How To Register Dns For A Site With A Prefix For The Domain

Whether you're starting a new business, or looking to upgrade your domain name, y'all're in luck. Registering a domain name involves just a few curt steps. Despite it being a straightforward process, yous don't want to rush it.

Switching domain names later you launch is something you lot desire to avoid when possible. Doing so can negatively impact your search engine rankings and make it harder for users to find your website.

Whether yous're starting a weblog, showcasing your portfolio online, or opening an online store, your domain acts every bit the primary reference point for users looking to find your website, making it inseparable from your brand.

That's why it'southward crucial to consider your domain name advisedly, pick i with long-term potential, and make sure that you've registered it correctly.

We walk yous through the verbal procedure on how to register a domain name in 4 simple steps.

How to register a domain name

Choose a domain proper name
Check for domain availability
Cull a domain name registrar
Purchase and register your domain name

Cull a domain name
Check for domain availability
Choose a domain name registrar
Purchase and register your domain name

Register with Shopify
Annals with Google Domains
Register with GoDaddy
Register with IONOS

Renew your domain name registration
How practice I register a domain name for free?
How to annals a domain proper name FAQ

i. Choose a domain name

If you don't already have a proper noun for your make, it'south a good thought to merge the domain option process with the process of coming upwardly with a make name. Your domain proper noun volition exist inseparable from your brand, meaning they'll both be more memorable if they're alike. We put together an in-depth guide for choosing your domain proper noun if you need some actress help.

If your company already has a proper noun, your first-choice domain is likely YourBrand.com, but if that's taken, you have a couple options for making sure it's piece of cake for users to acquaintance your brand with your domain proper name:

Utilize a suffix. Add together a word to the cease of your domain name to differentiate it. You lot could add the proper noun of your principal product (yourbrand shoes .com), your location (yourbrand canada .com), or something all-encompassing (yourbrand online .com, yourbrand shop .com).

Utilize a prefix. Add an action-oriented verb at the start of your domain that draws attention to your product ( get yourbrand.com, wear yourbrand.com, consume yourbrand.com).

Use a dissimilar domain name extension. A domain name extension, besides referred to every bit a top-level domain (TLD), is the suffix that appears at the end of your domain. The most commonly used domain extension is .com, but there are also region-specific domain extensions (such as .ca, .us, or .european union) and a growing number of specialty domain extensions (such as .shop or .store). Go along in mind that specialty domain extensions tend to exist more expensive.

ii. Check for domain availability

When users enter a URL in their browser, the browser sends a request to a global network of servers that are able to locate your website using something called the domain name system (DNS).

The DNS is a universally recognized, decentralized system for naming websites. This is what allows computers, phones, and any other device that can access the internet to find the webpage a user is looking for.

Checking domain availability only takes a couple of seconds, and about every registrar and hosting service has a complimentary domain proper noun search tool that allows you to do this (via a record system called WHOIS and RDAP). Here are a few tools for quickly checking the availability of a domain:

Shopify
Google Domains
GoDaddy
IONOS
Bluehost
Domain.com
Namecheap
HostGator

Remember that domain names are universal, so if a domain proper noun is unavailable from one provider, it'southward unavailable from all of them. What's great nearly these tools is that they'll often suggest like domains that are available if yours isn't.

If your domain name is unavailable, yous might get a message back nigh brokering the domain. This means that the domain name is taken, but the registrar offers a service wherein they will negotiate with the domain possessor on your behalf to endeavour and get them to sell their domain proper name.

Although snagging your kickoff-choice domain proper name might sound enticing, it's important to understand the risks associated with attempting to broker a domain proper name.

Banker service fees are paid in addition to domain registration fees, even if the electric current domain owner is unwilling to sell the domain. The process can be time-consuming and delay the launch of your store. And even if the current owner does brand an offer, it'south likely to be far more than expensive than but purchasing an available domain.

Depending on your state of affairs and how much capital you're able to deploy, brokering a domain might be the best route to go. Only if yous're on a budget, you can always try some variations to keep costs low.

Learn more: Domain Proper noun Services: Which Hosting Provider Should You lot Trust?

iii. Choose a domain proper name registrar

A registrar is a visitor that reserves and registers domain names on your behalf. When you purchase a domain name, either direct from a registrar or through a web-hosting service, information technology'south registered to the DNS for you.

Though there are more than a 1000 accredited registrars, information technology's best to stick with more well-known providers. Using a common provider will brand it easier to detect info on managing your domain and to troubleshoot issues y'all might have with syncing your domain to other services.

