Once you’ve decided to develop a website, you need to make one important decision, even before contacting a web hosting company.
What will be your website’s domain name and core identity? Your domain name is the name of your website, so you need to secure a good one.
Purchasing a domain name is easy, but finding a good one can be challenging. Additionally, you need to understand the contract between you and the domain registrar.
This article will focus on the domain purchasing process, along with some reliable domain name registration companies. Let’s begin!
What is a Domain Name?
Domain is a unique name that represents an IP address. An IP address is a string of numbers that serves as a unique identifier for every device connected to the internet. It’s like a phone number for your computer or website.
However, remembering IP addresses is impossible because they tend to be long and unique. This is where domain names will help.
A structure known as the Domain Name System of DNS will translate the numbers into names. These names are called domain names. Not only are they short but also memorable.
The domain of your website is what people will enter into the search bar of Google or any other search engine. Once they do, it will point directly to your website.
Let’s assume the IP address is your website’s GPS coordinates, and the domain availability is your street address. These addresses will help someone find your home or website.
How to buy a Website Domain?
As mentioned earlier, it’s easier to buy and use a domain name. However, most people don’t know how much does it cost to buy a website domain. You cannot just randomly choose something for your website. As it’s your storefront, you need to be very careful.
You should purchase a domain name that’s unique and memorable. It should also reflect your brand and target audience. Let’s see how to buy a domain name for a website.
1. Research Domain Registrars
When buying a new domain name, you need to choose the right domain registrar. A domain registrar is a company that manages domain names on the internet.
Each registrar offers different features, pricing plans, and levels of customer support. Hence, make sure you conduct thorough research.
But you might be overwhelmed if you’re purchasing a domain name for the first time. To speed up the process, consider budget requirements, customer support, and a user interface.
You also need to determine each registrar’s reputation and reliability. Research the customer reviews, testimonials, and ratings. Look for feedback related to uptime, customer support, ease of use, and overall satisfaction.
Additionally, the domain registrar must have ICANN accreditation. It proves reliability, accountability, and ethical conduct in domain registration and management.
2. Conduct a Domain Name Search
Once you’ve selected a domain registrar, you need to search for the right domain names. Check the availability of your desired domain name to see if it’s been registered.
Enter the domain name in the domain registrar’s search bar. This should be the domain name prefix (e.g., “example” in “example.com”). If you’re facing problems finding a perfect domain name for your website, you can use a domain name generator tool.
Then, you need to choose the desired domain extension to accompany your domain name. Common domain extensions include .com, .net, .org, .info, etc. You can also choose country-specific extensions.
Depending on your search query, the domain name may or may not be available. If it’s owned by someone else, you can purchase it from them. But keep in mind it’s not going to come cheap.
Before finalizing your domain name choice, double-check the spelling and ensure that there are no typos or errors in the domain name you’re considering.
3. Choose a Memorable Domain Name
This is one of the most critical steps you need to remember. When buying a domain name, you must ensure it’s memorable. A memorable domain name helps users remember and easily find your website. Further, it contributes to brand recognition and establishes a solid online presence.
Besides being memorable, it has to reflect your brand identity. For instance, try to incorporate your brand name in the domain name. This will enhance consistency and brand recognition.
You should always choose a short and simple domain name. Shorter domain names are easier to remember. Avoid long or complex domain names that are difficult to pronounce or spell.
In my opinion, single-word domain names are the best. However, given their popularity, acquiring them might be hard. Also, avoid hyphens, numbers, and special characters in your domain name.
4. Select a Domain Extension
Selecting a domain extension is a crucial decision when buying a domain for a website. It influences the website’s online identity and its credibility, relevance, and visibility.
A domain extension, also known as a top-level domain (TLD), is the suffix that follows the domain name. It typically indicates the purpose, location, or nature of the website. As numerous domain extensions are available, choosing the right extension requires careful consideration.
Firstly, assessing the nature and scope of your website’s audience and content is essential. The dot com domain extension is often preferred for global or commercial websites. This is because .com is the most famous and widely used extension.
Alternatively, a country-code extension can benefit if your website serves a specific geographic area or market.
Besides geographic considerations, domain extensions can also convey the website’s purpose or industry niche. For instance, .org is commonly associated with nonprofit organizations, .edu with educational institutions, and .gov with government entities.
5. Complete the Registration Process
After choosing an available domain name, it’s time for the registration process. This process involves providing necessary information and selecting registration options. You also need to pay the chosen domain registrar.
Remember that the cost of the domain will depend on the uniqueness and, most importantly, the extensions. Many beginners don’t know how to build a website after buying a domain, let know how much is it to buy a website domain.
