Here’s How I Register Domain Names (& Get Some for Free)

Like any entrepreneur, I remember the thrill of getting my first domain name (even way back when I was just 14!).

Registering a domain name is one of the most exciting steps in starting a website. It’s the foundation of your online presence, like claiming your own little piece of internet real estate.

One of the first questions I get asked by aspiring website owners is, “How do I buy a domain name?” Or, even better, “Where can I get a free domain name?”

I understand – everyone loves a good deal!

But I also know it can be a bit daunting. How do you register a domain name correctly? What if you choose the wrong name? What if you overpay?

Don’t worry, I’ve been through it all, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through the process step by step.

I’ll show you how to register a domain name, share tips for choosing the perfect name, and even reveal where you can snag a free domain name (for the first year) with select hosting plans.

If you are in a hurry, here is a quick overview of the topics I will cover in this article:

What Is a Domain Name (And Why You Need One)?

A domain name is simply the address people type into their browser to visit your website, like wpbeginner.com or google.com. Think of it as your website’s street address on the internet.

Instead of using complicated numerical IP addresses, a domain name makes it easy for people to find and remember your site.

When I started my first website, getting a domain name felt like claiming my own space on the internet. It was exciting to have a name that represented my idea and made it accessible to the world.

Over the last two decades, I’ve registered hundreds of domains for my businesses. Each one played a key role in building a strong online presence, making my brands easier to find and remember.

But why is having your own domain name so important? A custom domain name gives your website a professional identity—it’s like having a business card for the Internet. It builds credibility and trust with your visitors.

Imagine trying to run a serious business using a free email address like yourbusiness@gmail.com. It just doesn’t inspire confidence, does it?

A domain name allows you to create professional business email addresses using your own domain, like you@yourdomain.com. This is essential for building a reputable brand.

Plus, owning your domain gives you full control over your online presence. You’re not dependent on someone else’s platform, and you can build a valuable asset that you own.

How to Choose the Perfect Domain Name

Choosing the right domain name is important for your online success. It’s a decision that can significantly impact your brand’s growth, so it’s worth taking the time to get it right.

Over the years, I’ve learned a few key principles that have helped me secure some fantastic domain names for my businesses, including WPBeginner.

• Keep it short and memorable: A shorter domain name is easier to remember, type, and share. Think ‘Amazon’ or ‘Google’. Avoid long, complicated names.
• Use keywords (but don’t overdo it): Include relevant keywords related to your website’s topic if possible. This can help with SEO. For example, if you’re starting a blog about gardening, a domain name like gardeningtips.com could be a good choice. However, don’t force it. A clear, brandable name is often better than a keyword-stuffed one.
• Make it easy to spell and pronounce: Avoid hyphens, numbers, and unusual spellings. If you have to explain how to spell your domain name, it’s probably too complicated.
• Choose the right domain extension: The most common extension is .com, and it’s generally the best choice for most websites. It’s the most recognizable and trusted. However, if you’re targeting a specific country or industry, other extensions like .org (for non-profits), .net (for technology companies), or country-specific extensions (e.g., .co.uk for the United Kingdom) might be more appropriate.
• Check for trademark conflicts: Before registering your domain name, do a quick trademark search to ensure it doesn’t infringe on any existing trademarks. This can save you legal headaches down the road.

For more in-depth tips and tools, check out my team’s guide on how to choose the best domain name.

Choosing the Right Domain Extension (TLD)

The domain extension, also known as the top-level domain (TLD), is the part of your domain name that comes after the dot (e.g., .com, .org, .net).

While .com is the most common and generally preferred option, other TLDs can be a good fit depending on your website’s purpose and target audience.

Here’s a quick breakdown of some popular TLDs:

• .com: The most popular and widely recognized TLD. Best for commercial businesses, blogs, and general websites.
• .org: Traditionally used by non-profit organizations, but now also used by other entities. Still carries a sense of authority and trust.
• .net: Originally intended for network infrastructure companies, but now used for various purposes. A good alternative if your desired .com is unavailable.
• .co: Often used as a shorthand for “company” and can be a good option for startups or businesses with a global focus.
• Country-specific TLDs (ccTLDs): These are specific to individual countries (e.g., .co.uk for the United Kingdom, .ca for Canada, .de for Germany). Use a ccTLD if you’re specifically targeting an audience in a particular country.

My recommendation: If your desired .com domain name is available, go for it. It’s the most recognized and trusted by users worldwide. However, if it’s not available, consider a relevant alternative based on your website’s purpose and target audience.

For a more comprehensive list of domain extensions, check out my team’s guide on top domain name extensions.

How to Register a Domain Name (Step by Step)

Domain names are managed by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), which oversees the system that allows domain registrars like Bluehost and Domain.com to sell domain names.

In this section, I’ll guide you through the process of registering a domain name with several popular registrars. You’ll find the perfect option here whether you’re looking for a free domain or need specific features like domain privacy.

Method 1: How to Register a Domain Name with Bluehost (Recommended)

🔹 Pricing: Free (with hosting) 🔹 WHOIS Privacy: Available with high-tier plans 🔹 Website Builder: Yes 🔹 Free Email Accounts: Yes

Bluehost is my go-to choice for beginners who want to register a domain and set up a website. Each hosting plan includes a free domain for the first year.

Starting at just $1.99/mo, you get one of the best WordPress hosting plans on the market with excellent domain management features.

Considering the features and pricing, this is an incredible option for users who want to build a website or start a blog.

Step 1. To register your domain, go to the Bluehost website and click on the “Get Started” button.

