Are you looking to build a website and wondering where to begin? The first step is buying a domain name that will essentially serve as the online address and identity of your website.
Choosing and registering the right domain name is crucial since it can make or break your online presence. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key things to know before you buy a domain name for your business or personal website.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Research thoroughly and choose an appropriate, brandable domain name that aligns with your niche, is easy to remember and spell.
- Check domain name availability on ICANN-accredited registrar websites like Namesilo, Namecheap, Dynadot.
- Compare domain pricing and other features across registrars before deciding where to buy from.
- Register your domain for 1-10 years depending on needs. Longer registration periods can be cheaper.
- Use WHOIS privacy services to protect personal information.
- Carefully configure DNS settings and update nameservers.
- Renew domain registration well in time to avoid losing ownership.
Choosing the Right Domain Name
The first step to buy a domain name is brainstorming keyword-rich names that describe your brand and are aligned to your business niche. The domain name forms the identity of your website so it helps to pick one that is:
- Descriptive – Clearly conveys what the site is about e.g. socialmediaconsulting.com
- Brandable – Unique, memorable and easy to spell brand name e.g. mysmartblog.com
- Short – Ideally less than 20 characters
- Easy to type – Avoid complicated spellings
- Available – Conduct thorough domain search
You can choose from common domain extensions like .com, .net, .org or newer ones like .biz, .info, .site etc. .com is most popular and gives a professional identity. Avoid trademarked or restricted terms.
Check Domain Name Availability
Once you zero in on some naming ideas, the next step is to check availability. Visit any leading registrar website like Namecheap, Namesilo, Dynadot and enter your preferred domain name.
If it shows as “Available”, congratulations, you can register it right away! If not, you may want to tweak the name or try other extensions until you find an available domain aligning with your brand.
Where Should You Buy a Domain Name?
There are many domain name registrars and web hosting companies that allow you to buy a domain name. As domains play a key role in establishing your online identity, it’s crucial to make the right choice. Here are top recommended registrars:
Namesilo
Namesilo is one of the most affordable and reliable domain registrars with stellar support. Domain privacy is free and you get low-cost bundles with free email, DNS management features.
Namecheap
Another very popular registrar, Namecheap offers domain bundles with privacy and email services. It has very competitive renewal rates, frequent discounts and excellent support channels.
Dynadot
Dynadot has a wide range of domain extensions and IDN domains. It offers free privacy protection, email forwarding, APIs and other DNS features. The domain search tool is very useful.
Other Recommended Registrars
Other registrars like GoDaddy, Bluehost, HostGator also allow domain registration and have reasonable deals.
Key Factors to Compare
- Domain availability and prices
- Included features like email, DNS management, etc.
- Renewal costs after initial period
- Privacy and security provisions
- Customer support channels
- Refund policies if any
Carefully go through these aspects across some registrars before deciding where to buy your domain name.
How Much Does a Domain Name Cost?
A domain name can cost between $8 to $15 per year typically for common extensions. However, premium or new domain extensions are more expensive while promotional offers can make domains cheaper.
For instance, Namecheap has .com domains starting at $8.88/year while Namesilo offers them at $8.99/year. At Dynadot, they start at $12/year.
Domain rates can vary depending on:
- Domain extension type
- Number of years registered
- Ongoing renewal costs
- Additional features bundled
Buying domains for more years or choosing bundled plans with extra services can work out cheaper compared to basic, short-term plans.
Many registrars provide temporary discounted promotional rates for the first year to attract new customers. Over the long-term, renewal costs are the deciding factor.
Worthwhile Add-ons
- WHOIS Privacy – Masks your contact information
- Email – Free or low-cost email accounts
- DNS Management – Nameserver settings, zone editors etc.
- ID Protection – Protect against unauthorized transfers
- Domain Theft Protection
Evaluate if getting any of these value-adds make better financial sense with domain registration.
