How to Buy a Domain Name 

Key takeaways: 

• A short, memorable, and SEO-friendly domain name makes a strong first impression and boosts visibility. 
• Buying a domain is quick and straightforward with the right tools and a clear five-step process. 
• Premium domains can offer value, but a well-branded regular domain is often just as effective. 

The right domain is important if you want to achieve online success. It’s one of the first impressions your business can make to potential customers that may eventually turn into loyal patrons of your brand. That’s why business owners want to secure their online identity. 

If you’re one of them – you’re in the right place. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know on how to buy a domain name. From choosing your name to completing the purchase, we’ve got you covered. 

Let’s dive in. 

Things to consider before buying a domain name 

Before discussing the exact steps on how to buy a domain name, it’s good to know the things you should consider before making a purchase. Don’t overlook search engine optimization (SEO) since Google and other search engines pay attention to domain names. This impacts how they’ll find your website. 

Here are important things to keep in mind:  

• Your budget. Know how much you’re willing to spend, including the cost of registration and any add-ons.  
• Your domain extension. Opt for .com for trust, but consider alternatives like .net or .tech if .com is unavailable.  
• Trademark issues: Ensure your domain isn’t already trademarked to avoid legal problems.  
• Brandability and memorability. Pick a short, unique, and relevant domain that’s easy to remember.  
• SEO-friendly keywords. Use relevant keywords in your domain for better search engine ranking while keeping it simple and brandable.  
• Scalability. Choose a domain that allows for future growth and won’t limit your business as it expands. 

5 simple steps to buy a domain name 

You can hire a freelancer to buy a domain name if you have the budget. But if you’d rather handle it yourself, the process is quick and straightforward. 

Here are the five simple steps you can follow to buy your ideal domain name. 

Step 1: Choose a domain name 

Buying a domain name usually starts by going to your trusted domain name registrar. There are many options online, but for convenience and peace of mind, you can easily and securely buy your domain with us at Network Solutions. 

Your domain name is your online identity. It represents your brand and helps people find your products or services. To make a strong impression, choose a domain name that aligns with your industry. For example, if you sell knives, a name like sharpknifes.com, or bestknives.pro instantly communicates your niche.  

In addition to relevance, your domain name should be easy to remember and understand. Write down at least 10 name ideas, then organize them in a Google Sheet to track your options. To help generate better options, here are a few tips:  

• Keep it short, simple, memorable and easy to spell.  
• Avoid hyphens, numbers, special characters, and difficult words.  
• Consider brand relevance and uniqueness. 

Step 2: Decide on the right domain extension (TLD)   

After choosing a domain name, knowing what top-level domain (TLD) to use for your business is important. The domain extension or TLD is what comes after the dot—like .com, .net, or .org—and it affects your brand’s credibility and SEO. To pick the right one, here are some of the most popular TLDs you can become familiar with, including their use cases:  

• .com – The best choice for businesses, e-commerce, and personal brands. It’s the most recognized and trusted.  
• .net – A solid alternative to .com, often used by tech companies and digital services.  
• .org – Ideal for nonprofits, charities, and mission-driven organizations.  
• .ai & .io – Popular among tech startups, AI companies, and developers.  

For local businesses, country-specific domains (ccTLDs) like .uk (UK), .ca (Canada), and .de (Germany) help target regional audiences. If you plan to expand globally, sticking with .com or a widely recognized TLD is the better long-term choice. We have a range of TLDs to choose from; check it out if you want to know more. 

Step 3: Check domain availability 

Now that you have a list of names with the right domain extensions, it’s time to check if it’s available for purchase. A good domain name can disappear fast, so don’t wait too long to secure yours. The easiest way to check if a domain is available is by using our domain name search tool.  

Simply type in your desired domain, and it will show if it’s available for domain registration. If your first choice is taken, these platforms will suggest alternative versions or TLDs you can use instead. Or you can just check all the ideas you have from your list one by one. 

Step 4: Register and complete the purchase 

Once you find an available domain, register or buy it immediately through your chosen domain registrar . The domain name registration process is straightforward if you’re buying from Network Solutions. 

