How to Get a Domain Name for Free

Key takeaways: 

• Your domain name is the foundation of your online presence. It shapes your brand, builds credibility, and creates a unified identity for your brand. 
• Free domains can help you save money and get your projects quickly. However, they may come with limitations like restricted TLD choices and a less professional appearance.
• To get the most out of your free domain, set it up with reliable hosting, strong security measures, and smart integrations like SEO and social media. This will help support your long-term growth and success. 

All online ventures start with a domain name. But when you’re just starting out, the costs can add up quickly, leaving you high and dry. 

Free domains are becoming popular because they make it easier to get started. Find out why free domains are gaining traction and how you can get one for your project. 

What is a domain name and why do you need one? 

A domain name is the address people type into their browsers to reach your website. Without it, they’d have to remember a long string of numbers (an IP address). In short, a domain name turns those numbers into easy-to-remember words that are easy to share. 

Why do you need one? 

• Branding and credibility. A custom domain makes you look professional and shows you’re a legit business. This is important for establishing trust among your target audience. 
• Search engine visibility. While a custom domain doesn’t directly improve search engine rankings (SEO), it enhances your site’s authority and user experience, ultimately benefiting search engine rankings.
• Consistent identity. Your domain brings everything you do online in one space—social media, marketing materials—under one recognizable “home base.” 

Free vs. paid domains: Perception and trust 

Free domain names usually have an extension or subdomain (like “johnsmith.wordpress.com”), which can look less professional to visitors and business partners. Although a free domain might be fine for a test site or personal project, it can come off as amateurish. 

Paid domains usually carry more authority. These domains show that you’re serious about what you’re offering and make it easier for others to take you seriously. 

How to get a free domain name for free via hosting bundles 

Grabbing a free domain is a smart move, especially if you’re on a tight budget or just starting out. 

Here are a few easy ways to get one without compromising your goals. 

Step 1. Sign up for web hosting plans that include a free domain 

A lot of web hosting providers offer a free domain when you purchase their hosting plan. Some popular options include:

Web host	Duration of free domain	TLDs included & disclaimers
Bluehost	1 year	.biz, .info, .com, .net, .org, .co.uk, .us, .co, .space, .website, .blog, .online, .site, .store, .tech (Premium domains excluded)
Hostgator	1 year	Not disclosed
Hostinger	1 year	.de, .es, .eu, .id, .in, .io, .it, .lt, .me, .com, .fun, .icu, .org, .uno, .xyz, .blog, .info, .link, .live, .shop, .site, .tech, .click, .cloud, .email, .press, .space, .store, .online, .digital, .website
Network Solutions	1 year (free with the Essential Plan)	Offer valid only for (1) one domain name: .com, .net, .org, .info, .store, .biz, or .us extensions, excludes Premium Domain Names, when purchasing an annual term of a website plan. Not valid on renewals.
GoDaddy	1 year	* One free ‪.com, .net, .org, .co, .info, .biz, .us, .club, .company, .design, .email, .fit, .life, .live, .online, .pro, .rocks, .shop, .site, .solutions, .space, .store, .tech, .today, .vip, .work, .world, .xyz‬ with purchase of a new annual (12 months/1 year or longer term) plan. Plus ICANN fee of $0.20 per domain name per year. You must add the domain name into your cart before purchase, and you must select a domain term length equal to or less than the term length of your plan to qualify for the free domain offer. If you purchase a domain name for a term longer than 1 year, you will be charged for the additional registration term at the then-current rate. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, sale, discount or promotion. Free domain offer applies only to the first year of the hosting plan. After the first year, domains purchased through this offer will renew at the then-current renewal price.
Wix	1 year	Not disclosed
Squarespace	1 year	Not disclosed
Weebly	With free domain; duration not disclosed	Not disclosed
Shopify	With free domain; duration not disclosed	Not disclosed

Note: Promos are current at time of writing but can change without prior notice. 

