domain extension is the last part of a domain name that follows the “dot” symbol, such as .com, .org, .net, and .edu. It indicates the type or purpose of the website and is used for categorizing and distinguishing different websites on the internet. Various domain extensions are available, and each has its specific requirements and restrictions.
Which domain extension should I pick for my domain?
When picking a domain extension, consider your audience and the purpose of your website. If you’re targeting a local audience, choose a country-specific extension like .us or .uk. If you want to establish brand identity, choose a unique extension like .io or .xyz. Stick to popular extensions like .com or .org if you want a wider reach and credibility.