Registering a domain name is a quick process, but it’s not one to rush through. Your domain is more than just a web address—it’s a crucial part of your brand identity.
Whether you’re publishing a blog, showcasing your 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. On the flip side, switching domains after launch can hurt your search engine rankings and confuse your audience.
This guide will walk you through how to register a domain name, offering expert advice on selecting the perfect web address for your business.
How to register a domain name in six steps
- Choose a domain name
- Check for domain availability
- Choose a domain name registrar
- Purchase and register a domain
- Review your domain name contract
- Renew your domain name
1. Choose a 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 that closely matches your brand name will be more memorable for your customers.
If you already have a business name, your preferred domain name is likely YourBrand.com. But what if it’s taken? Don’t worry—you have options:
- Use a suffix: Differentiate your domain by adding a word at the end. This could be your primary product (YourBrandShoes.com), your location (YourBrandCanada.com), or something all-encompassing (YourBrandOnline.com).
- Use a prefix: Start your domain 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 many alternatives. You could use a region-specific extension (like .ca, .us, or .eu) or a specialty extension (like .shop or .store). Keep in mind that specialty extensions often come with a higher price tag.
2. Check for domain availability
Checking if your chosen domain 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 the history of a domain:
- Shopify
- Squarespace Domains (formerly Google Domains)
- GoDaddy
- IONOS
- Bluehost
- Domain.com
- Namecheap
- HostGator
Remember, domain names are universal. If a domain name is unavailable from one provider, it’s unavailable from all of them. The silver lining? These tools often suggest similar available domains if your first choice is taken.
You might encounter messages about domain brokering. This means the domain is taken, but the registrar offers to negotiate with the current owner on your behalf. While this can be a way to get your ideal domain, it comes with additional costs and potential delays. Even if the owner agrees to sell, the price is likely to be much higher than registering an available domain.
Depending on your budget and how crucial that specific domain is to your brand, brokering 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.
Learn more: Domain Name Services: Which Hosting Provider Should You Trust?
3. Choose a domain name registrar
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 it to the Domain Name System (DNS) for you.
While there are more than a thousand accredited registrars, it’s smart to stick with well-known, reputable domain registrars. Using a popular registrar makes it easier to find information on managing your domain and troubleshoot any issues that might arise when connecting your domain to other services.
You can purchase domains from various types of businesses:
- Website building platforms (like Shopify, Squarespace, or WordPress)
- Web-hosting services (like HostGator or Bluehost)
- Dedicated domain registrars (like GoDaddy or NameCheap)
Many companies offer both domain 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 from one provider and use a different company for hosting if you prefer.
Domain names are typically paid for on a recurring basis, usually annually, rather than as a one-time purchase.
Most basic .com domain names cost between $11.99 to $20 a year. However, premium domains—such as short four-letter domains 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 budgeting for your domain, pay attention to the difference between the initial price and the renewal price. Many domain providers offer discounted rates for the first year or two, especially if you’re purchasing a domain along with other services.
When selecting a domain provider, consider the following factors:
- Ease of use: How simple will it be to connect your domain to your website? Purchasing a domain from your web-building platform often results in faster, easier setup, since you’re dealing with a single company. Using services from different providers can add extra steps and may be more technically challenging.
- Privacy protection: When you register a domain, your contact information becomes publicly available in the global ICANN registry. Domain privacy protection hides this information. Some providers, like Shopify, include this feature for free, while others charge an additional fee.
- Domain extension availability: While all domain providers offer .com domains, if you’re interested in a region-specific domain extension (such as .ca, .eu, or .au) or a speciality extension (like .shop or .store), make sure your chosen provider offers it.
- Additional services: Many domain registrars offer extra services such as ecommerce hosting, website building tools, and email hosting. Sometimes, domains are offered at attractive rates, but only when bundled with other services. Consider whether you need these additional features when making your decision.