Renewal costs and potential upsells 

After the first free year, you’ll need to pay the standard domain renewal fee. Hosting companies might also offer additional services, like email hosting or security add-ons, during checkout. It’s up to you whether to add these services to your purchase or not. 

How to claim the free domain* 

1. Visit the hosting provider’s website and choose a plan that includes a free domain. 
2. Click “Add to Cart,” “Buy Now,” or something similar, and then pick your preferred domain name. 
3. Complete your account details and payment for the hosting plan to initiate your domain registration. 
4. After finalizing the purchase, your domain should be automatically registered under your account. 

*Process may vary per provider 

Step 2. Use a free domain service or registrar 

Some domain registrars specialize in offering free domain extensions (TLDs). One of which is Freenom, which provides TLDs like .tk, .ml, .ga, .cf, and .gq. 

Potential restrictions 

Free TLDs are often region-specific or not as well-known. They might come with usage policies that limit commercial activities or require regular renewals. Plus, a free TLD might not look professional, which can be important if you’re running a business or nonprofit. 

Step 3. Participate in promotions and special offers 

• Seasonal deals. During events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, many registrars offer significant discounts—sometimes even free domains for the first year. 
• New domain extensions. When a new TLD launches, registrars may offer it for free or at a huge discount to raise awareness (terms and conditions still apply). If the extension fits your website’s theme, it can be an affordable choice. 

Getting a free domain name with Network Solutions 

Network Solutions offers a variety of web hosting plans designed to meet the needs of new entrepreneurs, small to medium business owners, and growing businesses. Our hosting plans are packed with features to help you build and maintain a professional website.   

Key features of Starter, Essential, and Premium web hosting plans:   

• Free domain. Network Solutions includes free domain registration for the first year with all hosting plans, allowing you to establish a professional web address.   
• Stability. All plans offer an uptime of 99.99%, ensuring that users get to your site at a reliable rate.   
• Unlimited bandwidth. All plans include unlimited bandwidth, ensuring your site can grow without limitations.   
• Email hosting. Network Solutions offer Professional email and Google Workspace plans to enhance your business’s credibility and streamline communication. 
• Website builder. Network Solutions’ website builder provides an intuitive platform to create your website, with drag-and-drop functionality and customizable templates.   
• Robust customer support. Reliable support via phone, live chat, and email are available to assist with any technical issues or questions.   

Getting a free domain name with a WordPress Hosting plan   

When you choose Network Solutions’ WordPress hosting, you’re getting a package designed to make managing your WordPress website easy and effective. Here’s what you get:   

• Automatic WordPress installation. Network Solutions makes it simple to set up your WordPress site with just one click. This takes the hassle out of installing WordPress, so you can focus on building your site.  
• Fast and reliable performance. The servers are set up to ensure your website loads quickly and works smoothly.   
• Strong security. Your site will have automatic updates, daily backups, and malware scanning to keep your website secure.   
• Customizable themes and plugins. Network Solutions provides access to thousands of themes and plugins, such as W3 Total Cache and Jetpack, to customize your website.   
• SEO tools. Network Solutions includes built-in tools to help improve your site’s search engine ranking.  
• Custom control panel. The control panel is designed to be intuitive to help you manage your site and access all the WordPress tools you need with ease.  
• Free domain. All Network Solutions’ hosting plans come with a free memorable domain name for the first year, making it easy to start your WordPress website. 

Evaluating free domain offers: Renewal fees, support, and reliability 

Aside from jumping on the promotional deal, getting a free domain is also about making sure it fits with your long-term online goals. 

