The start domain proper noun in history was Symbolics.com, which was registered on March xv, 1985. Today, at that place are more than than 300 meg domain names, with millions more added each year. A domain name is substantially the address that visitors will type into their browser address bar to arrive at your website.

Domain names permit users to easily connect to other reckoner IP addresses past typing in an accost like "Google.com" instead of Google'southward numerical IP address of "74.125.239.116." In other words, domain names make our lives a lot easier.

Google's IP address could be used instead of a domain name.

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Your domain proper noun is an important role of establishing your brand. No 2 domain names tin be exactly alike, although they tin be similar. Ideally, your domain proper noun will be unique and distinctive, so users don't misfile it with other domain names or different businesses.

You might exist wondering — isn't a domain name, and so, simply a website? Although they are similar, domain names and websites have of import differences. Your domain name is the accost for your website; it is what people use to find your website, which consists of pages, images, and other files.

Choosing and registering a domain proper name is often the first pace when building a website. Read on to learn how to register a domain name.

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GoDaddy's home page, a site where you can register your domain name.

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one. Find a domain name registrar.

The not-profit Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) oversees the entire system of domain names, and it allows outside companies, called domain registrars, to sell and manage domain names. You will demand to register your domain name through a registrar.

Some of the nigh pop domain registrars include GoDaddy, Bluehost, and Domain.com, although there are many more than to cull from. Be sure to advisedly consider pricing and policies for each one before choosing your domain registrar, equally information technology will be managing your domain proper name.

2. Search for your domain proper noun's availability.

One time you lot have institute the right domain registrar for yous, y'all'll need to search for your domain name using the registrar's search bar. There are millions of domain names out there, with thousands more added daily.

If you have your eye assault a domain name before doing a search, you might be disappointed to find it is already taken. Keep an open mind and incorporate important keywords into your domain when appropriate.

iii. Finalize your domain name choice.

One time yous've brainstormed several domain options, consider which ones are available and choose the 1 that fits your brand best and will as well be easy for users to discover.

iv. Cull a domain name suffix, such as .com or .net.

After settling on the domain name, consider the suffix. The about popular suffix is .com, although .net and .org are also popular. These are considered to exist superlative-level domains, or the highest-level domain suffixes in the domain naming system.

At that place are also other varieties to consider, such as country code superlative-level domains. These domain names end in a suffix that is item to a specific land. A website in Germany might stop in .de, for instance.

Finally, there is some other class of domain name suffixes called "sponsored, summit-level domains," which are sponsored by a specific community related to the domain proper name. For instance, .gov is for the U.S. authorities and .edu is for education organizations.

For most websites, .com is the all-time suffix for its ease of use, only if you lot have a specialized website, you might consider a country code or sponsored elevation-level domain.

5. Purchase the domain proper name.

When you have settled on the domain name and a suffix, yous will pay to register the domain name with the domain registrar. This is non a one-time purchase, however. Typically, you will pay to ain the domain proper noun for i year, subsequently which you can renew your registration for a fee. You can expect a registration fee of about $10 to $15.

WordPress allows domain name registration on its site.

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half dozen. Add domain ID protection.

When you register a domain proper name with ICANN, yous must provide your contact information including your name, telephone number, physical address, and email address.

As soon as your domain name is registered, this contact data becomes available to the public — unless you pay for domain privacy through your domain registrar. This domain privacy will shield your data from view keeping your personal information safe from spammers or worse, identity thieves.

Domain WHOIS Privacy allows domain ID protection.

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In one case you've got the domain proper noun in hand, you're fix to find hosting and build your website. Consider a gratis CMS, like HubSpot, to design your website, strategize for SEO, and create a blog.

Toll to Register a Domain Name

According to HostGator, domain name cost ranges from free to tens of thousands of dollars, with the average domain name settling effectually $10-$12 annually. These factors will touch what you'd pay for a specific domain:

  • The demand for the detail name you cull (e.yard. cars.com sold for $872 million because of how "valuable" that real estate was perceived to be)
  • The TLD domain extension (e.thousand. .com is perceived to exist a more than valuable TLD than less-used TLDs such as .info.)
  • The domain registrar you're purchasing from
  • Whether the domain has already been purchased past someone else (and at present has it for sale at a much higher price)
  • Whether you commit to an annual payment or another payment schedule
  • Add together-ons such every bit privacy

Whether you choose a complimentary or paid domain volition depend on your upkeep and your website's purpose. For example, you might need a bones website or something elementary and temporary. In that instance, a free domain name might be a good option.

However, paid domain names look more than professional person and are more likely to grow with your brand. Yous should ultimately decide what will work best for your business concern and goals.

How to Register a Domain Name for Free

Looking for a free domain name? There are several domain registrars, website hosting providers, and website builders offering free domain names, typically with the purchase of another service or with no price merely some customization limitations.

Wix, a website builder, allows domain name registration.

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1. Wix

Wix is a popular drag-and-drop website builder that allows you to register a free domain name with the stipulation that it includes Wix'south name likewise. This ways that although y'all get your domain proper noun for free, it will read yourdomainname.wix.com. This is a merchandise-off to consider when registering a domain proper noun for free.

Weebly, a website builder, offers domain name registration.

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2. Weebly

Like Wix, Weebly offers a simple website builder with a free domain name that volition appear every bit yourwebsite.weebly.com. You will accept limited access to the site-building features, only yous will save almanac fees for domain names. This is a not bad option for temporary or basic websites.

Bluehost allows domain name registration.

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iii. Bluehost

Bluehost is a spider web hosting provider that will offer you lot a gratuitous domain proper name for i year with the buy of its spider web hosting programme. If you are in the marketplace for both a domain proper name and a spider web hosting provider to go your concern online, this tin can help you save money on the starting time year's expenses by calculation the domain name on for gratuitous with a purchase you were already planning to brand.

WordPress offers domain name registration.

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four. WordPress

WordPress will as well offer a costless domain name, although it volition appear as yourdomainname.wordpress.com. If you annals your domain name here, you can easily build your website with WordPress, as well. WordPress is the well-nigh widely used content direction system, so you'll find it easier to add functionality with plugins and get support when you need information technology.

GoDaddy offers free domain names.

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v. GoDaddy

Another web hosting provider, GoDaddy offers free domain names, so long every bit you purchase one of its hosting plans. GoDaddy is loved for its low rates for hosting plans and its added security tools that scan for and remove malware and backup your website.

Build Your Business organisation By Registering Your Domain

After weighing the benefits and drawbacks of gratis or paid domains, you should get started on your search for the perfect domain name. Domain names can go quickly — and there's a lilliputian more than competition than Symbolics had in 1985 — then it is important to annals the one you want before it is likewise late.

Registering a domain proper noun is quick and easy, but information technology does take some time to brainstorm the right name, select the optimal suffix, and notice the right domain registrar for you. As such, there'due south no better fourth dimension than now to get started on registering your domain proper name.

Editor's note: This postal service was originally published in February 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

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Originally published Dec 13, 2020 7:00:00 AM, updated June xiv 2022