How To Register A Domain Name For Your Website: Easy Steps
The first step is to register a domain name, which can be daunting for first-timers. Don’t worry; this guide walks you through it.
Once you’ve decided to build a website, one of your biggest decisions is deciding what name you’re going to give it. Just about everything else on your website is determined by this decision, so it’s important you do your homework and find the best name possible. To help you out, we’ve created this primer that outlines all the steps.
How an you Defined A Domain Name
Domain names allow users to remember an easier-to-remember numeric internet address by giving them a friendly face in the form of an easy-to-remember handle. Every computer has a unique IP number, and so do domain names, like whitehouse.gov where one handle is 104.109.178.94. It provides convenience for sending e-mails to individuals or organizations.
In order to buy a domain name, you have to register it with a domain name registrar, such as A2, GoDaddy, or Namecheap. Before registering your domain you’ll want to ensure that it differs from any other names already registered. It’s best if it’s catchy and short- because people will remember it easier and typing in your website is also faster. You’ll also want to research topics for your company online before buying a domain so that the keywords “PCMag” are on top of people’s mind when visiting your website.
The Best Domain Name Registrars
If you want to choose a name that isn’t already taken in the niche, you might find it when you run into cyber-squatters. And if their name is exclusive enough, they could be reselling them later to legitimate would-be site owners – more on this later.
If your domain name is taken, try at a different registrar. Domain registrars often have a search tool to return a list of available names similar to the one you want.
The Suffix Factor
The term “suffix” refers to the name of a website or domain’s extension, which is like the plural form of an acronym. In terms of websites and domains, there are many types of extensions that can be purchased from websites such as .com and .edu, as well as select others like .gaming, .hiphop, and .green among hundreds. The most popular is the suffix for websites like .com, which is supposed to indicate commercial ones but instead often now includes almost anything.
If you’re in search of a popular domain name and don’t want to spend serious dollars, then the fee might be $50,000. The process that goes into this is squatters who look to flip domains for profit as well as those from the domain registrar’s office who would like to make more money by selling names. Make sure you have some cash on hand before making an offer.
Domain Names and Web Hosts
With a hosting provider, you no longer have to register for a domain name. The best web-hosting providers, such as HostGator, DreamHost and Hostwinds, offer domains when you sign up for web-hosting services. Hosting providers typically offer free domains with their hosting packages.
One thing that you’ll want to keep in mind is how long the website will be free for. The provider of a free domain name has to pay for the one or two years it’s available. Other than that, providers usually offer no setup fees over and above the registrar’s fee, though there may be a transfer fee as well.
Cloudways is one of the most well-respected web hosting platforms that doesn’t offer a domain registration option at all. However, most other hosting companies will allow you to register a domain name in your control.
There are many lengths to which you can register your domain name. Be aware of restrictions on the domain name should a registrar fail to provide satisfactory customer service. The supervising company could go out of business, leaving your domain without a host. Make sure to check for policies with specific length limitations before committing to anything.
The Domain Contract
If you’re purchasing a domain name, be sure to consider your legal rights and responsibilities when entering into a contract for the site. It is important to research the extent of your property rights before spending money on a domain name.
Many registrars reserve the right to take away your domain name for specific reasons, such as if you misuse it or use it inappropriately. Many contracts include a clause allowing them to take away your domain after seemingly no reason at all. In other words, the domain is theirs and you are only the renter.
Registrars may change their policies at any time, so it is imperative to research each one meticulously.
