How To Register a Domain Name

Key takeaways:  

• A domain name matters because it adds credibility to your web presence and protects your brand by ensuring no one else can use that name. 
• When you register your domain name, you’re not actually “buying” it, but rather renting the right to use it for a set period, typically 1 to 10 years, requiring periodic renewal. 
• As your business grows, tools like email, website builders, and marketing services can help expand your reach. 

Building a brand for your online business?  Securing a domain name is one of the first things you want to do. But navigating the domain registration process may feel overwhelming. 

This guide will walk you through the entire process of registering (or buying) a domain name. If you’re a beginner planning to create a website or a small business owner who wants to expand online, this guide has got you covered.   

What is a domain name?  

A domain name is a unique address on the internet, like “yourwebsite.com.” It directs people to a website when typed into a browser and allows you to build a site for people to land on. Registering a domain name gives you ownership of an internet address as long as you keep renewing it.  

A domain name matters because it adds credibility to your web presence and protects your brand by ensuring no one else can use that name. Having a domain name is a key step in establishing yourself or your business online. 

While many people say they “buy” a domain name, what you’re actually doing is registering it. This means you’re essentially renting the exclusive right to use that specific internet address for a set period and renew it periodically to maintain that right.  

The system that makes all this work is overseen by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). They are a non-profit organization responsible for coordinating the global Domain Name System (DNS). 

Who is ICANN and what do they do? 

When you register a domain name, you’re buying a digital label as well as entering a system that’s managed and regulated globally. At the center of that system is the ICANN. 

They ensure every domain name is unique and functions correctly. They accredit domain registrars, who are the companies that facilitate the registration process for individuals and businesses. 

They don’t sell domain names directly, but they oversee the registrars that do, and they make sure the whole system runs smoothly, securely, and fairly. 

Here’s what they do: 

• Maintain the domain name database. ICANN oversees the system that tracks who owns which domain. This is where the WHOIS directory comes from, a public record that shows the contact information of domain owners (unless privacy protection is enabled). 
• Resolve domain disputes. When two parties claim rights to the same domain, ICANN’s policies help determine who has a valid claim. This is especially useful in trademark conflicts or domain squatting cases. 
• Accredit registrars. ICANN approves registrars that meet their standards for security, transparency, and compliance. Using an ICANN-accredited registrar means you’re working with a provider that follows global rules and best practices. 

What you need before registering a domain name 

Before you register (or buy) a domain name, there are four key things that you should have to get started: 

1. Domain name idea 
2. Realistic budget 
3. Reliable domain registrar 
4. Preferred top-level domain (TLD) 

1. A domain name idea 

Before you can register a domain, you need a clear and well-thought-out idea for your domain name. This name represents your online identity, whether it’s for a business, a personal brand, a blog, or a portfolio.  

So, it’s worth giving it a little thought. It’s also wise to have backup options in case your first choice is taken. When brainstorming domain names, your domain name should be: 

• Relevant and memorable. Choose a name that reflects your brand, content, or purpose. It should be easy to remember, spell, and pronounce. 
• Short and simple. Shorter names are easier to type and less prone to typos. Try to avoid complex or long strings of words. 
• Unique and original. Choose a domain name that’s unique and clearly different from existing brands or websites. This reduces legal risks and makes your site easier to find. 
• Keyword-friendly (optional). If you want to improve search engine visibility, you can include relevant keywords in your domain name, but do so naturally and sparingly. 

If you struggle to come up with name ideas, you can use an AI domain generator. Just describe your business, and it will suggest names that match your brand and goals. 

2. A realistic budget 

 Domain names require annual fees. It’s smart to figure out your budget before you begin the registration process. Setting a clear budget early helps you avoid overspending and keeps the buying process simple and stress-free. 

While some domains name cost around $10 to $20 per year, others can get expensive, especially if they’re short, catchy, or use popular keywords. 

Here’s what to consider in your budget: 

• Registration fee. The cost to claim the domain, usually billed yearly. 
• Renewal fee. The amount you’ll pay each year to keep the domain. 
• Privacy protection. An optional add-on to keep your contact info hidden. 
• Premium domains. These are already owned names sold at a higher price, sometimes hundreds or even thousands of dollars. 