Here are some things to keep in mind: 

• Renewal fees. Free domains are usually free for the first year, but renewal fees can be higher than standard rates. Before you commit, check the provider’s pricing beyond the introductory offer to avoid any surprises. Hidden fees or sudden price hikes can quickly turn a good deal into an expensive one. 
• Support. You’ll eventually run into issues with domain management. That’s why good customer support is important. Choose providers that offer multiple support channels like live chat, email, or phone. Check user reviews to see how responsive and helpful their support is. 
• Reliability. Downtime or technical glitches can disrupt visitor access and leave a bad impression. Research the provider’s uptime guarantees, performance history, and overall reputation. A reliable provider will help minimize the risk of unexpected outages and ensure consistent service quality. 
• Control and flexibility. Make sure the free domain offer doesn’t limit your ability to manage DNS settings or transfer the domain if you switch providers in the future. You should have full control over your domain settings for scalability and customization. 
• Branding impact. Be aware of the domain extension (TLD). Free domains usually come with lesser-known extensions, which may affect your brand’s professionalism. There are times where a paid domain may be a better choice. 
• Hidden restrictions. Always read the fine print. Some free domain offers might include unwanted extras, like mandatory bundled services or ads. They could affect your site’s appearance or functionality. 

How to set up and secure your free domain 

Getting your free domain set up and secured is an important step in building your online presence. By following the steps below, you ensure your site is functional and trustworthy: 

1. Connect your domain to a hosting service 
2. Build your website 
3. Set up custom email accounts 
4. Enhance your security and performance 

Step 1. Connect your domain to a hosting service 

• DNS configuration basics. Once you have your free domain, link it to your hosting account by updating the DNS settings.  This means setting your domain’s nameservers or creating A and CNAME records that point to your hosting provider’s server. You can do this with your account manager. 
• Propagation and troubleshooting tips. DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate globally. If your domain isn’t resolving as expected, double-check your record entries and consult your hosting provider’s support resources for help. 

Step 2. Build your website 

• Website builders vs. CMS (WordPress). Decide if you want a simple drag-and-drop website builder for a quick setup, or if you need the flexibility of a content management system like WordPress. Website builders are easy to use, while WordPress offers extensive customization options. 
• Design and content setup pointers. Choose a clean, responsive design that matches your branding. Ensure clear navigation and engaging content. Also, prioritize key pages like Home, About, and Contact for a good user experience. 

Step 3. Set up custom email accounts 

• Boosting brand credibility. Creating email addresses with your domain (e.g., [email protected]) because they make your communications look professional and consistent with your branding. 
• Free vs. paid email hosting options. Consider hosting plans that include basic email functionality at no extra cost. But if you go for dedicated paid email services, you’ll get additional features like enhanced security, larger storage, and office suites. 

Step 4. Enhance your security and performance 

• Installing SSL certificates. Use free SSL certificates to secure the connection between your visitors and your website. This not only protects data but also improves your site’s ranking on search engines. 
• Backups, DNS settings, and Domain Privacy Protection. Conducting regular backups are important—make sure you or your hosting provider has a reliable backup schedule. Verify that your DNS settings are optimized for speed and security and consider using privacy protection services to shield your personal information from public databases. This helps prevent spam and unwanted solicitations. 

Maximizing the potential of your free domain 

Here’s how you can turn such budget-friendly asset into a powerful online tool: 

eCommerce integration 

Make your free domain work for you, even in an eCommerce setup. For example, if you sign up for a free domain and use WordPress with the WooCommerce plugin, you can launch an online store with small upfront costs. However, if you use extensions like .online or .tech, know that they may not carry the same level of consumer trust as a traditional .com. Therefore, you should prioritize design and security to boost buyer confidence. 

Utilizing apps and plugins 

If you’re using WordPress, you can install a plugin such as Yoast SEO to optimize your content. However, if you’re using a website builder, it usually has email marketing features, ready-made customizable templates, and integrated Google Services. These tools make your site look great and enhance its functionality. They work together to simplify site management, so you can focus on what you do best: engaging your audience and growing your brand. 

Improving your online presence 

Building a strong online presence also includes boosting your site’s visibility and credibility. For example, using on-page SEO techniques with tools like Google Keyword Planner can help you optimize your content for search engines. Strategies like guest blogging or forming partnerships can also enhance your backlink profile. Don’t underestimate the power of social media integration. Adding share buttons allows visitors to easily share your products, which can expand your reach and increase engagement. 