Step-by-Step Guide to Buy a Domain Name
Follow these steps to buy and configure your domain seamlessly:
Step 1: Select Domain Registrar & Plan
Shortlist 2-3 registrars based on domain availability, prices, renewals costs etc. Choose plan as per your needs like if you need email accounts, privacy protection etc.
Step 2: Add Domains to Cart
Search and add desired domains along with selected features to cart. Apply any promo/coupon codes which offer additional discounts.
Step 3: Create User Account
Provide your contact details to create a user account with the registrar. This manages your domain portfolio going forward.
Step 4: Make Payment
Use preferred payment method to pay for domain plan. Confirm transaction via email.
Step 5: Configure Domain Settings
- Update Nameserver details
- Manage DNS settings
- Create email accounts if included
- Enable other services like privacy, theft protection etc.
Following these steps will help you seamlessly buy a domain name and have it up and running for your website.
How Long Should You Register a Domain for?
Domain names can be purchased for 1 to 10 years typically during initial registration. A 1-year subscription is good for testing ideas before committing long-term.
For established websites and brands, longer subscriptions of 3-10 years are recommended for:
- Cost savings – Longer terms have cheaper yearly rates
- Convenience – Avoid hassles of frequent renewals
- Protection – Ensures long-term business continuity
If there are uncertainties about project continuity, start with 1-2 years first and extend later. For important sites, register for 5-10 years right away for peace of mind.
Renewing Your Domain Name
Once the subscription period ends, you need to renew your domain name to retain ownership. If domains lapse beyond the grace period, they are deleted and made available for others.
Hence, make sure to:
- Track renewal dates in account dashboard
- Receive auto-renewal reminders
- Re-register domain for 1 to 10 years
- Use promo codes to reduce renewal costs
Renewing promptly ensures your domain does not expire and website remains accessible. Some registrars offer reduced loyalty rates for renewals.
Advanced Tips for Buying Domains
Beyond basic purchase and renewal, utilize these additional pro tips while registering your website domains:
WHOIS Privacy Protection
Enable WHOIS privacy to hide your contact information from public listings and reduce spam. Namesilo provides this by default while other registrars charge about $10 annually.
Locking Domains
Use registrar locking features or specialized services to prevent unauthorized transfers. This adds an extra layer of domain name security.
Domain Name Appraisal
Use online tools to estimate the worth of premium domains based on metrics like traffic, ad revenue, etc. This helps maximize your returns if selling.
Buying Expired Domains
You can snap up deleted domains during the redemption period and reuse them for new projects. However extensive research is needed to evaluate quality.
Domain Name Transfers
Freely transfer-in domains bought elsewhere to your preferred registrar account using Auth/EPP codes for easier management.
Reselling Domains
Registrars have domain reseller plans allowing you to buy domains in bulk at wholesale rates and resell at higher retail prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where to find the cheapest domains?
The cheapest standard domains typically start at around $8.99/year from names like Namesilo & Namecheap during promotions. Sites like http://domcomp.com compare pricing across registrars.
Q. What are premium domains?
These are high value, branded domain names like loans.com that fetch very high sale prices due to their memorable brand name.
Q. How do I transfer a domain I already own?
Use the Auth/EPP Code provided by your current registrar to transfer-in the domain seamlessly to a new registrar account.
Q. What happens if I forget to renew domains?
Beyond the auto-renew date and grace period, registrars delete and release expired domains. Hence, renew well in time or set up auto-renewals.
Q. Is buying expired domains worth it?
If the expired domain has good backlinks/traffic history, you can try buying during the redemption period and reusing for new projects.
Final Takeaway
- Research thoroughly before finalizing an apt, brandable domain name
- Enable privacy protection and security features
- Renew domains well ahead of expiries
- Transfer domains freely between registrars
- Monitor industry news about impacts of upcoming new domain extensions
I hope this detailed guide gives you clarity on how to strategically buy a domain name and leverage it effectively to enhance your online presence and brand building.
