How to Buy a Domain Name: A Step-by-Step Guide 

Having a memorable domain name is important in establishing your online presence. It’s what people type into their web browsers to find your website, and it’s often the first impression they have of your brand. That said, buying the right domain name that fits your needs and goals is important. This article will guide you through buying a domain name, from choosing the right registrar to securing your ideal online address.  

What are domain names? 

A domain name is your website’s address on the internet. It’s what people will type into their web browser to find your site. For instance, Google’s domain name is ‘google.com.’ 

Domain names have two parts: a second-level domain and a top-level domain. 

• The second-level domain (SLD) is the unique and customizable part of your domain name that appears directly to the left of the top-level domain (TLD). An SLD that’s relevant to your brand or website helps visitors recognize and remember your site easily. It also reinforces your branding and improves your credibility. In this example, ‘www.example.com,’ example is the second-level domain. 
• The top-level domain (TLD) domain name is the first part, the one that comes after the SLD. It typically indicates a website’s purpose, type, or geographical area. Common top-level domains include .com (commercial), .net (network), and .org (organization). Choosing the right TLD can also impact your website’s credibility and branding. 

3 ways you can buy a domain name 

Buying a domain name helps you establish brand credibility and build a solid online presence. On top of that, you can also use your domain name as a professional email address to connect with your customers. There are three ways you can buy a domain name. 

Buying an original domain name 

If you have a specific domain name in mind, you can purchase it if it’s available. You can do this by registering the domain name with a domain registrar, typically for one to ten years. To retain exclusive rights to the domain, you have to renew your domain name on the registrar’s site before it expires. 

Buying existing domains 

Sometimes, you may want to buy a domain name already taken. Buying existing domains is an excellent option to acquire a premium domain name that’s highly relevant to your business. Here are a few different ways to buy an existing domain name. 

• Domain name marketplace. A domain name marketplace is a website where you can buy and sell domain names. Sedo, for example, is a reputable domain name marketplace. 
• Domain broker. A domain broker is a person who can help you negotiate the purchase of an existing domain name. 
• Domain backorder. A domain backorder lets you place a bid on a domain name that is about to expire. 

Buying an expired domain 

You may also opt for expired domains or wait for your desired domain to expire so you can get it. A domain expires when it’s not renewed after a certain period. The domain owner loses possession of the domain, and it becomes open to the public for registration.  

These domains can have pre-existing backlinks, traffic, and established search engine rankings, providing a potential advantage when establishing your own online presence. It’s also possible to acquire an expired domain at a lower cost than purchasing a premium domain from a current owner. 

You can find expired domains through online services specializing in listing expired or soon-to-expire options. Platforms like Sedo frequently offer valuable data about a domain’s history, backlinks, and traffic. 

Domain auctions are another avenue for acquiring expired domains, where you can bid on desired names. Alternatively, if a domain registrar offers a backorder service, you can place a backorder with them. Backorders allow you to attempt to register the domain if the current owner fails to renew it. 

The steps of buying a domain name 

The process of buying a domain name is relatively simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow. 

1. Choose an accredited domain name registrar 

An ICANN-accredited domain name registrar is a company that accredits and sells domain names. While there are domain registrars that are not accredited, choosing one that’s accredited means that they meet specific standards set by the organization, which helps provide consumer protection when registering a domain.  

Consider factors such as pricing (comparing registration and renewal fees), customer support, the range of domain extensions offered, additional services like domain privacy protection and SSL certificates, and a user-friendly interface for managing your domain settings when deciding which registrar to choose. 

3. Search for your desired domain name 

Once you’ve chosen a registrar, you can use their domain name search tool to check if your domain name is available. If it’s unavailable, you’ll need to create a variation of your chosen domain name or select a different domain extension. 

What to consider when choosing a domain name 

Choosing the right domain name is crucial for your online success. Here are some factors to consider. 

• Relevance. Your domain name should be relevant to your website’s content or brand name, which can help users understand what your website is about.   
• Length. Shorter domain names are ideal since they’re easier to remember and type. They also look cleaner and more professional in their marketing materials.   
• Memorability. Choose a unique domain name that is easy to remember and pronounce. Having a catchy domain name will make it easier for people to find your website again in the future. 
• Domain name extension. Select a domain name extension that’s appropriate for your website’s content. For example, .com is the most common extension for commercial websites. 
• Availability. Make sure the domain name you want is open for registration. To check its availability, you can use a domain name search tool.   
• Budget. Prices for domain names widely vary depending on the extension and the registrar, which you should heavily consider. 