Tip: Short and common words often fall into the premium category. If your top pick is too pricey, have a few backup names that fit your budget.  

3. A reliable domain registrar 

A domain registrar is the company that handles the process of securing your domain and adding it to the global system, so people can access your website online.  

Choosing the right registrar impacts how you manage your domain, its cost (initial and renewal), and the privacy protection for your personal information. Pick a registrar with clear pricing, privacy protection, and reliable customer support. 

Make sure you choose an ICANN-accredited registrar like Network Solutions. We have been in the industry for many years. We are one of the first registrars recognized by ICANN. This accreditation means we’re officially approved to register domains, adhere to international standards, and provide essential legal protections should any issues arise.   

4. A preferred top-level domain (TLD) 

The top-level domain (TLD) is the part of a domain name that comes after the dot, like .com, .org, or .net. Your TLD choice can affect how people view and trust your website. 

The most common and trusted option is .com. It works well for most businesses and is easy for people to remember. If .com isn’t available, .net is a solid backup, especially for tech-related sites. There is also .org that is often used by nonprofits or community-focused projects. 

You can also choose location and industry specific TLDs. For example: 

• Country TLDs like .ca, .uk, or .au work well for local businesses 
• Niche TLDs like .shop, .tech, or .design help show what your website is about 
• Some TLDs like .gov or .edu are restricted and require approval 

Keep in mind that some TLDs cost more than others, and not all are equally trusted by users. Before you register, check if a similar domain with a different TLD is already in use. If that existing site has low-quality or unrelated content, it could negatively impact your brand if you use a similar name. 

Ultimately, your TLD should align with your goals and target audience. Always check the renewal pricing, availability, and reputation of the TLD before finalizing your choice. 

Once you have your domain name idea, budget, registrar, and TLD ready, you can begin the registration process. 

7 easy steps to register (or buy) a domain name 

Every registrar handles the process slightly differently, but the core steps are generally the same: 

1. Search for your domain. 
2. Add your domain to the cart. 
3. Choose your registration term. 
4. Review add-ons. 
5. Enter your contact information. 
6. Complete payment and finalize registration. 
7. Enable auto-renewal (optional but recommended). 

Here’s how to walk through the buying or registration process: 

1. Search for your domain. Go to a trusted domain registrar such as Network Solutions and enter your desired domain name into the search bar. This will check if the name is available or already taken. If it’s available, you’ll have the option to proceed. If not, you can browse alternative suggestions or use one of your backup names.  

2. Add your domain to the cart. Once you’ve found an available name, add it to your cart. You can select multiple domains at once if you want to secure similar names or different TLDs (like .com, .net, .co, etc.) to protect your brand. 
3. Choose your registration term. Decide how many years you want to register the domain for. Most registrars offer discounts for multi-year purchases. If you’re building a long-term business, consider registering for multiple years to avoid renewal headaches. 
4. Review add-ons. During the checkout process, you’ll encounter optional services designed to enhance your domain registration experience. Network Solutions provides several valuable add-on options that you might find beneficial: 

• Private registration: Keeps your personal information hidden from public WHOIS databases.  
• Web hosting: Provides space to build and host your website.  
• Email services: Sets up professional email addresses using your domain.  
• SSL certificates: Secures your website with HTTPS encryption.  

These add-ons are optional, so review them carefully. You can skip what you don’t need and add them later if necessary. 

5. Enter your contact information. Provide accurate contact details including your name, address, phone number, and email address. ICANN requires this information for all domain registrations. Unless you purchase privacy protection, this information will be visible in the public WHOIS database. 
6. Complete payment and finalize registration. Review your order total, enter your billing details, and complete the purchase. After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your registration details and likely a request to verify your email address. Make sure to complete this verification step to activate your domain. 

7. Enable auto-renewal (optional but recommended). Domains can expire if you forget to renew them. Enabling auto-renewal ensures your domain stays active without interruption, especially if it’s critical to your business. 

Note: Steps vary per registrar. When you buy a domain name, it gives you the right to use it, but you don’t own it forever. You’re just leasing it for a period as long as you keep renewing it. If your domain violates someone else’s trademark, they may be able to claim it from you. 

