Registering a Domain Name

Once you have chosen a domain name or potential domain name for your website, you should register it with a domain name registrar. As mentioned in Choosing a Domain Name, if your domain name is available, its best to register it immediately. If the domain name is registered by someone else, it can be costs and complicated to acquire the domain name from the owner. 

Registering a domain name can be done through one of the many domain name registrars. The world's largest registrar is GoDaddy.com. They typically have low or competitive prices and the domain name registration and management process is made easy.

In order to register your domain name search for the name on your registrars site. If it is available for registration, there will usually be a button to continue with your domain name registration and purchase.

If you do not yet have an account with the registrar, there may be a few extra steps to complete as you provide your registrant information. This information is required for all domain name registrations and includes your name, mailing address, email address, and phone number.

You will also need to select how many years you would like to register the domain name for. Most domains can be registered for one year and renewed annually. Sometimes it can be a good idea to register a domain name for multiple years to take advantage of discounts, or so you do not have to worry about renewing each year.

Lastly, you will pay with credit card, Paypal, or other method of payment accepted by your registrar. Once this is complete you will have successfully registered your domain name.