How to register a domain name (2023)

If you plan to create a new website or start an e-commerce business, you need to register a domain name to secure your idea.

However, registering a domain name can be intimidating, especially if you've never done it before.

Fortunately, you've come to the right place.

We're here to show you how to register a domain name in five easy steps.

We'll also explain why domain name registration is so important, provide specific examples, and answer any questions with simple answers.

Why you need to register domain names

According to the VeriSign report for 2022, the third quarter of 2022 ended with a result of over349.9 million domain namesRegistered worldwide. Each of these domain names is designed to help people find a website without having to type in the full IP address.

Domain registration offers many benefits. This way you can:

• Have a recognizable online presence
• Own the domain name you want (without someone else picking up the idea)
• Keep a reliable and accessible domain for your business name

Even if it costs money to register a domain name, the investment is more than worth it. Depending on the registration process, you can still get a name for free (or at least at a significant discount).

How to register a domain name in 5 easy steps

Are you ready to secure your new domain?

If you're a beginner, you'll be delighted to find that domain name registration is quick and easy.

1. Find a great domain name

With so much competition in the world, you need a great domain name to support your great idea.

There are two options for choosing a good domain name: Think of a fewSite name ideasalone or use Adomain nameGeneratorget ideas for free

Remember to follow best practiceschoiceperfect domain name. We recommend choosing a short, easy-to-pronounce (and read) option with no dashes or numbers.

2. Select the appropriate extension

Now that you have the right domain name, it's time to choose the right extension.

The Domain Name System (DNS) requires you to add a domain name extension to the end of the web address - that's the part that ends in "..something(like .biz). They are also called top-level domain extensions or TLDs.

Some of the most popular TLDs are:

• .com
• .con
• org
• .Net

While these popular TLDs have no inherent advantage over other TLDs, people are used to them. As a result, more people trust and remember websites that use these TLDs.

However, these are not the only options. You can also select an extension that reflects where you live, such as:

• .es (Spain)
• .fr (France)
• .au (Australian)

None of these options available? You can try something unique or unusual, for example:

• .Guru
• .ai
• .io

Unless you have a compelling reason or strong brand presence (think Google).abc.xyzStay away from infamous TLDs like .xyz, .support, and .bar.

3. Select a domain name registrar

Your domain name and extension are ready to use. Now all you need to do is register your name with the appropriate registrar.

We recently compiled a list of our favouritesThe best domain name registrieson the line.

Some of our favorites are:

• Domena.com: Get discount with code "WEBSITESETUP25".
• DreamHost: Get a free domain for the first year of the annual hosting plan.
• HostGator: Get a free domain name in the first year of the annual hosting plan.

Deciding which domain registrar is right for you can seem overwhelming. However, it is important to start by registering your domain.

You can always switch to a cheaper or more feature-rich recorder later.

4. Buy and register a domain name

This step is as simple as it sounds: choose a platform, pay the registration fee and officially buy a domain name.

Remember, you can't "redeem" a domain name forever. You only rent it for a period of time, which means you can only keep access as long as you pay the renewal fee.

But what if you accidentally miss the renewal fee and your domain expires? A few things:

• Your site is no longer available to users.
• Your domain name will be available for sale again approximately 30 days after it expires.
• Anyone can buy your domain and host their own website on it.

Of course you don't want that to happen. That's why it's so important to set up automatic domain name renewal right away.

5. Configure automatic renewal

With auto-renewal, you can pay for your domain right away without setting a calendar reminder. This means you don't have to worry about your domain name expiring if you accidentally miss a payment.

Many domain registrars automatically set up auto-renewal for you. But if that's not the case for you, we'll show you how in the example below.

Domain name registration example (Domain.com)

Now that you are familiar with domain name registration, let's put it all together in a simple step-by-step domain registration exampleDomena.com.

1. Do a quick search to see if the domain name you want is available. Remember: try to avoid dashes, numbers, and hard-to-read words in your domain.
2. Choose your website domain extension. You can choose whatever you want, but keep in mind that some popular TLDs like .com may perform better than lesser-known TLDs like .guru.
3. Select additional services as needed. Domain.com offers several, including an email address, website builder, hosting plan, and SiteLock site security.
4. Enter your billing and payment information. At Domain.com, you can add the code "WEBSITESETUP25" at checkout to get 25% off your first order.
5. Set auto-renewal. With Domain.com, you can easily do this right from your dashboard.

And... that's pretty much all that goes into registering a domain name. Pretty simple, right?

Domain name registration FAQ

Still have questions about domain name registration?

Let's look at the answers to frequently asked questions:

How much does domain name registration cost?

On average, maintaining a domain name costs around $10 to $15 per year.

However, depending on the registrar you choose, your costs may be higher or lower.

Will I own the domain name I registered?

Yes and no.

It is not possible to have a domain name permanently.

However, you can set up automatic renewal to protect your domain in the long run.

Can people find out who I am just by registering a domain name?

I.

According toInternet Corporation for Assigning Names and Numbers(ICANN), each domain name registrant must provide their contact details to verify their identity.

This information is stored in the ICANN WHOIS database which is publicly available to anyone online.

Understandably, many people feel uncomfortable with their private information so easily accessible, which is why many domain name registrars offer their customers the option to hide it - for a fee.

What is the difference between domain name registration and website hosting?

When you register a domain name, you rent the rights to a specific web address.

When you host a domain name, you store your website files on a specific server.

Both work hand in hand to enable a website.

You can think of registering a domain name as buying real estate. Hosting, on the other hand, builds a "house" (website) at this address.

Final thoughts: How to register a domain name

You've seen what it takes to register a domain name for your website. It's time to put your knowledge into practice by registering a domain name yourself.

We have collected some of themThe best domain name registrieson your behalf, including:

• Domena.com, one of the most popular online options.
• Bluehostthat can help you with domain registration and hosting.
• Papa, which offers a free domain name for the first year on an annual plan.

Want to learn more about how to build your first website? We are with you. Ourstep by stepdriverwalks you through everything you need to know, from registering a domain name to creating your website's landing page.

And the best part? It's completely free!