Registering for a domain name is important is it helps to build your brand. It gives your business better business credibility. Besides that, a good domain is great for SEO and thus makes it possible to effectively compete with your biggest competitors online by increasing your brand’s awareness on Google and other search engines.
But what’s the process that’s involved in registering a domain name? There are several platforms that you can use to do this. Generally, they both employ almost the same application sequence.
How To Buy A domain name
- Register a domain name: Using Domain.com
Domain.com provides one of the easiest ways to register a domain. The site was launched in 1998 and it now has over a million websites that are registered through it.
It’s a reputable and effective domain registrar featuring the top-level domains including .com, .org, .net, and .co. Besides that, Domain.com also offers country-specific domain extensions including .up, .fry, and .de among others.
- How to Register a Domain name with Domain.com
Step 1
Carry out a domain name check on the search bar to determine if the name is available.
Step 2
Select the domain name extension of your choice. Do you want .com or .org, etc.? Generally, you should opt to go for .com since it’s the most common extension that people are familiar with. Once you have done this, Domain.com, the name will be automatically added to your cart with a validity of 2 years. Note that you can always change the validity period and increase or decrease the renewal period.
It should be noted that you can also add some services such as:
- Site Lock, a strong website security tool
- Drag and drop website builder
- A professional email address that matches your domain name
Step 3
Input your billing and payment information once you have confirmed that you have everything you need. Domain.com also has a coupon code option that you can use. Thereafter, you can proceed to checkout.
Features of the domain name
- You get at least one year of domain name ownership
- DNS registration as well as management tools
- A free SSL certificate for enhanced security
- Automatic and effective email forwarding
Cost
Domain.com is quite affordable. You can get a good domain name within a price range of $9.99 to $12.99 annually. In case you are lucky, you can buy your domain name for as cheap as $2.99 per year.
2. Registering a domain name for free with Bluehost
If you are looking for a free domain, then Bluehost is your best bet. This site provides free services and you stand a chance of actually getting a good domain name.
As a new user, Bluehost allows you to get a new free domain name and hosting for one year. This means that you can choose to register a brand new domain name or simply transfer an existing one from another domain company.
3. Register for a domain name: NameCheap.com
This is the second most effective method of registering a domain name. NameCheap is a popular and reputable website where you can conveniently buy a domain name. Besides that, this service provider also offers website hosting services.
What makes it stand out is that it normally offers good deals and extremely affordable prices. So, if you are keen on getting a reasonable bargain, then you should consider using it.
3. How to register a domain name with Namecheap
Step 1
You need to carry out the domain name search that you are interested in; this is important in ensuring that you choose an option that’s available.
Understand that NameCheap has a significantly huge domain name database. So, you can conveniently choose from its collection which normally involves traditional top-level domain names in addition to .art, .luxury, and .digital among others. Namecheap has more than 400 top-level domain name options available.
In case the name you want isn’t available, NameCheap assists you in choosing an alternative name by giving you more name ideas. You simply need to switch to the beast mode by clicking on the advanced search view option.
The best thing about the advanced search view is that there are more features that you can choose from. For instance, you can check the domain name prefix or suffix, price range, and possible transformations among others.
This means that you can conveniently end up choosing a domain that suits your budget. Besides that, the advanced search view allows you to find the perfect domain name that’s available, memorable, and short.
Step 2
Once you have found a domain name that suits your needs, then you can proceed and add it to your cart. Thereafter, you should start the checkout process. Note that you can always customize your order by adding or removing some extras.
For every domain name bought at Namecheap, this service provider will give you lifetime access to free WHOIS protection. Besides that, you can get an added bonus of a premium DNS offer that costs as cheap as $4.88 annually.
If you choose to enable the bonus premium option, NameCheap will give you annual protection against DNS/DDoS attacks. These attacks are on the rise and it’s definitely advantageous for you to grab this new and rare opportunity.
It’s ultra-fast and highly effective in offering DNS response globally. The best thing about it is that you will have extra leverage in the form of your website’s speed.
NameCheap is generally versatile. So, you can tweak some parts of your application process. For instance, you can change your renewal process. This service provider usually gives its customers a small discount for domain purchases of 2+ years.
Step 3
Go ahead and confirm your purchase order. If you don’t have a NameCheap account, then you will need to create it at this point.
It’s important to note that NameCheap doesn’t provide an option to create an account with the use of Facebook or Google. So, you will have to provide your email address.
