The first step to a successful blog, website or an online business is getting a domain name. Doing this for a first timer may be confusing. So here is a guide on how to register a domain for your website.
What is a Domain?
A domain is a web address of any website that a user enters into the URL bar of a browser to access that website (example: wpsteam.me).
The whole internet is full of IP addresses of the servers of different websites. An IP looks like this: 127.0.0.1.
This address is not at all easy to memorize and if you enter even one digit wrong, you will get to a totally different site than what you intended to visit.
To fix this problem, domain names were invented.
Domain names can have both alphabets and numbers to make them memorable and relatable to a business or a website.
Why Do You Need a Domain Name?
- Domains give an easy to remember address which enables users to visit the website.
- It also helps to relate a website to a business or a blog as the domain name contains the business’s or the blog’s name in it.
- They can be found cheaply all over the internet.
How Much Does a Domain Cost?
Normally, a .com domain costs $14.99/year on an average. Prices vary depending on the TLD (Top-Level-Domain). Some are more expensive and some are less expensive than this.
I don’t recommend anything other than .com, .net, .org etc because these TLDs are memorable.
Is Having a Website Necessary Before Registering a Domain?
No, having a website is NOT necessary in order to purchase a domain. Many people but the domain and after that start building their site. This ensures that their domain is protected from someone else buying up that domain.
How to Choose the Perfect Domain Name?
Domain names play a vital role in a website’s identity and it’s success. This is why it’s necessary to think carefully about the domain before you buy one.
Here are some tips which will help you to select your perfect domain name:
- Make sure the domain name is short and easy to read and memorise.
- Keep your brand name in your domain to make it more SEO friendly.
- Try not to use hyphens as they may confuse people.
If you are still having trouble then try a domain name generator like Nameboy.
Step by step Process for Registering a Domain
You can register a domain from any ICANN authorized registrars like Namecheap, Name.com, GoDaddy etc.
How to Register a Domain Name with Namecheap
Namecheap is one of the best domain registrars on the internet. They have a lot of offers and promo codes that will enable you to get domain names for cheap and also renewals are also cheaper.
ALSO READ: What is a Domain Name?
1) Go to Namecheap.com and Search for Your Desired Domain
elect the desired domain from the list. If .com is not available, go for the next most common TLD (i.e .net, .org etc.) and click on
2) Confirm the Order
Click on Confirm Order
3) Login or Signup
Login or Sign Up for a Namecheap Account
4) Add Payment Method
Add the payment method via which you want to pay for your domain and click on continue to complete the purchase
Congratulations! The selected domain is now yours! Now you can connect it to your WordPress site and welcome visitors to your site via the domain!
The process is more or less the same with other registrars.
I hope this post has helped you by showing you how to select a domain name and registering it all by yourself. If you have any suggestions or queries then please let me know in the comments down below.
ALSO READ: How to Start a Blog