6. Manage Your Domain
Last but not least, you need to manage your domain. This is crucial to maintaining your online presence and ensuring that your website operates smoothly.
Access the control panel provided by the domain registrar. Log in to the control panel using your registrar account credentials. Then, make sure your contact information is up to date.
Keep in mind that domain registrations are typically valid for a specific period. To prevent any hassle, renew your domain name before it expires.
Also, regularly monitor your domain’s status and stay informed about any important notifications or alerts from your registrar. If necessary, you can also transfer your domain name.
By effectively managing your domain and staying proactive about maintenance and security, you can ensure that your website remains accessible, secure, and operational, providing a positive experience for visitors and users. Regularly review and update your domain settings as needed to adapt to changes in your website’s requirements or business name.
Top 9 Domain Registrars
Once you know how to buy a domain, your next step is to shortlist the best domain registrars. The market is saturated with multiple options, and choosing the right one can be daunting.
I have done the heavy lifting and shortlisted the top 9 domain registrars. I encourage you to review them and pick the most suitable option for your needs.
1. GoDaddy
GoDaddy is one of the largest ICANN registrars in the world. It allows users to search for and register domain names seamlessly.
Unlike many other platforms, GoDaddy provides different types of extensions. This includes .com, .net, .org, and many other valuable extensions. Whether you want something region-specific or worldwide, you can find everything in GoDaddy.
GoDaddy also offers several other services related to domains, such as website hosting, website-building tools, professional email, SSL certificates, and online marketing solutions.
GoDaddy also provides free domain privacy forever and protects your personal information. Choose the Full and Ultimate Domain Protection plans if you want additional protection against domain hijackers.
GoDaddy offers competitive pricing for domain registrations and renewals. It is popular for its user-friendly interface and services. To register a domain, go to their website, search for the domain name, and choose a suitable extension.
GoDaddy is the place to go if you want to purchase the most suitable domain for your website with minimal investment. If you want to know how much to buy a website domain, visit GoDaddy today.
2. Hostinger
You might have heard of Hostinger before as a reliable website hosting company. But do you know that Hostinger is also a domain registration platform?
No, I am not talking about its free domain services. Although Hostinger provides a domain name for free with most of its hosting plans, you can also purchase it separately.
The best thing is that all domain extensions come with free WHOIS protection. Whether you purchase a .com or a .org domain, as long as it’s eligible, you don’t need to pay for WHOIS protection.
Hostinger is serious about its protection services. It features impeccable privacy protection services that will safeguard your domain registration information. Third parties won’t be able to access it.
Let’s say you have purchased a domain name from another registrar. In such cases, you can transfer your domain to Hostinger easily.
Thanks to 24/7 customer care support, they can solve all your domain-related queries. Once you choose and pay for the domain, Hostinger will guide you through the setup process. It’s super easy, and you don’t need any technical knowledge.
3. Bluehost
Bluehost is a popular web hosting provider and also an official WordPress partner. Besides domain registration services, Bluehist also provides domain name registration.
Users can choose and register from a variety of domain options and extensions. Bluehost flaunts an easy-to-use interface. You can choose between different extensions directly from the domain search bar.
Thanks to no technical difficulties, anyone can purchase domains with ease. However, you need to make sure you’re choosing the right extensions.
Bluehost provides its users with a simple control panel. From this dashboard, you can manage every aspect of your domain. If you cannot remember the domain renewal date, don’t forget to leverage the benefits of auto domain renewal.
You will also get a domain lock and domain privacy. From preventing authorized transfers to protecting your personal information, Bluehost can manage everything seamlessly.
Thanks to geo-location domains, you can let your audience know where your business is from. But remember that geo-specific domains like bipchakra.uk will come with regional limitations.
4. Shopify
If you’re planning to launch an Ecommerce store, Shopify is the best place to purchase a new domain. With Shopify, things won’t get complicated.
Shopify will provide you with all of the websites and e-commerce tools in a single dashboard. When you purchase and register a domain name with Shopify, it will be connected to an online store immediately.
If you’re planning to run an Ecommerce store, purchasing domains from Shopify will allow you to connect with the store itself. This means you don’t need to worry about third-party connections or complex technical setups.
Even if you have a domain name, connect it to Shopify from the store’s admin panel. It’s also super cost-effective compared to other domain registrars in the market.
If you purchased a domain recently, you cannot transfer it to Shopify. You must hold the domain for at least 60 days before migrating it to Shopify.
Shopify domain registration is a convenient option for those already using their platform. It offers a user-friendly experience, security essentials, and basic domain management tools integrated with your store.
5. Namecheap
Founded in 2000, Namecheap is one of the most affordable domain registration platforms. If you’re looking for domain names and cost-effective web hosting services, look no further than Namecheap.
