How to Buy a Domain Name
Getting a domain name that complements your business or personal website is usually the first step in building an online presence, whether you’re a new blogger, an aspiring entrepreneur, or an established company. Finding the perfect domain name is essential, as it’s a key representation of your brand to potential customers.
You can purchase a domain name either by creating and registering an original name, or by buying and registering an existing domain name that’s up for sale. However, without the proper knowledge, you could end up having a domain name that doesn’t align with your brand or, worse, run into problems like insufficient privacy protection or trademark infringement. These errors could harm your company’s reputation in addition to causing future financial and legal issues.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of purchasing your domain name and highlight the key benefits of choosing Domain.com as your domain registrar. Our aim is to help you secure your digital identity in the easiest, safest, and most cost-effective way possible.
What’s a domain name?
A domain name is like a web address for your site that makes it easier for people to find you online. Instead of having to remember a long string of numbers (which is what computers use to identify websites), you get a simple and memorable name like “example.com“.
Selecting the ideal domain name is a strategic move that will have a huge impact on your company’s success. A carefully considered domain name not only captivates the essence of your brand but will also facilitate the clients’ online discovery. This is where domain registrars come into play. Domain registrars are companies authorized to sell domain names, manage their records, and help you with domain-related services.
With the help of domain registrars, your domain name registration and web address management will be made available on the Internet in accordance with the guidelines of auDA, or in the case of .com, .net, and .org addresses, ICANN.
How much does a domain name cost?
The cost of buying a domain name varies widely, depending on the kind of transaction involved. Web hosting providers may include a free domain name with a hosting service contract, or charge less than a dollar on a promotional hosting offer, while standard hosting rates and domain name registrars may run significantly higher.
Depending on factors such as its search engine rankings or traffic statistics, an existing domain name can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars through a private sale or at an auction or domain marketplace. Besides the cost of the domain name itself, other costs can include fees for hosting, or for setting up or transferring a domain name from one host to another.
Types of domains
A domain name consists of different components, each serving a specific purpose in defining your website’s identity. Understanding the various types of domains can help you make an informed decision about the best fit for your site. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of domains to consider:
Second-level domains (SLDs)
The second-level domain is the main part of your web address that represents your brand or identity. It’s the unique name people will remember and type into their browser. In a web address, the SLD appears right before the domain extension (TLD). For example, in “example.com,” “example” is the SLD. You can use letters, numbers, and hyphens in your SLD, but it’s best to keep it short, memorable, and easy to spell to help users recall it easily.
Top-level domains (TLDs)
Top-level domains are the parts of the domain that come after the dot. They help categorize your website and can indicate what kind of site it is or where it’s based. Here are some common TLDs:
- .com: Short for “commercial,” this is the most popular TLD. It’s widely recognized and suitable for any type of website, whether a business, blog, or personal site.
- .net: Originally meant for network-related sites, .net is now used for a variety of purposes and can be a good alternative if .com is already taken.
- .edu: Reserved for educational institutions like universities and colleges. It signals that the site is related to education.
- .org: Intended for non-profit organizations, but it’s also used by many other types of sites, including community groups and schools.
- .gov: Exclusively for U.S. government agencies. It’s a trusted TLD used for official government websites.
- .mil: Used by the U.S. military. It’s reserved for military branches and related entities.
Country code top-level domains (ccTLDs)
Country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) are two-letter domain extensions that represent specific countries or territories. They help identify the geographical location or target audience of a website. For instance:
- .uk for the United Kingdom
- .ca for Canada
- .jp for Japan
- .de for Germany
The relevant country or territory’s domain registry manages each ccTLD and reflects local regulations or preferences. Using a ccTLD can be beneficial if you want to emphasize your website’s regional presence or cater to a specific national audience.
Generic top-level domains (gTLDs)
Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) are the domain extensions that are not tied to a specific country or territory. Instead, they serve general purposes and are used globally. Examples of gTLDs include:
- .tech: Great for technology-related businesses and startups.
- .shop: Perfect for online stores and retail websites.
- .design: Ideal for designers and creative professionals.
- .blog: Tailored for personal or professional blogs.
With over 1,500 TLDs available today, each offering its own unique appeal, choosing the right one can help define your site’s identity and target audience. Consider what fits best with your website’s purpose and the impression you want to make.
Buying an original domain name
For many users, creating a domain name is the first step in the journey toward building a consistent, reliable online identity—and that step generally involves brainstorming a catchy, original domain name or generating one with one of the many online domains name generators. With a name in mind, users can use name search tools or even a simple Google search to see if the name is available or if other names in use are close enough to cause confusion.
