Once you’ve decided to build a website, you need to make an important decision. Before your website design can begin, you must register a website domain.
A domain is how people find your website on the internet.
Your domain is the address where your website lives online. It is like a street address for your website.
Wondering how to choose a domain? Check out these tips to pick the best domain for your new website.
In general, you’ll want to pick a domain that is catchy and brief so that it’s simple to remember and find online.
Anyone can register a domain name, so long as that domain is valid and available.
Of course, you can’t purchase any domain. You can only buy a domain that isn’t already owned by another individual or entity, and that has a valid suffix (such as .com or .org).
To purchase a domain, you’ll have to go to an online registrar, search for your new domain, and pay the registration fee.
Namecheap is our recommended name registrar because of its easy service, free domain privacy, fast customer support, and affordable rates.
Easy Service
Namecheap has an easy-to-use interface where you can purchase what you’re looking for relatively fast without confusing hoops to jump through. Even tech beginners find Namecheap’s interface simple and direct.
Free Domain Privacy
Namecheap provides forever free domain privacy. There’s no extra fee or renewal costs. This privacy protects you from scams that target websites with public domain information.
Fast Customer Support
If you encounter any problems or difficulties with your domain, you can use Live Chat or a Support Ticket to get assistance from Namecheap support.
Affordable Rates
Namecheap is one of the most affordable domain registrars out there. You can register many domains at just $8/year, and they renew for under $14/year.
Register a domain with Namecheap in a few easy steps.
Registering your domain on Namecheap is simple and straightforward.
- Search on Namecheap.com for your domain
- Add to cart
- Log in or create an account to checkout
For more detailed step-by-step instructions, check out the official Namecheap guide.
Website Domain FAQ
How much does it cost to register a domain?
Domains can be extremely expensive or shockingly cheap — it all depends on whether the domain has already been registered AND the presumed popularity of the domain. Domains with popular words and domains that have already been registered are very competitive; they will be more expensive. Less competitive domains will be cheaper. I’ve personally seen domains that cost $10/year; others sell for over $300 million. Most domains for small business owners will be in the $10 – $100 range.
Can I register a domain myself?
Absolutely! In fact, I always advise clients to register their own domain. Life happens — your IT person may leave, your web contact isn’t available, or you don’t have access to an old registration account. Don’t risk losing your domain in situations such as those. Instead, register your domain yourself at a site such as Namecheap.com.
How do I buy a domain name permanently?
There isn’t an option to buy any domain permenantely — at least not yet. The longest registration period is 10 years, at which point you will have to renew the registration.