Despite charging less than the competitors, Mailcheap includes WHOIS protection, which is one of the most important aspects of domain name management.
WHOIS protection is included in all domains you register with Namecheap. You can also take advantage of additional security features like VPN, SSL certificates, and Premium DNS.
The package deal of Namecheap with web hosting and domain registration will benefit you a lot. Other eye-catching add-ons include WordPress hosting and security features.
Transferring a domain name from Namecheap to another platform is also super simple. As long as you have held your domain for 60 days and didn’t transfer it, you’re good to go.
Additionally, transferring a domain name to Mailchimp is straightforward. Depending on the complexion, the process will take between 30 minutes and six days.
6. Domain.com
Founded in 2000, Domain.com is undoubtedly one of the most popular domain name registration platforms. It helps you register TLDs and other region-specific top-level domains.
It comes with a quick search tool that will help you in your domain research and show you premium domains that meet your needs.
You will receive all the custom domain management assistance that you could expect from a reliable domain registrar.
The features include WHOIS protection, private registration, bulk registration, free WHOIS, easy domain transfer, email forwarding, and other services.
Domain.com has a superb customer support system. If you need any assistance, you can reach out to them via live chat, phone, or email. They have extensive knowledge and expertise to handle your queries.
If you’re planning to purchase a domain name without web hosting, I recommend Domain.com. However, if you want to start a website or blog, BlueHost can prove more beneficial as it provides a free domain name with its hosting plans.
Click here to visit Domain.com
7. Hover
Hover has been providing services since 2008. It remains one of the most user-friendly domain registration platforms in the market. Due to its simple domain registration nature, you can easily choose and purchase domains.
If you want a domain without excess registration hassle, Hover is just for you. Once you purchase your domain name, Hover Connect will link the domain address to your chosen hosting platform.
Let’s say you have multiple websites. Even if .com domains come cheap, they may prove expensive for multiple websites. Hover provides a discount when you purchase bulk domains.
While Hover provides WHOIS protection, there’s a catch. To receive free WHOIS protection, you need to purchase top-level eligible domains.
Just like many other platforms, Hover will also let you transfer domains cost-effectively. But your domain should be at least 60 days old and hasn’t gone through any transfer in the past 60 days.
While Hover is undoubtedly an excellent domain registrar, there’s something you should know. If you need a very specific domain extension, require a wider range of bundled services, or need advanced domain management features, another registrar might be a better fit.
8. Dynadot
Dynadot is famous for its reasonable and transparent pricing. The simple website design will let you purchase or search your domains without any confusion.
Dynadot provides different types of top-level domains (TLDs). Whether you want a domain for your small business or large enterprise, you can easily find a suitable domain.
Thanks to the different types of TLDs, you can choose from vast options. From .com to .shop, you can find everything on Dynadot.
You can also bid on any existing domain name. This will come in handy if you want a good domain name, but it’s already registered. However, remember that the domain name cost will go higher.
Dyandot also provides a free website builder. This also includes email hosting, SSL security, and a grace period for deletion. In short, you will get a lucrative combo.
Dynadot will also include WHOIS protection with your domain. If you want additional protection, consider turning on two-factor authentication. Domain transfers are also easy and super accessible.
9. DreamHost
DreamHost offers a domain registration service that allows you to purchase the name for your website. They sell various domain name extensions, including the popular .com, .org, and .net.
In addition to registering your domain name, DreamHost offers several features. For instance, you will get WHOIS privacy protection. This helps keep your personal information hidden from public view.
You will also get an SSL certificate. It will encrypt communication between your website and visitors, improving security.
DreamHost will help you manage your domains easily. It comes with easy management tools, which will help you easily update your domain name settings through their control panel.
Furthermore, domain forwarding, email addresses, and additional security measures are available for purchase.
DreamHost also offers a free domain registration credit with some of their web hosting plans. This can be a good option if you’re just starting and need both domain registration and website hosting.
Click the link to visit DreamHost
Ready to Buy your First Domain?
There are countless domain name registrars platforms and resellers that I haven’t included in my list. This includes eNom, Tucows, Google Domains, Namesilo, Porkbun, and more.
The primary reason is that most of them offer the same services, and I want to ensure you choose the best and most suitable without any confusion.
In my opinion, GoDaddy is undoubtedly the best domain registration platform for small businesses and large enterprises. Not only is it more reasonable, but it also has more features.
If you want to build your website, then you should choose Hostinger and Bluehost to get a domain name. This is because their web hosting solutions come with a free domain name.
I hope now you know how to buy a website domain. Do you need help choosing a domain name? Which platform are you planning to use to register the domain? Make sure you let me know in the comments below.