Domains can be purchased from a number of dissimilar types of businesses. You lot might cull to purchase one from a website-building platform (similar Shopify, Squarespace, or WordPress), a web-hosting service (similar HostGator or BlueHost), or directly from a domain registrar (similar GoDaddy, NameCheap, or Google Domains).

Many registrars offer hosting and vice-a-versa. This tin can be a bang-up style to go on all your website tasks under i roof, but isn't necessary. You can purchase a domain one place, and use a different company to host if you and then cull.

How much does a domain name cost?

Domain names aren't sold for a flat-rate. Instead, they're paid for on a recurring footing (usually annually). When considering the costs of your domain, be mindful of the departure betwixt the starting cost and the renewal price. Typically, basic .com domain names run in the ballpark of about ten-15 USD a year. Premium domains such as 4 letter domains or incredibly common terms can cost significantly higher.

Domain providers often offer discounted rates on domains for the first twelvemonth or ii, especially if the domain is purchased in add-on to other services. The starting toll is ordinarily lower than the renewal cost, so when budgeting for the long term, make sure yous gene in the price of renewing your domain down the road.

On top of this, your domain extension can alter the price of the domain. Specialty domain extensions like .shop are commonly more expensive than available .com domains.

While the toll of domains is important, there are a lot of other factors to consider as well. If you're looking for the domain provider that's correct for y'all, here'due south a couple of questions to ask yourself:

How easy will it be to point my domain to my website? The advantage of purchasing a domain from a web-edifice platform is that set up-upwardly tends to be fast and easy, since you're only dealing with one company directly. Using services from unlike companies adds additional steps and tends to be more technical or confusing.

Volition I need domain privacy protection? When you register a domain, your contact info becomes publicly available in the global ICANN registry. Privacy protection is a feature that hides this information. Some providers (like Shopify), provide domain privacy protection for free on all domains, merely some providers offering this feature at an additional cost.

Which domain extension(s) do I want to use? A domain extension is the function of the domain that comes at the end. All domain providers offer .com domains, but if y'all're looking for a region-specific domain extension (such as .ca, .european union, or .au), or a speciality domain (.shop, .store, etc.), you'll want to make sure you lot choose a provider that provides them.

Exercise I need whatsoever other services? Domain registrars commonly offer additional services, like ecommerce hosting, website building features, and email hosting. Occasionally, domains are offered at what seems like a low rate, merely only in addition to the purchase of other services.

To go far easier to decide, here'southward a quick breakup of major domain providers, their starting toll points, and cost of WHOIS privacy protection:

Shopify

First-year price: Starting at $14

Renewal price: $fourteen/year

WHOIS privacy protection: Free

Google Domains

Showtime-yr cost: Starting at $10

Renewal price: $x/yr

WHOIS privacy protection: Complimentary

GoDaddy

First-yr toll: Starting at $0.99

Renewal toll: $18.99/year

WHOIS privacy protection: $9.99/year

IONOS

First-year toll: Starting at $1

Renewal price: $xv/yr

WHOIS privacy protection: Free

Bluehost

Starting time-year price: Starting at $12.99

Renewal price: $12.99/yr

WHOIS privacy protection: $11.88/twelvemonth

Domain.com

Offset-year price: Starting at $nine.99

Renewal cost: $9.99/year

WHOIS privacy protection: $8.99/year

Namecheap

Start-year toll: Starting at $8.98

Renewal price: $xiii.98/year

WHOIS privacy protection: Free

HostGator

Offset-year cost: Starting at $12.95

Renewal price: $17.99/year

WHOIS privacy protection: $14.95/twelvemonth

four. Purchase and register

In one case you've decided on a registrar and a adept domain name, you're prepare to continue with purchasing your domain name. In one case yous've purchased your domain, your provider will reserve and register it on your behalf.

Registering a domain name with Shopify

If you're edifice an online store, the quickest and easiest mode to add and annals a domain is by purchasing it direct through Shopify. Setup is automatic, and having a Shopify domain allows you lot to edit your domain settings, set up subdomains, and create forwarding email addresses all in the same place you manage your ecommerce store.

To register a domain with Shopify, commencement by logging into your Shopify shop and proceeding with these steps:

From your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Domains.
Click Buy new domain and enter the domain proper noun you wish to purchase. Every bit you enter your domain, you'll see an auto-generated list of bachelor extensions. Click the Buy button next to the domain y'all'd like to register.
If you lot oasis't added a payment method to your store, you'll be asked to do and so now. Once yous've added your payment method, you'll be brought to the summary page, where you can edit your personal information, indicate whether you desire the domain motorcar-renewed each twelvemonth, and review the ICANN policy and the Domain Registration Understanding.
Once you finish reviewing the data, click Purchase domain.
After you lot complete the purchase, a verification email will be sent to the email address associated with your Shopify shop. Click the link in the e-mail to verify your data and complete your domain registration.

