Your domain name is a crucial part of your brand identity, not just a web address. Whether you’re publishing a blog, showcasing a portfolio, or starting an online store, a domain name is often the first thing potential customers encounter. Therefore, choosing the right domain name is vital for long-term success. A well-chosen domain name can strengthen brand recognition and make it easier for customers to find you online. Conversely, switching domain names after launch can harm search engine rankings and confuse customers.
This guide will walk you through how to register a domain name, offering expert advice on choosing the perfect web address for your business.
Six Steps to Registering a Domain Name
1. Choose a Domain Name
A domain name is a critical part of your brand identity. If you’re still in the process of naming your business, consider the 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 that domain name is 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 name 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). Note that specialty extensions often come with a higher price tag.
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, which tap into a record system called WHOIS or RDAP.
Domain names are universal. If a domain name is unavailable from one provider, it’s unavailable from all others. These tools often suggest similar available domain names if your first choice is taken.
You might encounter a notice about domain name 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 potential delays. Even if the owner agrees to sell, the price will likely be much higher than registering an available domain name.
3. Choose a Domain Registrar
A domain name registrar is a company that registers domain names on your behalf. When you purchase a domain name, the registrar adds it to the Domain Name System (DNS) for you. You can buy domain names from various types of businesses: website building platforms, web hosting services, dedicated domain registrars.
Domain names are typically paid for on a recurring basis, usually annually, rather than purchased outright. Most basic .com domain names cost between $11.99 and $20 a year. However, premium domain names—such as short, four-letter domain names or highly sought-after terms—can be significantly more expensive. Specialty domain extensions like .store or .shop also tend to come with a higher price tag.
When choosing a domain provider, consider these factors:
- Ease of use: How simple will it be to connect your domain name to your website?
- Privacy protection: When you register a domain name, your contact information is publicly available in the global ICANN database. Domain privacy protection hides this information.
- Domain name extension availability: Ensure the provider you choose offers the domain extension you want.
- Additional services: Many domain name registrars offer additional services like e-commerce hosting, website building tools, and email hosting.
4. Purchase and Register Your Domain Name
Once you’ve chosen a registrar and decided on your domain name, you’re ready to make a purchase. The domain registration process usually involves these steps: searching for your desired domain name, adding it to your cart, creating an account or logging in, entering your payment information, reviewing add-on services, selecting a payment term, and completing the purchase.
5. Review Your Domain Name Contract
Before finalizing your domain name purchase, carefully read the registrar’s terms and conditions. The domain name contract 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 name to another provider
- Payment terms, including the consequences of late payment
6. Renew Your Domain Name
When you purchase a domain name, you’re securing it for a fixed period, usually one year. To maintain ownership of your domain name, you need to renew it when your term 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.
If you don’t renew your domain name, it will no longer direct to your website and could be purchased by someone else. Keep in mind that if your payment information changes, you need to update your settings with your domain provider so they can charge you for auto-renewal.