Step 4
Provide your billing address after successful login and then add the payment method. Finish the transaction by proceeding to purchase.
Advantages of NameCheap domain name & premium DNS
- VPN subscription
- An annual hosting plan in addition to a website builder
- Availability of SSL certificate for extra protection
- A professional email address that matches your domain name
- A dedicated managed web host for WordPress
To Register a domain name: GoDaddy
Even though GoDaddy is a website host service provider, you can also use this platform to buy a domain name. The process is quite simple and straightforward.
4. How to register a domain name with GoDaddy
Step 1
Look for a new domain name to ensure that the name you want to use is still available. In case you don’t have a domain name idea yet, GoDaddy usually provides users with an extra set of features to help them find it out.
For effectiveness and ease of use, use GoDaddy’s bulk domain search option in order to check the eligibility of different domain names in just one click.
Besides that, this site also comes with a free domain name generator. So, you can conveniently get the best naming suggestions that are free to use.
It’s worth noting that GoDaddy can also act as the broker between a domain name owner and you. This is particularly important if you want are interested in getting a specific domain name for branding purposes. But be prepared to pay extra charges that are related to:
- The seller’s domain name fee
- The brokerage commission to GoDaddy
- Yearly domain name subscription for the selected domain name
Step 2
Once you have selected the top-level domain name, select the renewal period. GoDaddy has a renewal period that normally lasts between one to ten years.
The best thing about its payment system is that this service provider normally runs promotions regularly. So, it’s easy to get an affordable domain name option.
Step 3
If you have selected all the things that you need, then proceed to the checkout option. At this level, GoDaddy usually gives its customers an extra option to choose some extra features that may come in handy. This includes:
- The “coming soon” page which is free
- Extra domain security and privacy coverage
- A free email address that matches your domain name
Step 4
Review your purchases before finally making the last payment. You will find that for one-year domains, the payment rates are much lower. However, if you sign up for a domain name with a renewal of up to 2 years, then the price will be quite high.
Step 5
If you don’t have an account with GoDaddy, then this is the perfect time to create it. Note that you don’t have to input your email address and all the other details. You can create a GoDaddy account by using your Google or Facebook account. Make your payments finally.
GoDaddy’s Annual Rates
Apart from getting the domain name, here are some of the features you will get access to:
- Great customer support anytime you are in need
- You can use this platform to create up to 100 subdomains
- Enhanced security measures in addition to real-time monitoring of your domain
- Basic website protection involving the use of WHOIS
Note: we normally don’t recommend the use of the same service provider for domain names and hosting. While you might get a free service for a year, the recharge fee is definitely going to be extremely high. So, it’s always advisable that you consider using domain registrars.
Register A Domain Name FAQs
Q: When do you need domain name registration?
A: hundreds of thousands of people usually register domain names every month. On the other hand, there are more than 150 million domain names registered with the .com extension.
If you want to set up your website and keep it up and running, then you need to first get a domain name. You can register your name at any time, even before you can finally make use of your website.
The early you do it, the better it is. This is because good domain names have already been picked. So, the more you delay, the higher your chances of not getting a good domain name.
Q: Do I need to have a website before I can register for a domain name?
A: NO. You don’t need a website before you can do this. You can even register the domain name and set up the website months later.
Besides that, there are platforms that you can use to register a domain name, and then go ahead and set up your temporary website.
You need to know that the domain name sector is just like the real estate sector. People usually register names, hold them as they wait for the appropriate buyer to come around.
Q: How can I effectively choose a domain name?
A: The process is quite simple and it all depends on what are your needs. You need to understand that first, a domain name is your brand’s identity. That’s why you should do comprehensive research. Take your time and think about a domain name that suits your website.
In case you don’t have an idea, there are different online platforms that can give you the appropriate hint. But here are some of the most effective tips you can apply:
- The domain name should be simple to pronounce and easy to spell
- It should be as short as possible
- Make use of the .com extension if possible since it’s what most users are likely to remember.
- In case you decide to carry out a domain search, use specific keywords as well as your brand’s name. For example, if your website is about fashion then the keywords you can use include trend, trendy, outfits, etc?
- Avoid using domain names with hyphens and numbers. Not only are they difficult to pronounce but it makes them harder to remember.
Related article: How to start a blog with Bluehost

About Ross
Ross is the founder of Hostingwhich, a free resource site where you can learn about Starting your own Blog & also find out about Web Host Services. Click here to learn more if you want to start a blog.