To make it easier to decide, here’s a quick breakdown of major domain providers, their starting price points, and cost of WHOIS privacy protection:
- First-year price: Starting at $15
- Renewal price: $15/year
- WHOIS privacy protection: Free
Squarespace Domains (formerly Google Domains)
- First-year price: Starting at $14 for .com domains
- Renewal price: $20 to $70/year
- WHOIS privacy protection: Free
- First-year price: Starting at $0.01 for your first year
- Renewal price: $20/year
- WHOIS privacy protection: Free
- First-year price: Starting at $1
- Renewal price: $15/year
- WHOIS privacy protection: Free
- First-year price: Starting at $12.99 for .com domains
- Renewal price: Starting at $19.99
- WHOIS privacy protection: $15/year
- First-year price: Starting at $11.99 for .com domains
- Renewal price: Same as first-year price
- WHOIS privacy protection: $8.99/year
- First-year price: Starting at $6.49
- Renewal price: Starting at $16.88/year
- WHOIS privacy protection: Free
- First-year price: Starting at $12.99
- Renewal price: $22.99/year
- WHOIS privacy protection: $14.95/year
4. Purchase and register a domain
Once you’ve chosen a registrar and decided on your domain name, you’re ready to make your purchase. Let’s walk through the process with some popular domain registrars.
Registering a domain name with Shopify: If you’re building an online store, the quickest and easiest way to register a domain is by purchasing it directly through Shopify.
This method offers automatic setup and allows you to manage your domain settings, subdomains, and forwarding email addresses all in one place—right where you manage your ecommerce store.
To register a domain with Shopify:
- Log into your Shopify admin and go to Settings > Domains.
- Click “Buy new domain” and enter your desired domain name.
- Click “Buy” next to the domain you want to register.
- Add a payment method if you haven’t already.
- Review your personal contact details, auto-renewal preferences, and the domain registration agreements.
- Click “Buy domain” to complete your purchase.
- Check your email for a verification link and click it to finalize your registration.
Once you’ve completed setting up your domain, you’ll be able to edit your domain settings, set up subdomains, and create forwarding email addresses in the Settings > Domains section of your Shopify admin.
Note that it can take up to 48 hours for your new domain to become fully functional.
Registering a domain name with Squarespace Domains: Squarespace Domains allows you to purchase a domain without committing to other Squarespace services. However, they do offer integrations like Google Workspace and email forwarding if you need them.
To register a domain with Squarespace:
- Visit the Squarespace Domains registration page.
- Search for your desired domain name.
- Click “Add to Cart” next to your chosen domain, or add multiple domains to your cart.
- Proceed to Checkout.
- Create a Squarespace account using your business email.
- Choose your registration term and continue.
- Enter your contact information for domain ownership.
- Provide billing information and complete your purchase.
After you’ve received confirmation that your purchase was successful, your domain has been reserved and registered with Squarespace Domains.
Registering a domain name with GoDaddy: GoDaddy is one of the oldest and most well-known domain providers, offering integration with various third-party services.
To register a domain with GoDaddy:
- Go to GoDaddy.com and search for your desired domain.
- Click “Make it Yours” if the domain is available.
- Create a GoDaddy account or log in to an existing one.
- Enter your billing and payment information.
- Review additional services offered (e.g., email hosting, website builder) and opt out if not needed.
- Choose your payment term (up to 10 years for .com domains).
- Review your order and complete your purchase.
Once you’ve completed your purchase, your domain will be successfully registered with GoDaddy.
Registering a domain name with IONOS: IONOS, a veteran in the IT industry since 1988, offers domain registration alongside website hosting plans.
To register a domain with IONOS:
- Visit the IONOS homepage and search for your domain.
- Click “Add to Cart” if the domain is available.
- Review additional services offered and continue if you only want the domain.
- Create an IONOS account or log in to an existing one.
- Enter your billing and payment information.
- Review your order and select “Complete.”
Registering a domain name with Namecheap: Namecheap is another popular option for businesses looking to secure a domain.
To register a domain with Namecheap:
- Go to Namecheap and search for your desired domain.
- Click “Add to Cart” if the domain is available, or choose an alternative from the suggested variations.
- Review additional services offered (SSL, hosting, VPN) and opt out if not needed.
- Enter your billing information and complete the required prompts.
5. Review your domain name contract
Before finalizing your domain 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
- Renewal terms and associated fees
- Additional costs for services like domain restoration or privacy protection
- Conditions for transferring the domain to another provider
- Payment terms, including consequences for missed payments
Ideally, your business should have full ownership of the domain for the entire agreement. Look for flexibility in transfer conditions and fees, giving you the freedom to switch registrars if needed.