Afterwards you verify your domain, registration is complete. Note that it can take up to 48 hours before the domain is working properly. In one case yous've completed setting up your domain, you'll be able to edit your domain settings, ready up subdomains, and create forwarding email addresses in the Settings > Domains section of your Shopify admin.

Registering a domain proper name with Google Domains

Google Domains is i of the near popular domain registrars. Google Domains is endemic and operated by Google, and as such, has the benefit of being able to easily sync with other Google services.

For example, if you wanted to create custom e-mail addresses with your domain name (info@YourDomain.com, for example), Google Domains has built-in integrations with Gmail and Google Workspace that make setup more seamless.

To register your domain with Google, start by going to the Google Domains registration folio.

Click the Find the Perfect One push and enter your domain to check its availability.
Click the Add to Cart icon next to the domain you wish to purchase and annals. If yous'd like to purchase additional domains, y'all tin can select the Add to Cart icon side by side to them every bit well.
Once you have added all your selected domains, click the Get to cart option that pops up at the bottom of your screen, or select the cart icon in the superlative right corner.
On the next screen, indicate if y'all'd like Privacy Protection and whether yous'd like the domain to renew automatically after the showtime year. Click Checkout at the bottom of your cart when you're finished.
One the adjacent screen, enter the contact information you'd like associated with your domain and click Save and Go along.
On the side by side screen, edit your payment information and select Buy.

After you've received confirmation that your buy was successful, your domain has been reserved and registered with Google Domains.

Registering a domain proper name with GoDaddy

GoDaddy is one of the oldest and all-time known domain providers, and then it's very easy to detect data on integrating your domain with all kinds of third-party services. If you're looking to register your domain with GoDaddy, here are the steps you'll need to have:

Showtime past going to GoDaddy.com and entering your domain into the field and clicking Search Domain.
If your domain is available, click the Go information technology button at the superlative of the page. You can also add more domains from the suggestions below past clicking the add to cart icon adjacent to them.
One time you've selected the domains you desire to register, click Go on to Cart.
1 the next page, you'll be offered a number of services GoDaddy provides in add-on to its domains. These services include email hosting and website building. If you're already using a website-building service, like Shopify or Squarespace, you'll want to opt out of this service.
Once you've selected the services you lot'd similar to add to your purchase, click Continue to Cart.
On the next folio, you'll see a break downward of your selected services and their charges. You can remove items by selecting the garbage tin icon. You lot'll also be able to select the payment term. Typically, domains are paid yearly, but GoDaddy allows you to select a term of up to ten years for .com domains. If everything looks correct, select the I'm Set to Pay push button.
Next, you'll be prompted to create a GoDaddy account or log in to an existing one. When you do this, you'll exist asked to provide billing and payment information. Enter your information and proceed to the Consummate Purchase page.
Review your information and click Complete Purchase if everything is correct.

In one case y'all've completed your buy, your domain volition be successfully registered with GoDaddy.

Registering a domain name with IONOS

Headquartered in Deutschland, Ionos is 1 of the oldest players in the information technology industry, having been around since 1988. Ionos offers domain registration along with website hosting plans.

To register your domain with IONOS, go to the IONOS homepage:

Enter your domain name in the field at the top and select Check.
If the domain is bachelor, click Add to Cart next to the domain. You can as well add together additional suggested domains by clicking Add together to Cart next to them.
I the next page, IONOS offers a number of services in addition to its domains, such as e-mail hosting and website building. If you just want to purchase the domain without any additional services, select Keep with Domain Only.
On the cart page, review your details and select Continue.
On the next page, you'll exist prompted to create an account with IONOS or log in to an existing account. Subsequently doing this, select Proceed to proceed to the payment folio.
Add your billing and payment information and click Continue.
Review the details of your lodge and select Consummate.

Later completing your order, your domain registration is complete.

Registering a domain name Namecheap

Head on over to Namecheap.
Enter your desired domain name in the search bar on the homepage including .com, .net, .co etc.
Namecheap will then share whether that domain is available. If the domain is available, simply striking "add together to cart" and consummate the checkout process. If the domain is taken, Namecheap volition share a few additional variations that you can consider.
Like other domain registrars, Namecheap volition include additional options for your domain, such every bit SSL, hosting and VPN. Unless you specifically need the service, yous tin opt out of the extra options.
Enter your billing information, complete the required prompts, and yous're officially a domain owner!