How to buy a domain name from a third party 

Many domain names are owned by individuals or businesses who are willing to sell for the right price. Here’s how to approach buying an existing domain from a third party. 

When and why you’d do this 

Buying a domain from a third party is a smart move when: 

• Your preferred domain is already taken or registered 
• The domain fits your brand or business perfectly 
• You want to avoid confusing your audience with alternatives 

Instead of settling for a second-best name, you may be able to negotiate a purchase directly or through a broker. 

How it works (in brief) 

The process typically involves: 

• Looking up the current domain owner (via WHOIS or domain marketplaces) 
• Reaching out directly or using a domain broker 
• Negotiating a price and completing the transaction securely 

Some domain names may also be listed on marketplaces like Sedo or Flippa, where you can buy them outright or make an offer. For a full breakdown, try to check out our in-depth guide on how to buy a taken domain name for step-by-step instructions, negotiation tips, and what to expect in terms of cost. 

What to do after getting a domain name? 

After you successfully register a domain name, there are a few things you can do to maximize your domain’s potential. Here’s what to do: 

• Connect your domain to your website: Update the DNS settings in your domain registrar dashboard to point your domain to your website’s hosting. 
• Set up email routing: If you plan to use your domain for email (e.g., [email protected]), configure email routing. Most email providers like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 offer straightforward guides for this. 
• Integrate your domain across your business materials: Consistently use it across all your online and offline business assets to build a professional brand presence. Consider adding it to: 
  • Your email signature 
  • Business cards 
  • Social media profiles 
  • Google Business Profile 
• Consider digital marketing. As your business grows, digital marketing can help you reach more customers by improving your online visibility and appeal. You can try our comprehensive digital marketing services such as pay-per-click (PPC) and search engine optimization (SEO) to support your growth. 
• Secure and maintain your domain. Take a few steps to keep your domain secure and active: 
  • Turn on auto-renewal: Prevent your domain from expiring unintentionally. 
  • Enable domain privacy: Protect your personal information from being publicly accessible. 
  • Set up email forwarding: If needed, forward emails from your domain to another email address. 
  • Review optional security features: Explore additional security options like SiteLock to further protect your website. 

These small actions go a long way in keeping your domain protected and your online presence running smoothly.  

Common domain registration mistakes to avoid  

To make the most of your domain, here are the most common mistakes you need to avoid in the domain registration process: 

• Choosing a complicated name. Avoid hard-to-spell or long domain names. They’re tough to remember and prone to errors. Stick with simple and clear names for better user experience.  
• Ignoring renewal. Set up auto-renewal or keep a close watch on your domain’s expiration date—losing it can hurt your business and create unnecessary stress. Auto-renewal helps keep your domain active, but adding Domain Expiration Protection (DEP) with Network Solutions provides even more security. If auto-renewal fails due to a payment issue, like an expired credit card, DEP keeps your domain safe for up to a year, so you never have to worry about losing it unexpectedly.  
• Skipping keyword research. Domains with relevant keywords can help users understand what your site is about. While it’s not the only factor for SEO, a clear, descriptive name tied to your niche can still give your brand a boost.  
• Not checking for trademarks. Before registering a domain, ensure it doesn’t conflict with existing trademarks. Using a trademarked name could lead to legal issues, and you may be forced to relinquish the domain. 
• Skipping domain privacy protection. When you register a domain, your contact details can appear in the public WHOIS database. Without privacy protection, spammers or scammers can easily find your info. Network Solutions offers domain privacy as an add-on, so you can keep your personal data private and protect your domain from unwanted attention. 

Register your domain name with Network Solutions 

Securing your domain name is a big step toward building a professional, trustworthy online presence. Whether you’re launching a new idea, building a business, or rebranding, having the right domain sets the foundation for everything that comes next. 

With Network Solutions, the process is quick and user-friendly—making it easy to get started without the hassle. Plus, as your needs grow, you’ll have access to tools like email, website builders, and online marketing services to support your next steps. 

Take the first step—register your domain with Network Solutions and start building your presence today. 

Frequently asked questions