How to buy a website domain in 3 steps

Introduction

You can buy a domain from a domain name registrar or hosting provider. The process is simple – go to a domain registrar, find the domain you want to purchase, and follow the instructions to buy it.

Remember that it’s only possible to register an existing domain name with a valid domain extension that other people or businesses don’t already own.

We’re going to dive deeper into the steps to register a domain name – from finding a trusted registrar to buying a website’s address to finally getting into the registration process.

Here are the five steps to buy a domain:

1. Find a Credible Domain Registrar

A domain registrar is a company that is responsible for registering and managing domain names. It’s accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), a non-profit organization that controls the rules and regulations of domain name registration.

It can be challenging to pick from hundreds of domain registrars out there as they all offer similar services. Therefore, consider the following when choosing a registrar:

  • Pricing. Before making a purchase, make sure to read the registrar’s terms of service and check for any hidden domain costs. Also, avoid registrars that offer low upfront fees for the first registration year but charge significantly higher renewal rates.
  • Domain expiration policy. It’s crucial to renew a domain name before its expiration date to prevent other people from registering it. Thus, pick a registrar with auto-renewal and reminder features.
  • Add-on services. Look for domain registrars that provide other valuable add-ons such as domain privacy or domain parking.
  • Domain transfer policy. It’s possible to move domain names from one registrar to another, but some of them might make the process difficult or charge extra fees. Make sure to review the registrar’s domain transfer policy before making a purchase.

2. Run a domain name search

Now that you have found a registrar through which to register your domain, the next step is to perform a domain name search.

When you choose a domain name, make sure to pick the right domain extension as well – it’s the suffix at the end of a web address.

There are different types of domain extensions available, such as:

  • Country Code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD). This kind of TLD represents a specific country such as .au which is the ccTLD for Australia.
  • Sponsored Top-Level Domain (sTLD). It’s a type of TLD restricted to certain types of groups and organizations. Some of sTLD examples include .gov, and .edu.
  • Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD). It’s the most common type of TLD – it doesn’t rely on a country code and can be used for general purposes. A few examples of gTLDs include .com.org, and .net.

When deciding on the extension that is suitable for your domain, look for a TLD that represents the purpose of your website. Choosing the wrong suffix can confuse visitors and make your brand name prone to being misinterpreted.

We generally recommend local businesses to go with .com or .com.au as it is more credible, trustworthy, and more memorable.

Once you know what domain and extension to use, enter the name into the search bar and the tool will present you with a list of available domains. It will also display more extension and title suggestions, showing a wide range of domain ideas.

Domain Registrar: GoDaddy

3. Purchase your domain

To purchase a domain, continue the process from the domain checker page and press the Add to cart button next to the domain. Then, click Continue to cart.

  • Select a domain privacy plan, or click No Thanks.
  • Uncheck the “Start your website for FREE” to avoid starting the GoDaddy website trial. (unless you want to)
  • Choose from three email plans or keep the box checked to No Thanks.
  • Click Continue to Cart.
  • Sign into your GoDaddy account or click Create Account.
  • Review your order under My Items and click Complete Purchase.
  • Consider registering your domain name for a longer term to save money in the long run and prevent accidental domain expiration.
  • Congrats, you now understand how to buy a domain name and are the proud owner of a new online identity. It’s time to get your brand on the web!