Here are the steps to follow:   

1. Go to https://www.web.com/.  
2. In the search bar, input the domain name you want and then click the Search button.    

3. Once you find an available domain, you will receive a confirmation message like the one shown in the image. The domain will automatically be added to your cart. If you’re ready to move forward, simply click the Continue button.    

4. You will be asked to choose domain add-ons. Select your preferred add-on by clicking the ADD button underneath. If you do not want add-ons for your domain, click the Continue to Cart button.    

5. Review the Order Summary and consider adding Domain Privacy to keep your personal information hidden from the public WHOIS database. You can also add Domain Expiry Protection to ensure your domain stays registered, even if there’s a payment issue. Once you’re ready, click Continue to Checkout.    

Note: Actual pricing varies based on the value of your selected domain, TLD, whether or not it’s a premium domain and other factors.
Important: Keep in mind that purchasing a domain doesn’t mean you own it forever, as they expire, so make sure to renew yours to maintain ownership. 

6. You need to sign in or register for an account.  Select the desired term for the products and services you want to purchase. Choose the payment method and provide the payment information. Once done, hit submit payment.   

7. And that’s it! You’ve purchased and registered your first domain name.   

Step 5: Connect the domain to hosting & website 

Now that you’ve registered your domain, the next step is to connect it to your hosting provider. The process will depend on your situation: 

1. If you’re using Network Solutions to build your website. Connecting your domain is simple. Once you’ve purchased your domain, it will automatically connect to your Network Solutions account through the admin dashboard. You won’t need to update domain name system (DNS) settings manually—everything is taken care of for you.  
2. If you’re using another hosting provider. This process varies per provider, but you’d usually have to locate your hosting provider’s name servers (e.g., ns1.host.com, ns2.host.com). Log into your domain registrar’s dashboard and update the name server settings. If your hosting provider requires additional DNS records, be sure to update those as well. Changes may take up to 48 hours to fully propagate.  
3. If you’re new to websites and don’t yet have one. You can easily build your site using our easy drag-and-drop AI website builder. It’s a user-friendly tool that helps you create your site with minimal effort, and domain comes free for the first year.  

No matter your situation, once your domain is connected to your hosting, you can set up your website or even email accounts using your new domain. If you need further guidance, check out our step-by-step guide on building your website using AI with Network Solutions. 

Common mistakes to avoid when purchasing a domain name 

When purchasing a domain, avoid these common pitfalls to save money and prevent headaches down the road: 

• Overpaying for a domain. High prices don’t always mean better value. Compare prices, check for hidden fees, and avoid unnecessary add-ons.  
• Choosing an unreliable registrar. Some registrars offer low prices but lack security, customer support, or ownership control. Stick with reputable, ICANN-accredited providers.  
• Losing a domain due to expiration. Domains require regular renewal, and failure to do so can lead to permanent loss. Enable auto-renewal or set reminders to keep ownership secure. 

Premium vs. regular domain: Which one to buy? 

When choosing a domain name, you may come across two types: premium domains and regular domains. Understanding the difference can help you make the right decision for your website and budget. 

• Premium domains are short, memorable, and often contain popular keywords, making them more expensive. These domains can improve your brand’s visibility, credibility, and SEO ranking. However, the high cost may not always justify the investment, especially for smaller businesses or new websites. 
• Regular domains are more affordable and widely available. They may not be as short or keyword-rich, but with strong branding, they can be just as effective. Regular domains are budget-friendly and provide plenty of opportunities to build a memorable online presence. 

Both premium and regular domains can work depending on your budget and goals. If you’re a larger business or targeting a competitive niche, a premium domain can give your brand a boost and help customers find you easily. 

However, if you’re a new business or startup looking for a cost-effective option, a regular domain is a great choice. It’s affordable and can be just as effective with the right branding. 

Get your domain name ready 

Ready to take the next step? Secure your domain today with tools like Network Solutions’s Domain Name Search and AI Domain Generator. Also, add a safety net in the form of our Domain Expiration Protection and start building the foundation for your online success! 

FAQs on buying domain names