Registering a domain proper noun with Domain.com

Get to Domain.com
Enter your desired domain proper noun. Domain.com will share whether or not that domain is available for purchase.
Choose the length (in years) you would like to accept the domain name.
Choose whether you would like to add Domain.com's privacy features. This helps keep your data confidential so it'southward more than difficult for others to know you own the domain.
Click keep, and determine whether you would like to connect your domain with other services such equally Google Workspace.
Next, go along to billing. Once you have entered your billing information and click buy, you have successfully registered your domain!

While the steps will vary slightly depending on which registrar you choose, most will follow a similar sequence. Again, when choosing which registrar you desire to go with, consider cost, make reputation, customer support etc.

Renew your domain proper noun registration at the end of your term

When y'all purchase a domain, you lot're purchasing it for a fixed length of time, usually one year. While some domain providers offer longer terms (GoDaddy, for instance, offers up to 10-yr terms for .com domains), domain registration is never permanent.

In order to hold on to your registered domain, you'll want to make sure you renew registration when your term is complete. Nearly all domain providers offer an automatic renewal, so it'southward generally a good idea to have this option selected when you purchase.

Go along in mind that if your payment information changes, y'all'll need to update your settings with your domain provider so they're able to accuse for automatic renewal.

Most domain providers will notify you when it's time to renew, whether you lot have automatic renewal enabled or not, but it's important to renew your domain. If you don't renew your domain, it will no longer point to your website and may exist purchased by someone else. If yous don't want to lose your domain, make sure you renew information technology.

How do I annals a domain proper name for free?

Domain proper name registration usually comes with a charge, just in that location are some companies that offer complimentary domain names with the purchase of other services. These domains typically come with a lot of customization restrictions and limited features.

Free domains from website builders

Website builders typically offer a costless domain proper name when you sign up to their services, however the website domain ordinarily includes their brand proper name in the URL and, different paid domains, they are not transferable to other service providers.

For example, when you lot start a Shopify store, you'll exist provided a complimentary .myshopify.com domain that can exist used equally your store'south primary domain. WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, and Weebly offer free domains that contain their ain business proper noun too.

These default domains provide the same bones function as a custom domain, but come up with a lot of downsides; they're harder for users to remember, they await less professional, and they don't come with features like electronic mail forwarding or the option to create subdomains.

You besides won't be able to use these domains outside the platform they're affiliated with. That means that fifty-fifty if you wanted to employ a third-political party service provider to add features like email hosting, you wouldn't exist able to.

More often than not speaking, it'southward a proficient idea to buy a custom domain. Domain registration isn't besides expensive, and the charge is worth it for the reward of being able to customize, transfer, and manage your ain domain.

Free domains from hosting services

Hosting providers like BlueHost and GoDaddy offering a year of free domain registration with the purchase of their other hosting services. If you're looking to use ane of these hosting services to build your website, so information technology's definitely a good thought to take advantage of this option.

That being said, if you're planning on using a website builder like Shopify, the toll of unneeded hosting services will be more expensive than purchasing a custom domain. On peak of this, domain registration is simply free for the first year. Renewing the domain in the years following will still come with the aforementioned costs.

Register your domain name to give your website the uniqueness it deserves

While registering your domain name may be a brusque-term task, it's a long-term delivery. Whatever you're building a website for, your domain will deed as the anchor of your online presence and stick with you for years to come.

It tin assistance your SEO, act as a pathway for users to learn more about your make, and make information technology easier for customers to spread the word nigh your products.

Commencement your free xiv-24-hour interval trial of Shopify—no credit carte required!

How to register a domain name FAQ

How do I register my own domain name?

To register your own domain proper name, you'll want to select a domain provider and proceed with purchasing your domain from that provider. Check out the steps above for data on how to register with the most common providers.

Call up that domain registration is temporary; if you want to keep your domain registered, you'll need to renew it at the end of your registration term.

Are domains free?

Some companies offer a free domain in add-on to the buy of other services. These domains typically come with a lot of customization restrictions and limited features, and normally include the company's brand proper name in the URL.

Other companies may offering a gratuitous yr of domain registration with the purchase of hosting services, merely these domains will all the same demand to be paid for when renewing the domain registration.

Exercise domains need to be registered?

Domains need to be registered, simply this is done by your domain provider when you lot purchase your domain. You will non need to personally register the domain, every bit long as you lot've paid and provided a registrar with all of your registration information.

How much does it cost to register a domain name per twelvemonth?

Yearly charges can differ depending on the provider and the domain extension. Regional and specialty domains tend to be more than expensive than .com domains. For a full breakup of costs with major providers, bank check out the Choose a domain registrar section higher up.