How to Register a Domain Name: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Adi Avraham
- May 25
- 10 min read
Updated: Jun 8
Buying a domain name is the first real step in bringing your idea, brand, or business online.
It’s like planting your flag online — choosing an address that people will use to find you, trust you, and remember you.
But for beginners, the process can feel confusing: Which name should you pick? how do i buy and register the domain name? where? What if my perfect name is already taken?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from choosing the right domain name to registering it safely and connecting it to your future website. Whether you're starting a blog, an online store, or a personal portfolio, this step-by-step plan will help you get your dream domain without the stress.
Let’s get started!
What Is a Domain Name and Why Does It Matter?
A domain name is your website’s address on the internet — the name people type into their browser to find you (like yourbrand.com). It’s how visitors remember you, access your site, and build trust with your brand.
Behind the scenes, every website has an IP address (a string of numbers), but domain names translate that into something people can actually remember. Much easier to recall aiwebsitebuilder.com than 192.0.2.1, right?
Why does it matter:
It’s your first impression online — like a storefront sign.
A great domain builds credibility and trust.
It’s tied to your brand identity.
It can influence your SEO and how easily people find you online.
Think of your domain name as your online real estate. Pick the right location, and you’ll attract more foot traffic.
How to Choose the Right Domain Name For Your Business
Choosing the right domain is a big decision — it’s often the first impression people will have of your brand. Here’s how to make sure you pick one that’s smart, memorable, and sets you up for success.
1. Prioritize a .com Extension (When You Can)
The .com extension is the most trusted and recognized by users around the world. Even if there are dozens of new domain extensions available today, most people still naturally type .com first when searching for a website. Choosing a .com adds an extra layer of credibility to your brand and makes it easier for users to remember your web address. If your preferred .com is already taken, it might be worth tweaking your name slightly rather than settling for a lesser-known extension.
2. Keep It Short, Simple, and Easy to Remember
The best domain names are short and effortless to type or say out loud.
Aim for one to 3 simple words that are easy to spell and understand. Long, complicated domain names are not only harder for people to remember, but they also increase the risk of typos — which could send potential visitors elsewhere. Think about how your domain sounds when you say it aloud.
3. Make Your Domain Brandable and Unique
Your domain name should feel like a brand, not just a collection of random keywords. A strong domain name is distinct, memorable, and evokes the feeling you want your brand to convey — whether that’s professionalism, playfulness, innovation, or trust. Avoid overly generic names that blend into the crowd. Instead, look for something unique that can grow with you and represent your business in a crowded market.
4. Stay Away From Trends That Might Age Poorly
Trendy domain names — like ones that swap letters for numbers or force cute abbreviations — can feel fresh now but might not age well. What’s considered trendy today could look outdated in a few years, and a name that feels gimmicky could make it harder to build long-term brand trust. Instead, choose something classic and timeless that will still feel relevant as your business evolves.
5. Think About the Future, Not Just the Now
A domain name is a long-term investment. Choose a name that not only fits your current project or business idea but also leaves room for growth. Imagine how the name would fit if you expanded your product lines, entered new markets, or shifted your services slightly. Rebranding later can be expensive and disruptive, so picking a flexible, forward-thinking name today can save you a lot of trouble down the road.
Bonus tip: Buy multiple variations or extensions to protect your brand (like .com, .net, and .co)
How to Buy a Domain Name
Buying a domain name is a simple process, but it’s important to go through it carefully to make sure you get the name you want, through a registrar you trust. Here's a clear, step-by-step breakdown to help you do it.
Step 1: Choose a Domain Registrar
A domain registrar is a company authorized to sell and manage domain names. There are many registrars to choose from — some specialize in domain services only like Namecheap, while others are part of website builders that include domain registration as part of a bigger package, like Wix. (e.g. website hosting, email, and templates).
5 factors you should consider when choosing a domain register:
Pricing Transparency: Look for clear, upfront pricing for domain registration and renewal. Some registrars offer low first-year rates but much higher renewal fees.
Ease of Use: A user-friendly platform can make managing your domain settings (like DNS records or redirects) much simpler, especially if you’re not tech-savvy.
Customer Support: Having access to responsive support is helpful if you ever run into issues with your domain.
Additional Services: Some registrars offer perks like free WHOIS privacy protection (which keeps your contact information private), email hosting, SSL certificates, or bundled website-building tools.
Security Features: Make sure the registrar is reputable, with strong security measures like domain lock and two-factor authentication when signing in.
After evaluating your options, you can choose a registrar that fits your needs best.
In this guide, we'll show you the full process of buying your domain using Wix.
Step 2: Check Domain Availability
Before you can buy a domain, you need to make sure it’s actually available.
Use a domain search tool — either through a registrar, a website builder, or an independent platform — to see if your desired name is up for grabs.
If it’s taken, you’ll usually get suggestions for similar alternatives, or you can try slight modifications, like adding a keyword or using a different (but relevant) domain extension.
Step 3: Register and Buy Your Domain Name
Once you’ve selected a domain registrar, it’s time to buy your domain name and secure it before someone else does.
Here’s how the process usually works.
Search again for your domain name on the registrar’s platform to make sure it's still available.
Select your domain name and add it to your cart.
Choose how long you want to register it for. Many people choose to buy a domain name for at least 1–2 years to avoid losing it accidentally. Some registrars offer better pricing for longer commitments.
Review your cart carefully.Double-check your domain name spelling, pricing, and any extras like domain privacy before you complete your purchase.
Log into your Wix account or create one.
Complete your payment to officially buy your domain name.
Once you finish the purchase, the domain is yours!
You’ll get confirmation emails, and you can start setting up your website right away.
