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 building.
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 your brand recognition and make it easier for customers to find you online. Conversely, switching domain names after launch can negatively impact your search engine rankings and confuse your audience.
This guide will walk you through how to register a domain name, offering expert advice on choosing the perfect web address for your business.
How to Register a Domain Name in Six Steps
1. Choose Your Domain Name
Your domain name is a key part of your brand identity. 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 brand name will be easier for your 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 .uk, .ca, or .au) or a specialized extension (like .shop or .store). Keep in mind that specialty extensions often come with a higher price tag.
Use a free domain name generator to brainstorm business names and check domain name availability instantly.
2. Check Domain Name Availability
Checking to see if your chosen domain name is available is quick and easy. Most web hosting services offer free domain name search tools that tap into a record system called WHOIS or RDAP.
Here are some reliable tools for checking domain availability and domain history:
Remember, domain names are universal. If a domain name is unavailable from one provider, it’s unavailable from all others. The upside? These tools often suggest similar available domain names if your first choice is taken.
You might encounter notices 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.
Depending on your budget and how important that specific domain name is to your brand, brokerage might be worth considering. However, if you’re working with limited funds, exploring variations of your desired domain name is often a more cost-effective approach.
3. Choose a Domain Registrar
A domain registrar is a company that reserves and registers domain names on your behalf. When you purchase a domain name, the registrar adds it to the Domain Name System (DNS) for you.
While there are over a thousand accredited registrars, it’s smart to stick with well-known, reputable domain name registrars. Using a popular registrar makes it easier to find information about how to manage your domain name and troubleshoot any issues that might arise when connecting your domain to other services.
You can purchase domain names from many different types of businesses:
- Website building platforms (like Shopify, Squarespace, or WordPress)
- Web hosting services (like HostGator or Bluehost)
- Dedicated domain name registrars (like GoDaddy or NameCheap)
Many companies offer both domain name registration and hosting services. This can be convenient, allowing you to manage all your website needs in one place. However, you’re not obligated to use the same company for both services—you can purchase a domain name from one provider and use a different company for hosting if you prefer.
Domain names are typically paid for periodically, usually annually, rather than as a one-time purchase.
When choosing a domain provider, consider these factors:
- Ease of use: How simple will it be to connect your domain name to your website? Purchasing a domain name from your website building platform often results in a faster, easier setup, as you’re dealing with a single company. Using services from different providers might add extra steps and can be more technically challenging.
- Privacy protection: When you register a domain name, your contact information becomes publicly available in the global ICANN database. Domain privacy protection hides this information. Some providers, like Shopify, include this feature for free, while others charge extra.
- Domain extension availability: While all domain providers offer .com domain names, if you’re interested in a region-specific domain extension (like .ca, .eu, or .au) or a specialty extension (like .shop or .store), make sure your chosen provider offers it.
- Additional services: Many domain registrars offer additional services like eCommerce hosting, website building tools, and email hosting. Sometimes, domain names are offered at attractive prices, but only when bundled with other services. Consider whether you need these additional features when making your decision.
4. Purchase and Register Your Domain Name
Once you’ve chosen a registrar and decided on your domain name, you’re ready to make your purchase.
5. Review Your Domain Name Agreement
Before finalizing your domain name purchase, carefully read the registrar’s terms and conditions. The domain name agreement is a legally binding document that outlines:
- Who owns the domain name outright
- Renewal terms and associated fees
- Additional costs for services like domain restoration or privacy protection
- Conditions for transferring the domain name to another provider
- Payment terms, including consequences for missed payments
Ideally, your business should own the domain name outright throughout the agreement. Look for flexibility in the transfer terms and fees, giving you the freedom to switch registrars if needed.
6. Renew Your Domain Name
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 your term expires. Most domain name 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 the auto-renewal.
If you fail to renew your domain name, it will no longer direct to your website and could be purchased by someone else.
Where is the best place to buy a domain name? There are several reputable websites where you can purchase a domain name for your online project. Some of the most popular options include: Shopify, IONOS, GoDaddy, Squarespace Domains, Bluehost, and HostGator.
After registering your domain name, you need to set up your domain name system (DNS) settings, create a website or landing page, and enable domain privacy protection. DNS is a globally recognized, decentralized system for naming websites. It allows computers, phones, and any other internet-capable device to find the website a user is looking for.
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. How you approach domain privacy protection depends on your registrar. Some, including Shopify, enable it by default, while others charge extra for WHOIS domain protection. You will usually be prompted to configure this if it is an add-on to your service.