“Buying” a domain name doesn’t necessarily mean making a one-time purchase and owning the name forever. A typical domain name purchase involving an original name means buyers pay for the right to reserve the name exclusively for their own use. To buy rights to a domain name, a user must register it directly with a domain registrar or through a hosting provider for terms ranging from a year to several years. To keep rights to the name, a user must renew the registration when it expires or risk losing the name entirely.
Creating an original domain name establishes a new and unique online identity for an individual or business, but it can take time and effort to yield traffic and visibility, especially if the new domain name is poorly optimized for relevant keywords. To reduce confusion, new domain name buyers are often advised to buy as many similar names as possible—even those with obvious misspellings that reflect mistakes people make when typing in a search bar.
Buying a domain name that’s taken
In some cases, buying a domain name that’s already taken can be a better option than creating a new one. A domain name that’s been in circulation for some time can have more traction with search engines than a brand-new one serving a website with no content or backlinks from other sites. Some domains that are up for purchase may already have content, such as a complete homepage or an established blog, which saves the buyer the time and expense of building a new site from the ground up. These sites may also be making money or getting traffic, which immediately boosts the new owner.
Domain names become available for sale for many reasons. Some may have been purchased as original names but never used, while others may represent websites that were developed but abandoned when a business closed, or a user stopped maintaining the site and renewing the domain name. Some become available because of a practice called cybersquatting, in which marketers buy up large numbers of available domain names to take them out of circulation and then resell them for higher prices.
Buyers can purchase an existing domain name in several ways. Domain name auctions make names available for bids that can begin at less than $10 and range into the thousands for an especially desirable, keyword rich name. Domain name marketplaces also list names that are either expired or placed up for sale by owners or domain name marketers, so that users simply find a name they want and pay the purchase price. It’s also possible to approach the owner of a domain name directly and offer to buy it in a private transaction.
Buying an existing domain name brings benefits, but these domains may also come with baggage. Potential buyers need to do their due diligence to make sure that they’re buying a name that’s not associated with a website that has a dubious reputation, or one that’s infected with malware or filled with backlinks to bad sites.
Purchasing an existing domain name gives a buyer outright ownership of the name. But it still must be registered under the new owner’s name with the appropriate fees paid to a registrar or hosting company, and the new owner becomes responsible for renewing the registration at the appropriate time.
For more details on buying a domain that’s already registered, read our guide on acquiring existing domains.
Common mistakes to avoid when buying a domain name
Buying a domain name is a critical step in establishing your online presence, and avoiding common pitfalls can help ensure a smooth and successful process. Here are some key mistakes you should avoid:
Neglecting trademark research
Make sure you check if your chosen domain name is already trademarked. If you fail to do this, you might end up with legal issues or be forced to give up your domain if it turns out that someone else owns the trademark.
Skipping privacy protection
When you register a domain name, your personal information—such as your address, phone number, and email—becomes accessible through a WHOIS database. WHOIS is a publicly available database that lists the contact details of domain owners. Without privacy protection, this information is publicly accessible, which may lead to unwanted spam, marketing calls, and other privacy concerns.
Privacy protection services, often provided by domain registrars, act as a shield by replacing your personal details with generic contact information, thus keeping your information safe and confidential while maintaining your domain registration.
Why choosing a reliable domain registrar matter
Choosing the domain registrar is a fundamental step for anyone starting or growing their online presence. A reliable registrar not only secures your domain name but also provides essential services like robust security, responsive customer support, and user-friendly management tools.
By selecting a reputable registrar, you ensure that your domain is protected from potential threats, your website remains accessible, and any issues are promptly addressed. Additionally, most registrars offer integrated web hosting services, which can streamline the management of your domain and website.
Why choose Domain.com as your domain registrar
When purchasing a domain name, choosing the appropriate domain registrar is just as important as choosing the domain name itself.
Domain.com excels with its 20 years of expertise in domain registration. They offer over 400 domain extensions, premium domains, and easy domain transfers. Known for their affordability, reliable performance, and excellent customer support, Domain.com is well-equipped to help you establish your brand.
Here’s why Domain.com is the best choice:
Wide range of domain extensions
Domain.com provides an extensive selection of domain extensions, including popular options like .com, .net, and .org, as well as a variety of niche TLDs (top-level domains). This broad range ensures you can find a domain that perfectly matches your brand or project, whether you’re looking for a traditional extension or something more unique.
Affordable pricing
It provides an excellent option for both people and corporations because it offers affordable prices without compromising the quality of its services. The price starts at $1.99 for .store, $6.99 for .blog, and $11.99 for .com.
Easy-to-use interface
The Domain.com platform is designed with ease of use in mind. The intuitive interface streamlines the process of searching for and registering your domain. From finding the perfect domain name to completing your purchase, the platform guides you through each step effortlessly.
