Still not sure? Check out 8 Reasons You Should Purchase a Domain
Now that you’ve decided to create your own professional website, it’s time to buy your domain.
Purchasing a custom domain name is quick, easy, and usually quite inexpensive. Let’s go over the process and discuss where you can buy your very own domain.
Step 1: Brainstorm
Think of what you want your domain to be, but also come up with several variations or alternatives. Many domains are already taken by other businesses or individuals so you’ll want to have options ready in case your first choice isn’t available.
Some things to consider when choosing a domain:
- Related to your business, name, or brand
- Easy to remember
- Easy to spell and type
- Easy to pronounce, read out loud, or spell over the phone
- Does not use someone else’s business name or trademark
- Looks and sounds professional
- Covers long-term plans for your business
Step 2: Choose a Domain Registrar
A domain registrar is a site you’ll purchase your domain name from. There are several domain registrar sites you can choose from, and we’ve listed our favorites below. Check out this list for details on some of the most popular and trusted registrars for your domain:
GoDaddy
- Largest domain registrar in the world
- Domain privacy and protection
- Also offers web hosting, website building, email, and more
> Visit GoDaddy.com <
Bluehost
- Trusted and highly rated domain registrar
- Also offers web hosting, WordPress, email, and more
- Exceptional customer support (we’ve experienced it!)
> Visit Bluehost.com <
Domain.com
- Inexpensive domain registration
- Seamless domain transfers
- Also offers web hosting, site building, and more
> Visit Domain.com <
Web.com
- 1 year free domain registration with hosting
- SEO services, marketing, and security
- Also offer web hosting, site building, and more
> Visit Web.com <
NameCheap
- Affordable initial domain registration
- Web hosting and WordPress
- Also offer apps and plugins for website building
> Visit NameCheap.com <
As a note – if you already have a website, you may be able to purchase a domain through your web hosting provider. For example, The Ramen Phase is hosted by Bluehost which also offers domain registration. It is generally an easier process to purchase a domain through your existing web hosting provider, though it’s not necessary. Personally I have always purchased domains through GoDaddy, even though I use Bluehost for hosting. Up to you!
Step 3: Search for Availability
Your selected domain registrar will allow you to search a domain’s availability. Start with your top choice of domain name and see if it is available. Remember that there are options other than .com such as .net / .org / .biz / .us / .me / .info etc. Find one that is both available and appealing to you.
Step 4: Consider Protection
Purchasing domain privacy and protection will keep your personal information hidden from public searches when you register your domain name. This feature is optional but definitely has its benefits. Read any information provided by your domain registrar and make your decision accordingly. Some registrars even include it free for your first year!
Step 5: Complete Your Registration
Fill out the required information and check out. You’re done! You are now the proud owner of your very own domain! Congratulations!
Future Steps
From here you will need to link your domain to your website (if you already have one). This will be a topic for another article!
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