Registering a domain name is quick, but it’s important not to rush. Your domain is more than a web address—it’s a key part of your brand. If you’re starting a blog, showing your work, or opening an online store, your domain name is often the first thing people see. It’s a big part of your online identity.
Choosing the right domain name is important for your long-term success. A good domain makes your brand easier to remember and helps customers find you. Changing it later can hurt your search rankings and confuse your audience, so it’s worth getting it right from the start.
6 Steps to Register a Domain Name For Your Website
Getting your domain name is the first step to creating your website. It’s your online address, helping people find you easily. Let’s go through six simple steps to register your domain and register a website to get started.
1. Pick a Domain Name
Your domain name is an important part of your brand. If you’re still naming your business, think about your domain name as part of that process. A domain that matches your brand name is easier for customers to remember.
If you already have a business name, you’ll likely want YourBrand.com. But if it’s not available, don’t worry—you have options:
- Add a word at the end: Include something related to your product (YourBrandShoes.com), your location (YourBrandCanada.com), or a general term (YourBrandOnline.com).
- Add a word at the start: Use an action word that highlights your business (GetYourBrand.com, WearYourBrand.com, EatYourBrand.com).
- Try a different extension: While .com is popular, other options include location-based extensions (.ca, .us) or specialty ones (.shop, .store). Keep in mind, specialty extensions might cost more.
2. Check if The Domain is Available
Checking if your domain name is available is simple and quick. Most web hosting services provide free tools to search domain availability using systems like WHOIS or RDAP.
Here are some popular tools to check domain availability and its history:
- Shopify
- Squarespace Domains
- GoDaddy
- IONOS
- Bluehost
- Domain.com
- Namecheap
- HostGator
Domain names are universal, meaning if a domain for website use is unavailable on one platform, it’s unavailable on all. The good news? These tools often suggest similar available names if your first choice is taken.
If your desired domain for website use is unavailable, you may see an option for domain brokering. This means the domain is already owned, but the registrar can negotiate with the current owner for you. While this might help you get the domain you want, it often involves extra costs and delays. Even if the owner agrees to sell, the price is usually much higher than registering a new domain.
If you’re on a tight budget, it’s better to explore slight variations of your chosen domain for website needs. Brokering can be an option if the domain is essential for your brand and you’re willing to invest more.
3. Pick a Domain Name Registrar
A domain name registrar is a company that helps with domain register and management. When you buy a domain, the registrar adds it to the Domain Name System (DNS) so it can be used online.
There are many registrars to choose from, but it’s best to go with a trusted and well-known one. Popular registrars often provide easier tools and guides for managing your domain and fixing any problems when connecting it to other services.
You can buy domains from different types of providers:
- Website builders (like Shopify, Squarespace, or WordPress)
- Web hosting services (like HostGator or Bluehost)
- Dedicated domain registrars (like GoDaddy or NameCheap)
Some companies offer both domain registration and hosting services, which makes managing your website easier. However, you don’t have to use the same company for both. You can register your domain with one provider and host your website with another if that works better for you.
4. Buy and Register a Domain
After picking a registrar and deciding on your domain name, it’s time to buy it. Let’s go over the steps using popular domain registrars.
If you’re creating an online store, buying your domain directly through Shopify is quick and simple. This option sets everything up automatically and lets you manage your domain settings, subdomains, and email forwarding all in one place—right alongside your ecommerce tools.
5. Check Your Domain Name Contract
Before buying a domain, read the registrar’s terms and conditions carefully. The domain name contract is a legal agreement that explains:
- Who owns the domain
- Renewal terms and fees
- Extra charges for services like privacy protection or domain restoration
- Rules for transferring the domain to another provider
- Payment terms and what happens if payments are missed
Your business should ideally have full ownership of the domain during the agreement. Look for flexible transfer terms and fees to make it easier to switch providers if needed.
6. Renew Your Domain Name
When you buy a domain, you secure it for a set time, usually one year. Some providers, like GoDaddy, offer longer terms (up to 10 years for .com domains), but registration is never permanent.
To keep your domain, you need to renew it before it expires. Most providers offer automatic renewal, which is a good option. Even if you use auto-renewal, you’ll still get reminders when it’s time to renew.
If your payment details change, update them with your provider to ensure they can process the renewal. If you don’t renew your domain, it won’t lead to your website anymore and could become available for someone else to buy.
Where’s the Best Place to Buy a Domain Name?
There are many reliable platforms where you can buy a domain name for your website. Each offers unique features to suit different needs. Here are some popular options to consider:
- Shopify: Perfect for online stores, offering domains, website hosting, and ecommerce tools all in one place. You can manage everything from inventory to payments easily.
- IONOS: Known for low-cost domain options, free privacy protection, and excellent deals for beginners starting their online journey.
- GoDaddy: Offers a huge variety of domain extensions, like .com, .net, and .shop, with user-friendly tools and 24/7 customer support.
- Squarespace Domains: Great for creative projects, offering clean designs and smooth integration with Google Workspace for professional email setups.
- Bluehost: Ideal for WordPress users, with affordable plans and one-click WordPress installation for seamless setup.
- HostGator: Includes free website hosting for your first year when you register a domain, making it a budget-friendly option for small businesses.
- Namecheap: Popular for competitive pricing, free privacy protection, and an easy-to-use platform.
When choosing a domain provider, think about your needs, like ease of setup, cost, and extra features like hosting or privacy protection. Compare your options to find the one that works best for your goals.
Plant the Right Seed for Online Success
Rushing into registering a domain name without planning can feel like jumping into a big decision without knowing all the facts. It’s exciting to imagine your website up and running, but taking the time to choose the right name and provider can make a huge difference. Like planting a seed, your domain name is the foundation for your online success.
It needs care, thought, and the right conditions to grow. Balancing your excitement with smart planning, you can create a website that not only works today but supports your goals for the future. Don’t rush your domain decision—let Design a Domain guide you every step of the way. We help you find the perfect name and the right tools to build a website that grows with your goals. Start your online journey with confidence today!
FAQs
Do I need a domain name for my website?
No, having a domain name isn’t required, but it’s highly recommended if you want a professional and recognizable online presence. For businesses, it’s important to register domain names to appear credible and build trust with your audience.
How much does a domain cost?
Domain prices can vary a lot, especially for popular TLDs (top-level domains). When you create domain names, traditional TLDs like .net and .org usually cost between $6 and $15, while newer options like .site and .club often range from $10 to $25. Check out our blog to learn more about the average cost of domain names.
What is the procedure for registration of domain name?
You’ll need to pick a domain name, check if it’s available, share your contact details, and pay the registration fee. Once registered, the domain becomes active and ready to use for a website or email service.
Is domain name free?
Not all domains are free to register. While some platforms may offer a free website domain as part of a hosting plan, others mark certain domains as “Special,” which must be purchased. Their prices vary and are shown when you check availability. For example, short domains with 1, 2, or 3 characters and popular dictionary words are considered “Special.”
