First of all What is a Domain Name?
A domain name is a unique web address that is used to identify your website on the internet. for example yourbusinessname.com.
If you have a business called Suzan’s Bags that sells handbags. Your domain name is most likely to be called suzansbags.com
A domain name consists of two parts: the top-level domain (TLD), which is the extension (such as .com, .net, or .org), and the second-level domain (SLD), which is the name you choose (such as suzansbags).
When someone types in your domain name on the browser, they are instantly directed to your website or online store.
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Tips for Choosing a Domain Name
First and foremost, you’d want to use a name that is consistent with a registered name for your business, or your brand as a whole.
The whole trick with choosing a domain name is that people should always remember and recognize your website or brand on the internet.
💡If you struggle with coming up with a catchy domain name for your business, try these free domain name generator tools:✅
- GoDaddy Name Generator
- Shopify Name Generator
If you are into blogging and affiliate marketing, I discuss the tips advanced tips for choosing a domain name here.
For 99% of business owners and internet marketers, Here are important things to consider when choosing a domain name: ✅
- Make it memorable: Choose a domain name that is easy to remember and spell. Avoid using numbers or hyphens, as these can be confusing.
- Keep it short: The shorter the domain name, the easier it will be for people to type, remember, and spell on Google. A good example of this is Apple (the company that makes iPhones). Their registered business name is Apple Incorporated. But they simply call their domain or website: apple.com
- Use keywords: Including keywords related to your business or website can help with search engine optimization (SEO). This tip is helpful if you are in a services business, like plumbing. It would make sense to include the “plumbing or plumber” as part of your domain name. This makes Google and page visitors automatically associate your website with a plumbing business.
- Check availability: Once you have come up with a shortlist of some domain name suggestions. Be sure to check that it is available, if Yes then register it right away before someone else takes it. You can do this for cheap with Bluehost, GoDaddy, or NameCheap.
Steps on How to Get a Website Domain
Once you have decided on a name for your domain name, the next step is to register it. Here’s how to do it:
1. First, choose a domain registrar:
A domain registrar is a company that manages the registration of domain names. Some popular options include Domains.com, GoDaddy, Namecheap, and BlueHost.
Domain registrations go hand in hand with website hosting.
So I’d recommend getting also getting a web hosting service for your domain since the two become cheaper when bundled together.
You will actually get a domain name included in the package for free with these top web hosting providers,
Web hosting is a service where you can host website files and emails on a live internet server.
Once you have web hosting, you will get access to a private control panel (e.g cPanel) with free tools to start building a website (such as WordPress and Magento).
Therefore, in the end, with the whole combo of a web hosting plan and a domain, you will also be able to set up and start using @yourbusinessname.com emails at no extra cost (on top of the privilege to host a website).
Here are some web hosting companies that provide you a free domain name when you buy with web hosting:
- BlueHost – Best for Price and WordPress Hosting.
- Domain.com – Specialist for domain names.
- NameHero – Best for Speed, Reliability, and Customer Support.
- NameCheap – Best for Price and has a variety of web-related products in one place.
- InMotion Hosting – Best for Speed, Reliability, and Support, Just like NameHero.
- Mashjoy Hosting – Best for Speed, Just like NameHero
- GoDaddy – Best for Price, and having a variety of products in one place
2. Search for your domain name:
To search for a domain name, use the search function on the registrar’s website to see if your desired domain name is available.
The domain search tools used by registrars basically scan the availability of domains from all over the internet and tells you if your domain name is available or not.
If it is available, you will be shown the registration price plus button to proceed with the registration process.
If a domain name you want is not available, you may need to choose a different domain name or consider purchasing the domain from the current owner.
Here are some tips on what you can do if a domain name you really want is taken.
3. Purchase the domain:
Once you have found an available domain name, you can purchase it through the registrar.
Purchasing a domain name is the same as legally reserving that domain name to yourself on the rest of the internet.
Once a domain is purchased, it is permanently yours for as long as you keep renewing it before it expires. Domain names are normally renewed after a year.
If you don’t renew your domain, that domain name will expire and someone else will have the right to purchase it.
The cost of a domain will depend on the TLD and the time you want to register the domain. If you want the cheapest domain prices, consider using Domains.com, GoDaddy, Namecheap, and BlueHost.
They always have ridiculously low domain prices or free domains on a web hosting plan.
Most domain registrars offer the option to register a domain for one to ten years.
4. Set up hosting:
As suggested above, In order to make your website visible on the internet and to have @yourdomain emails, you will need to set up hosting.
This is a service that stores your website files on a server and allows them to be accessed online. Many hosting options are available, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated hosting.
For starters, the best type of web hosting is shared web hosting. You can always upgrade your hosting as your hosting needs grow.
Here are some top web hosting companies that provide you a free domain name when you buy with web hosting: ✅
- BlueHost – Best for Price and WordPress Hosting.
- Domain.com – Specialist for domain names.
- NameHero – Best for Speed, Reliability, and Customer Support.
- NameCheap – Best for Price and has a variety of web-related products in one place.
- InMotion Hosting – Best for Speed, Reliability, and Support, Just like NameHero.
- Mashjoy Hosting – Best for Speed, Just like NameHero
- GoDaddy – Best for Price, and having a variety of products in one place
In Conclusion:
Getting a website domain is an important first step in building your website. It is actually something you cannot avoid.
Also, Choosing an easy-to-remember and keyword-rich domain name and finding the right hosting option can set the foundation for a successful online presence.
Don’t forget to regularly renew your domain to continue using it, as most domain registrations need to be renewed every one to ten years.
With a little bit of thinking and picking up the perfect domain name for your business, you can easily get a website domain and start building your online presence.
If you want to learn more about domains. You might find these domain articles helpful:
- How to Get a Free Domain Without Hosting
- How to Get a Domain Name for Free
- How to Buy a Domain and Hosting
- How to Buy a Domain Name Permanently