Additional services
Beyond domain registration, Domain.com offers a suite of additional services to support your online needs. Their offerings include website builders for creating and customizing your site, web hosting to keep your website running smoothly, email hosting for professional communication, and privacy protection to safeguard your personal information. These features make Domain.com a convenient all-in-one solution for managing your online presence.
Step-by-step guide: How to buy a domain name at Domain.com
Step 1: Brainstorm and choose the right domain name
Choosing the right domain name is crucial as it represents your brand and can significantly impact your online presence. Take the time to carefully brainstorm and select a domain that aligns with your brand identity and goals.
To guide you in finding the ideal domain name, consider the following tips:
Keep it short and simple
A domain name that’s simple and short is generally more effective because it’s easier for users to remember, type, and share. Long or complex domain names can be difficult and increase the likelihood of typing errors. Aim for a name that’s between 6 to 14 characters long, avoiding complex spellings and unnecessary words. A concise domain like “EasyFit.com” is far more memorable and user-friendly compared to something lengthy and complicated, such as “TheBestFitnessSolutionsForYou.com.”
Choose the right domain extension
While .com is the most recognized and trusted extension, there are many other TLDs available. Depending on your business or personal brand, other extensions might be appropriate. For example, .org might be suitable for non-profits, while .tech could work well for a tech startup. Choose an extension that aligns with your brand’s identity and purpose.
Make it brand related
Your domain name should reflect your brand’s identity and the services you offer. A name that aligns with your brand helps reinforce your message and makes it easier for potential customers to understand what your business is about. Incorporate keywords related to your industry or unique aspects of your brand to enhance recognition.
Consider future growth
Your domain name should be flexible enough to accommodate potential business growth or changes in direction. A restrictive domain name can limit your brand’s expansion opportunities. For example, a name like “LocalBakery.com” might not be suitable if you plan to grow into a national or global brand. Opt for a name that allows for scalability and does not confine your business to a narrow niche, ensuring it remains relevant as your business evolves.
Use a domain name generator
If you’re having trouble coming up with a domain name on your own, you can use a domain name generator. Just type in some words or phrases that represent your brand or website, and the tool will suggest several potential domain names for you. You can then check which of these suggestions are available for registration.
Step 2: Check domain availability
After you’ve come up with a few potential domain names, it’s time to check if they’re still available. This is an easy process with Domain.com.
Go to Domain.com and enter your desired domain name in the search bar.
If the domain you want has already been taken, the platform will recommend other options and let you know if they are still available.
If your desired name is available, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Register your domain name
Once you have found an available domain, click on it to begin the registration process.
Domain.com allows various registration periods, usually ranging from one to ten years. Extended durations could guarantee that you keep your name and potentially avail discounts.
Consider adding privacy protection. Domain.com provides services that keep your personal information, such as your name and address, secure and private from public WHOIS databases.
If you’re a new user, you’ll need to create an account on Domain.com to manage your domain effectively. This account will help you handle all aspects of your domain registration and maintenance.
Step 4: Complete the purchase
After registering your domain, you’ll proceed to checkout.
Start by reviewing your order. Carefully double-check the details, including the domain name you have chosen, its registration period, and any additional services you may have added.
Next, choose a payment method. Domain.com offers various payment options to make the process convenient. You can conveniently pay through your card, or you can choose to pay through PayPal.
After completing the payment, an email confirming your purchase will be sent to you. It’s important to verify your email address promptly to ensure that your domain registration is processed correctly and completed without issues.
Step 5. Consider additional services (optional)
When selecting a domain name, it’s helpful to consider the additional services that can enhance your website and protect your brand. Here are some important options to think about:
Web hosting service
Once you register your domain, you might want to consider bundling it with web hosting services. Adding this service can simplify the process of getting your website online by integrating your domain and hosting under one provider.
Privacy protection
You can also add privacy protection to ensure data privacy and avoid getting your contact and private details from being publicly visible in WHOIS databases.
Domain expiration protection
Domain expiration protection helps avoid potential issues if your domain registration expires. This service automatically renews your domain, extending your registration for another year and preventing any disruption to your website.
Domain transfer
If you need to move your domain from one registrar to another, the process can seem complex, but it’s often necessary for better services, pricing, or features. Domain transfer involves unlocking your domain, obtaining an authorization code, and starting the transfer with the new registrar. You may need to verify your identity via email. Once the transfer is complete, you’ll manage your domain with the new registrar.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal domain name is the first step toward building your online presence. Along with securing a domain name, you can consider additional services that support the growth and security of your website.
Don’t leave your brand’s online identity up to chance. Visit Domain.com today to secure your domain name, explore additional services, and set the foundation for your online success from day one.