Registering a domain name is a quick process, but it shouldn’t be rushed. Your domain name isn’t just a web address; it’s a crucial part of your brand. Whether you’re publishing a blog, showcasing a portfolio, or starting an online store, your domain name is often the first thing potential customers encounter, making it an essential part of your online presence.
Taking the time to choose the right domain name is vital for long-term success. A well-chosen domain can boost brand recognition and help customers find you online. Conversely, switching domain names after launch can hurt search engine rankings and confuse customers.
This guide will walk you through how to register a domain name, providing expert advice on choosing the perfect web address for your business.
Your domain name is a critical part of building your brand. If you’re still in the process of naming your business, consider your domain name as part of that decision. A domain name that closely matches your business name will be easier for customers to remember.
If you already have a business name, your preferred domain name might be YourBrand.com. But what if it’s already taken? Don’t worry—you have options:
- Use a suffix: Differentiate your domain name by adding a word to the end. This could be your main product (YourBrandShoes.com), your location (YourBrandCanada.com), or something all-encompassing (YourBrandOnline.com).
- Use a prefix: Start your domain name with an action-oriented verb that highlights your product or service (GetYourBrand.com, WearYourBrand.com, EatYourBrand.com).
- Try a different domain extension: While .com is the most commonly used top-level domain (TLD), there are plenty of alternatives. You could use a region-specific extension (like .us, .co.uk) or a specialized extension (like .shop or .store). Keep in mind that specialty extensions often come with a higher price tag.
Checking if your chosen domain name is available is quick and easy. Most web hosting services offer free domain name search tools that tap into record systems called WHOIS or RDAP.
Domain names are universal. If a domain name isn’t available from one provider, it’s not available from any other provider either. The upside? These tools often suggest similar available domain names if your first choice is taken.
You might encounter a notification about domain brokers. This means the domain name is taken, but the registrar offers to negotiate with the current owner on your behalf. While this can be a way to acquire your ideal domain name, it comes with added costs and the potential for delays. Even if the owner agrees to sell, the price will likely be much higher than registering an available domain name.
A domain registrar is a company that reserves and registers domain names on your behalf. When you purchase a domain name, the registrar adds that domain to the Domain Name System (DNS) for you. While there are over a thousand accredited registrars, it’s smart to stick with well-known and reputable domain registrars. Using a popular registrar makes it easier to find information about managing your domain and troubleshoot any issues that might arise when connecting your domain to other services.
You can purchase a domain name from several different types of businesses:
- Website building platforms (like Shopify, Squarespace, or WordPress)
- Web hosting services (like HostGator or Bluehost)
- Dedicated domain registrars (like GoDaddy or Namecheap)
Once you’ve chosen a registrar and decided on your domain name, you’re ready to make a purchase. Registering a domain with Shopify: If you’re building an online store, the quickest and easiest way to register a domain is to purchase it directly through Shopify. This method provides automatic setup and allows you to manage your domain settings, subdomains, and email forwarding in one place—right where you manage your ecommerce store.
After purchasing your domain name, carefully read the registrar’s terms and conditions. The domain name agreement is a legally binding document that outlines:
- Who has full ownership of the domain name
- Renewal terms and associated fees
- Additional costs for services like domain restoration or privacy protection
- Conditions for transferring the domain to another provider
- Payment terms, including consequences for missed payments
When you purchase a domain name, you’re securing it for a fixed period, usually one year. While some providers offer longer terms (like GoDaddy’s 10-year option for .com domains), registration is never permanent. To maintain ownership of your domain name, you’ll need to renew it when it expires. Most domain providers offer auto-renewal, which is generally recommended. Even with auto-renewal enabled, providers typically notify you when it’s time to renew.
Keep in mind that if your payment information changes, you’ll need to update your settings with your domain provider so they can charge you for auto-renewal. If you don’t renew your domain name, it will no longer direct to your website and could be purchased by someone else.
When a user types a URL into their browser, the browser sends a request to the global network of web servers that locates your website using the Domain Name System (DNS). DNS is a decentralized, universally recognized system for naming websites. It allows computers, phones, and any other internet-capable device to find the website a user is looking for. While the setup process for a new domain can be complex if done manually, most registrars, including Shopify, automatically handle this for you. Domain privacy protection hides your personal information from the public WHOIS database. When your personal data is protected, you significantly reduce spam and cybersecurity risks.