Step 4: Set Up Domain Privacy Protection
After you buy a domain name, your personal information (like your name, phone number, and email) is automatically added to the public WHOIS database.
This database is accessible by anyone — and without protection, you might receive spam, sales calls, or even phishing attempts.
Domain privacy protection is a service that hides your private information and replaces it with generic details provided by your registrar.
Most domain registrars, including Wix, offer privacy protection either for free or for a small extra fee when you buy your domain name.
Why you should enable privacy protection:
Shields your personal contact information from public view.
Helps prevent spam emails, calls, and even scams.
Adds an important layer of security for your online presence.
Tip: Some domain extensions, like .us, may not allow privacy protection, so be sure to check based on the type of domain you buy.
Step 5: Connect Your New Domain to Your Website
After you buy your domain name, the next crucial step is connecting it to your website.
This ensures that when people type in your domain, they land exactly where you want them to — not on a parked page or an error screen.
If you bought your domain name through Wix, the process is super simple — it often connects automatically if you’re building your site with Wix.
If you're using a different registrar or platform:
You’ll need to update your DNS settings manually. Here’s a quick overview:
Find your website’s DNS records (your platform will usually provide these).
Access your domain registrar’s DNS management area.
Replace the default DNS with your website’s custom DNS settings (often called "Nameservers").
Domain Parking (if needed):
If you buy a domain name but aren’t ready to launch a site yet, you can "park" it temporarily.
Domain parking means your domain is reserved for you, but it doesn’t show an active website.
Some registrars offer free parking pages with basic branding, while others let you customize a “Coming Soon” message.
Tip: Parking your domain can also help protect your brand while you finalize your website plans.
How Much Does a Domain Name Cost?
The cost of buying a domain name can vary widely depending on several factors. On average, you can expect to pay between $10–$20 per year for a standard domain. But some domains can cost significantly more.
Here’s a breakdown of what affects domain pricing:
1. Domain Extension (TLD)
The type of domain you choose plays a big role in the price.
Popular extensions like .com, .net, and .org are typically the most affordable and range from $10–$20/year.
Newer or niche TLDs like .tech, .ai, or .store may cost more—$30/year or higher.
With Wix Domains for example, the cost ranges from $14 and $39 for one year, depending on your chosen domain name.
2. Domain Registrar Pricing
Different registrars offer different prices for the same domain. Some may include extras like domain privacy or email forwarding, while others charge separately.
Pro Tip: Look for transparent pricing that includes renewal fees and optional add-ons.
3. Renewal Costs
The first year is often discounted, but renewal prices may be higher—typically $15–$25/year for standard domains. Always check the renewal rate before buying.
4. Add-ons and Extras
You might choose to pay for extra features like:
Domain Privacy Protection: Hides your personal contact info from the public WHOIS database (usually $5–$15/year).
Email Hosting or Custom Email Addresses.
SSL Certificates (though some website builders or hosting plans include them for free).
Types of Domains (And How to Choose the Right One)
Not all domain names are created equal — and choosing the right type can impact your brand and how you're perceived online.
Here are the 4 main types of domains you’ll come across:
1. Top-Level Domains (TLDs)
These are the endings of web addresses—like .com, .org, .net, or newer ones like .tech, .store, or .ai.
Generic TLDs (gTLDs): .com, .net, .org, .info, etc.
.com is the most popular and widely recognized, making it a great default choice for most businesses.
Other TLDs like .org (commonly used by nonprofits) or .net (traditionally for tech or networking companies) can be appropriate depending on your niche.
Newer or niche-specific TLDs (like .design, .photography, .shop) can help your domain stand out and communicate your industry clearly—but they may not feel as trustworthy to all users.
Sponsored TLDs (sTLDs): These are tied to specific groups, like .edu for educational institutions or .gov for government.
2. Country Code TLDs (ccTLDs)
These are specific to countries, for example:
.us (United States)
.ca (Canada)
.co.uk (United Kingdom)
These are great options if you serve a local market or want to signal regional relevance.
3. Second-Level Domains
This is the actual name you choose before the TLD — like mybrand in mybrand.com. It should be short, clear, and aligned with your business or personal brand.
4. Subdomains
Technically part of the main domain, subdomains are used for different areas of your site — like blog.mywebsite.com or shop.yoursite.com. These don’t require a separate purchase, but are more of a structure choice.
Over 1.2 Billion Websites Worldwide:
As of February 2025, there are more than 1.18 billion websites on the internet. About 83% of them are inactive, leaving "only" 196,836,134 active websites.
An estimated 252,000 new websites are created each day, highlighting the dynamic nature of our online world.
(Source: siteefy.com)
Bonus Tips for Buying a Domain Name
Here are some extra pointers to help you make the most of your investment when you buy a domain name:
Act Fast:
If you find the perfect domain, don’t hesitate too long. Good names are in high demand and could be snapped up quickly.
Consider Buying Multiple Variations:
Protect your brand by buying domain names with different extensions (.com, .net, .org) or close misspellings.
Keep It Short and Memorable:
Long or complicated domain names are harder for visitors to remember and type correctly.
Watch Out for Hidden Fees:
Always check for renewal prices and extra charges (like domain privacy) before you complete your domain purchase.
Think Long-Term:
When you buy a domain name, you’re investing in your future online presence.
Choose a name that fits your business today but can also grow with you over time.
Common Questions Answered About Registering Your Domain
Can I buy a domain name permanently?
Not exactly. When you buy a domain name, you’re actually leasing it. Most domain names are purchased for 1 year at a time (though you can often pre-pay for up to 10 years).
As long as you keep renewing it, the domain remains yours indefinitely. Most domain registration companies allow auto renewal, so you don't need to worry.