6. Renew your domain name
When you purchase a domain, 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 domains), registration is never permanent.
To maintain ownership of your domain, you’ll need to renew it when your term expires. Most domain providers offer automatic renewal, which is generally recommended. Even with automatic 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’re able to charge for automatic renewal.
If you don’t renew your domain, it will no longer direct to your website and may become available for purchase by others.
Where is the best place to buy a domain name?
There are several reputable websites where you can buy domain names for your online project. Some of the most popular options include:
- Shopify: Best for ecommerce businesses seeking all-in-one commerce functionality, website hosting, and domains.
- IONOS: Offers affordable domain pricing and free privacy protection.
- GoDaddy: Provides extensive domain extensions and reliable customer support.
- Squarespace Domains: Excellent for Google Workspace integration.
- Bluehost: Integrates seamlessly with WordPress for one-click setup.
- HostGator: Includes free website hosting for the first year of domain registration.
What to do after registering your domain name
Set up domain name system (DNS) settings
When users enter a URL in their browser, the browser sends a request to a global network of web servers that locate your website using the domain name system (DNS).
The DNS is a universally recognized, decentralized system for naming websites. It allows computers, phones, and any other internet-capable devices to find the webpage a user is looking for.
While the setup process for a new domain can be complex if done manually, most registrars, including Shopify, handle this for you automatically.
Create a website or landing page
What do people see when they visit your domain? A website or landing page is the content you’ll attach to your domain to tell people about your project.
For blogs, website builders like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace are popular options. However, if you’re buying a domain for an ecommerce business, Shopify is the best choice. With Shopify, you can buy your domain name and start an online store using a single ecommerce website builder.
Aside from buying a domain, Shopify also lets you:
- Choose from a theme library
- Display product details
- Collect customer data
- Manage marketing campaigns
- Process online payments securely
- Configure shipping and delivery
- View website analytics
Enable domain privacy protection
Domain privacy protection hides your personal information from the public WHOIS database. When your personal data is protected, you’ll 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 additional fees for WHOIS domain protection. You’ll typically be prompted to configure this if it’s an add-on to your service.
Read more
- How to Buy a Domain Name- Domain Registration Guide
- Domain Price - How Much Does a Domain Really Cost?
- Domain SEO Explained- Choosing an SEO Friendly Domain Name
- What Is an SSL Certificate- Definition and Explanation
- How Much Does Website Hosting Cost?
- What Is a Domain and How Do Domain Names Work?
- What Is a Subdomain? A Complete Guide
- What Is a TLD? Top-Level Domains Definition and Guide
- What Is a ccTLD? Definition and Examples of ccTLDs
- 11 Best Domain Name Registrar Picks for 2024
How to register a domain name FAQ
How do I register my own domain name?
To register your own domain name, select a domain provider and follow their purchasing process. Refer to the steps outlined earlier in this guide for specific instructions for common providers. Remember that domain registration is temporary; to keep your domain registered, you’ll need to renew it at the end of your registration term.
How long does a domain take to register?
It typically takes around 24 hours to register a domain, though there can be a delay of up to 72 hours, depending on the web server you’re using.
Why can’t I permanently own a domain?
ICANN, the regulatory body that manages domains, sets a maximum limit of 10 years for domain ownership. You can keep a domain longer than this by renewing it at the end of the term.
Are domains free?
Some companies offer a free domain when you purchase other services. These domains typically come with customization restrictions and limited features, and commonly include the company’s brand name in the URL. Other companies may offer a free year of domain registration with the purchase of hosting services, but these domains will still need to be paid for when renewing the registration.
Do domains need to be registered?
Yes, domains need to be registered. This is done by your domain provider when you purchase your domain. You will not need to personally register the domain, as long as you’ve paid and provided a registrar with all of your registration information.
How much does it cost to register a domain name per year?
Yearly charges can differ depending on the provider and the domain extension. Regional and specialty domains tend to be more expensive than .com domains. For a full breakdown of costs with major providers, check out the “Choose a domain registrar” section earlier in this guide.