Tips for choosing the best domain name 

The perfect domain name shapes your brand image and affects how easily your audience can find and remember you. Consider these key factors to ensure you’re picking the best domain for your brand. 

• Keep it simple 
• Remember keywords 
• Choose the right extension 
• Be original 

Keep it short, memorable, and easy to spell 

A short domain name is easier for visitors to remember and reduces the likelihood of typos when they visit your site. It also reinforces your brand identity and encourages word-of-mouth referrals. Simple and intuitive domains make it easy for people to remember your website. Lastly, a well-chosen domain minimizes confusion and makes it simple for users to find you online. 

Use relevant keywords (within reason) 

Incorporating a relevant keyword can help potential visitors quickly understand your website’s focus. However, it’s important to strike a balance—overloading your domain with keywords can detract from its main point and appear spammy. Instead, think of a keyword as a gentle hint toward your niche rather than the centerpiece of your domain name.  

Choose a domain extension that fits your brand or target audience 

The domain extension you choose can impact how customers react to your brand. For example, a .com is generally seen as professional and trustworthy, while other extensions like .online or .tech may work better for niche or innovative projects. Consider your target audience’s preferences and the expectations within your industry.  

Free TLDs can be a good starting point for testing new ideas. But weighing them against traditional options is important for building long-term credibility. Ultimately, the domain extension you choose should complement your brand identity and market position. 

Avoid trademark conflicts and confusing names 

Perform thorough research to make sure your chosen domain does not infringe on existing trademarks. This could lead to legal complications down the line. A unique name helps establish a distinct brand identity and minimizes the risk of being mistaken for another company. Additionally, avoid overly complex or similar-sounding names that could confuse your audience.  

Advantages and disadvantages of free domains 

When buying a free domain, it’s important to weigh both the benefits and drawbacks to see if it fits your long-term needs. 

Advantages 

• Cost savings. Free domains get rid of upfront costs, making them ideal for startups, hobby projects, or test sites. This is a good choice where you still want to experiment but don’t want to commit financially. 
• Quick setup. They allow you to get your site up and running quickly, perfect for projects that need to be tested or launched on a tight schedule. 

Disadvantages 

• Limited TLD choice and branding issues. Free domains often come with a limited range of top-level domains (TLDs) or are provided as subdomains. This can lead to branding issues and may reduce credibility among visitors. 
• Perceived lower credibility. A free domain can look less professional and may include forced branding or ads from the provider. This can distract your visitors from your site’s overall appeal. 
• Hidden costs and restrictions. While the initial offer is free, renewal fees, hidden costs, or strict usage policies can apply later on. These can limit your flexibility or increase your expenses as your website grows. 

Ensuring compliance with domain regulations (ICANN) 

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) sets guidelines for domain registration and management. They ensure transparency, fairness, and security in domain usage. These policies help prevent disputes and trademark conflicts that benefit every internet user. 

As a domain registrant, you have the right to own, manage, and transfer your domain. However, with these rights come responsibilities—such as maintaining accurate registrant information and adhering to usage policies. Compliance means keeping your account up to date and understanding how international and local regulations apply to your domain. 

Implementing Domain Privacy + Protection is another important step in compliance and security. Domain Privacy + Protection shields your personal information from the public WHOIS database to protect you from spam and unwanted solicitations. For more information on domain hijacking, explore a separate article on protecting yourself from domain hijacking.  

Snag your free domain today! 

An online presence starts with a well-chosen domain name that reflects your brand and establishes credibility. Free domains offer quick setup, cost savings, and a great starting point for testing new ideas. However, they come with a share of potential challenges like limited TLD choices and hidden fees. Ultimately, investing in the right domain is investing in your business’s future. Get your free domain today at Network Solutions and build the foundation your online venture deserves. 

Frequently asked questions