3. Select your domain name extension.  

A domain name extension comes after a domain name, like .com, .net, or .org. There are also country-specific extensions, such as .uk or .ca. You have the option to choose one that fits your needs or aligns with your brand. 

If your desired domain name is taken, exploring unique extensions could help you secure your ideal name and save money. 

4. Complete the registration process.  

Once you’ve found an available domain name and chosen an extension, you can complete the registration process by providing your contact information and paying for the domain. 

When checking out, be sure to pay attention to the renewal time frame, renewal options, and extra add-ons like privacy protection.  

How to buy a domain name at Domain.com 

Domain.com is ICANN-accredited, and we offer a user-friendly platform for buying and registering your domain name. Here’s a step-by-step guide. 

1. Check if your domain is available. Use Domain.com’s domain search tool to see if your desired domain name is available.  

If it’s not, you’ll get suggestions for similar or related names. When you’re contented with your choice, click Add To Cart. 

2. Add protection. We automatically include Domain Privacy + Protection in your cart. This service keeps your personal information private and protects your website from various online threats, including malware. However, you can remove this service if you prefer. 
3. Check out your domain. Once you’re all good with your domain, click Continue to start entering your billing information. 
4. Enter your information. Click Proceed to Billing to enter your billing information and complete your purchase.  
5. When done, click Purchase Now. 

Common mistakes to avoid when buying a domain name 

Buying a domain name is important for building an online presence, but it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can hinder your success. Here are some critical mistakes to avoid. 

• Neglecting trademark research. Conduct deep research before registering a domain name to ensure it’s not already trademarked; you can use the USPTO’s online database to search for registered trademarks. Using a trademarked name can have legal consequences and force you to drop the domain. Moreover, trademark infringement can damage your brand’s reputation and lead to costly legal battles.   
• Skipping privacy protection. When you register a domain name, your personal information, such as your address, phone number, and email, becomes publicly accessible through the WHOIS database. This increases your risk for spam, unwanted calls, and privacy risks. See if a domain registrar offers Domain Privacy + Protection service so that you can protect your personal information, domain, and website. 

Additional domain registrar services to consider 

Besides getting a good domain name, selecting a reliable domain registrar is vital for your online presence. A reputable registrar secures your domain name and provides essential services like robust security, responsive customer support, and user-friendly management tools.  

Besides domain registration, most registrars often provide additional services that can be valuable for your online presence. These services can include the following. 

• Domain privacy. When you register a domain name, your personal information, such as your name, address, and email address, is publicly displayed in the WHOIS database. Spammers and scammers can use this information to target you. Domain privacy replaces your personal information with your domain name registrar’s contact information, making it more difficult for spammers and scammers to target you. 
• Domain transfer. If you have already registered a domain name with another registrar, you can transfer it to your new registrar. The transfer process may vary among domain registrars; however, it typically involves unlocking your domain, obtaining an authorization code, and initiating the transfer with the new registrar.   
• Professional email. You can get a professional email address such as Gmail from Google Workspace using your domain name, enhancing your brand image and credibility. For example, if your domain name is example.com, you could create an email address like [email protected]. Such an email looks more professional than a generic email address like [email protected].  
• Web hosting. Many domain registrars also have their own web hosting services, allowing you to host your website with them. Availing this service can be more convenient, as you can web host and manage your domain simultaneously. However, comparing pricing and features before choosing a web hosting provider is important, as there can be significant variations between different providers. 

Why choose Domain.com as your domain registrar 

Domain.com is a leading domain registrar with over 20 years of experience in the domain industry. They have many domain extensions, affordable pricing, and excellent customer support. Here’s why Domain.com is a great choice for registering your domain name.  

• Extensive selection of domain extensions. Domain.com offers more than 400 domain extensions, including popular choices like .com and .net, and a variety of niche TLDs to give you the perfect domain name. 
• Affordable pricing. Domain.com offers competitive pricing on domain registration, making it an affordable option for any business size. Additionally, you can even avail a free domain name with their promos!   
• Easy-to-use interface. Domain.com’s platform is designed with user-friendliness in consideration. Their easy-to-learn interface simplifies the process of searching, registering, and managing your domain.   
• Additional services. Domain.com provides additional services to support your online presence, including a Website Builder, Web hosting, and Domain Expiration Protection. 

Buy your first domain at Domain.com 

Choosing and registering the right domain name is key to a successful online presence. By considering key factors, you can make the right decision that supports your online goals. Additionally, it’s essential to assess the long-term impact of your domain name on branding and search engine visibility to ensure it aligns with your overall marketing strategy.  

Visit Domain.com today and search for your domain name to get started!  

FAQs about buying a domain name