How to buy a domain name for your website? A step-by-step guide

Understanding the process of purchasing a domain name is crucial when launching a website. A domain that is relevant and memorable can attract traffic and enhance brand recognition. This guide covers all the essential aspects of buying a domain, including crafting a memorable domain name, selecting a provider, linking it to your site, and dealing with cases where your desired domain is already registered.

How does a domain name work?

Behind the scenes, domain names serve as shortcuts to a website’s IP address. When a user enters a domain name in their browser, it is translated into the website’s IP address, directing the browser to the correct location.

Domain names are more user-friendly than IP addresses, making them easier to remember. For instance, recalling “google.com” is simpler than remembering Google’s numeric IP address, 142.251.46.238.

How to choose a domain name?

Selecting a domain name is a crucial step in establishing a new website. It's the name by which customers will recall your site, playing a significant role in shaping your brand identity. When choosing a domain name, there are several key considerations to bear in mind.

Top-level domains

The most widely used top-level domain is ".com," which stands for "commercial." This extension is preferred by internet users, as they expect most websites to have a ".com" domain. Therefore, it's a suitable choice for personal or business websites. Other common domain extensions include ".org," ".net," ".xyz," ".io," and ".co."

There are numerous other top-level domains available, such as ".shop," ".world," ".live," and more. However, these extensions are not as frequently used, which might make them harder for visitors to remember. It's advisable to avoid them unless they align well with your brand.

When selecting a domain name, the challenge lies in choosing what comes before the extension. Here are some tips:

• Your domain name should mirror your brand and be easy to recall. If your business has a distinct name, consider using it as your domain name.
• Avoid generic domain names that could be relevant to any site or business in your industry.
• Keep your domain name concise, preferably under 15 characters. Steer clear of numbers and special characters.
• Ensure your domain name is simple to understand and spell. Practice saying your potential domain name to a friend and ask them to spell what they heard.

How can you verify the availability of your chosen domain name?

Once you've settled on a name and a domain extension, verify its availability. Most registrars, such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, Name.com, and Domain.com, offer free domain searches. Website builders like Wix and Squarespace, which provide domain names, also allow you to search for domains.

If your preferred domain is already taken, consider selecting an alternative top-level domain or making a slight modification to your name.

When choosing a different domain extension, check if a website is using your name with a ".com" extension, as customers might end up there accidentally. If the site belongs to a competitor or contains offensive content, it's wise to opt for a different domain name altogether.

Alternatively, you can attempt to purchase your preferred name from its current owner. We'll delve into that process in more detail below.

How to buy a domain name?

Once you've selected an available domain name, you can purchase and link it to your website by following these four steps.

Step 1: Choose a registrar

Registrars assign domain names to websites and protect your ownership after purchase. There are many options, including GoDaddy, Namecheap, Tucows, Network Solutions, and IONOS. Website builders like Wix, Squarespace, Weebly, and Jimdo also act as registrars, allowing you to buy a domain directly through them. Prices may vary, so it's wise to compare before settling on one.

Step 2: Purchase your domain

Search for your domain through the registrar and add it to your cart. Choose the registration period, usually ranging from a few months to ten years. Longer periods typically offer lower annual prices. Provide your information for ICANN's public database. You can pay to keep this information private.

Step 3: Turn on auto-renew

Enable auto-renew to avoid domain expiration. Update your credit card information if it changes to maintain auto-renewal.

Step 4: Connect your domain to your website

Share information between your domain registrar and web host. In your registrar account, find "DNS Management" or "Name Server Settings" and enter the nameserver addresses from your web host. This connection can take up to 48 hours to complete.

What is the price of a domain name?

Typically, a domain name can be bought for $10 to $20 per year. Less popular top-level domains like ".world" might cost less than $5 per year.

Some web hosts and registrars offer attractive introductory deals. For instance, purchasing hosting might include a free domain for a year. Many registrars charge less than $1 for the first year before raising the price.

However, popular domain names can be more expensive. For example, "shopping.store" costs $6,500 per year on GoDaddy as it's a premium domain. "Shopping.online" costs $16,250 per year.

What should you do if the domain you want is already registered?

If the domain name you want is already registered, there are still options available. You might be able to purchase the domain directly from its current owner, although this often involves negotiation and can be costly. It's important to be prepared to pay a premium for a domain that is already taken.

To start the process, you'll need to identify the current owner of the domain using the ICANN database or information on the domain's associated website. From there, you can contact the owner directly with an offer, or you can use a broker such as Sedo or Name Experts to help facilitate a deal.

When purchasing a domain through negotiation, always use an escrow service to handle the payment. This reduces the risk of sending funds directly to someone online.

Transferring your domain name

You also have the option to move your domain name to another registrar. People often do this for better pricing or because their website builder allows them to host both their website and domain on one platform.

Most registrars will transfer your domain for free, but you usually won’t get a refund from your current registrar if you transfer before your plan ends. For more advice on migrating a website, see our guide.

Choosing the correct domain name is critical for drawing visitors to your site. Opt for a domain that is easy to remember, type, and mirrors your brand. After selecting a domain and verifying its availability, you can buy it from a registrar and connect it to your website.