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 name can strengthen brand recognition and help customers find you online easily. 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, providing expert advice on choosing the perfect web address for your business.
Your domain name is a significant 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 matches your brand 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 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 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, tapping into record systems called WHOIS or RDAP.
Keep in mind, 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 name brokerage. 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 additional 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.
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 a limited budget, exploring variations of your desired domain name is usually a more cost-effective approach.
A domain name 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 reputable and well-known domain name registrars. Using a popular registrar makes it easier to find information about managing your domain name and to troubleshoot any issues that might arise when connecting your domain name to other services.
When you purchase a domain name, you’re securing it for a fixed period, typically one year. While some providers offer longer terms (like GoDaddy’s 10-year option for .com domain names), 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 usually notify you when it’s time to renew.