Step 2. Select a hosting plan that works for you.

I recommend the Basic plan for beginners.

Step 3. Search for your domain name to check its availability, and add it to your account.

You can uncheck the option to add domain privacy, as it will increase your costs.

Step 4. Create your account by filling in your details, and then continue to the payment section.

During checkout, uncheck any extra items selected under add-ons.

Step 5. Once your payment is complete, Bluehost will register your domain and set up your hosting account.

My Experience With Bluehost:

I have been a long-time Bluehost customer, hosting several websites and domain names with them. What stands out to me is how easy they make it for beginners. Everything is streamlined, from registering a domain to setting up a WordPress site. The free domain offer adds additional value to their offering.

For more in-depth analysis, take a look at my Bluehost review, where I also shared performance tests.

✅ Pros of Using Bluehost:

• Free domain name for the first year with hosting.
• User-friendly dashboard, perfect for beginners.
• Includes a free SSL certificate to secure your site.

❌ Cons of Using Bluehost:

• Domain privacy requires an additional fee in the Basic plan.

Method 2: How to Register a Domain Name with Domain.com (25% Off)

🔹 Pricing: Starts at $9.99/year 🔹 WHOIS Privacy: Sold Separately 🔹 Website Builder: No 🔹 Free Email Accounts: No

Domain.com is a trusted registrar that makes it easy to buy a domain name, especially if you’re looking for an affordable option.

What I love about them is that they make it incredibly easy for beginners to register and manage their domain names. As an advanced user, I also like their DNS management area, which is quite straightforward.

Step 1. To register your domain, go to the Domain.com website and use the search bar to check the availability of your desired domain name.

Once you find the name you want, simply add it to your cart and proceed to checkout.

Step 2. Next, you may see additional upsell items. Feel free to uncheck them and continue to billing.

Step 3. Next, you’ll be asked to create an account with your details, including your email address.

Step 4. On the billing page, you can use my Domain.com coupon code NAMEBOY to get an additional 25% discount.

My Experience with Domain.com: I’ve used Domain.com when I needed a reliable and straightforward way to register domains. I have enjoyed their easier domain management tools and appreciated a straightforward domain renewal setup. Overall, they are a great place to manage and build your domain portfolio.

✅ Pros of Using Domain.com:

• 25% discount for new customers, making it budget-friendly.
• Simple and easy-to-use interface, perfect for beginners.
• Better domain search and renewal features.

❌ Cons of Using Domain.com:

• No website builder or free email accounts.

Method 3: How to Register a Domain Name with Hostinger (Free)

🔹 Pricing: Free (with hosting) 🔹 WHOIS Privacy: Included 🔹 Website Builder: Yes 🔹 Free Email Accounts: Yes

Hostinger is an excellent choice if you’re looking to save money while making a website. They offer a free domain name with their affordable hosting plans, making them one of the best value options for beginners and small businesses.

What I like most about Hostinger is how they bundle everything you need to launch a website in a single plan, from hosting to a free domain. Their dashboard is intuitive, which makes managing your domain and website easy, even if you’re new to this.

What makes this an even better deal is that they offer free domain WHOIS privacy ($9.99 value).

Here is how to register your domain with Hostinger.

Step 1. Go to the Hostinger website and select one of their hosting plans. I recommend their Premium Shared Hosting plan, which offers the best value and includes a free domain.

Step 2. Once you’ve selected your plan, you’ll be prompted to create an account. Enter your email and set up your login details.

Step 3. Search for your desired domain name to check its availability. If it’s available, you can add it to your plan at no extra cost.

Step 4. Fill out the billing information and complete your purchase. Hostinger will automatically register your domain name and set up your hosting account.

My Experience with Hostinger: I’ve used Hostinger for projects where affordability was a top priority. Their hosting plans and free domain are an excellent solution for small websites, and I’ve appreciated their beginner-friendly interface. For more details, take a look at my full Hostinger review.

✅ Pros of Using Hostinger:

• Free domain name with affordable hosting plans.
• Beginner-friendly dashboard for easy management.
• Includes free email accounts and an SSL certificate.

❌ Cons of Using Hostinger:

• Slightly more expensive than some other options.

Method 4: How to Register a Domain Name with Network Solutions

🔹 Pricing: Starts at $9.99/year 🔹 WHOIS Privacy: Included with higher-tier plans 🔹 Website Builder: No 🔹 Free Email Accounts: No

Network Solutions is one of the oldest domain registrars, offering reliable services for individuals and businesses. Their platform provides powerful domain management tools and support for advanced users, while their higher-tier plans include valuable extras like WHOIS privacy.

What I appreciate about Network Solutions is their long-standing reputation and focus on security features. They’re a solid choice if you’re looking for a reliable domain registrar with a focus on professionalism.

Step 1. Go to the Network Solutions website and use the search bar to look for your desired domain name.

Step 2. If your chosen domain is available, just click to add it to your cart. Network Solutions will also suggest additional domains you might want to consider.

Step 3. Continue to checkout and create an account with your details, including your name, email address, and billing information.

Step 4. During checkout, you can choose optional features like WHOIS privacy, which is included with higher-tier plans. Review your order and complete the payment to register your domain.

My Experience with Network Solutions: I’ve used Network Solutions for projects where professionalism and security were top priorities. Their domain management tools are great for advanced users, and I found their customer support team responsive when I had questions. However, their pricing can be slightly higher than that of other registrars.

✅ Pros of Using Network Solutions:

• Long-standing reputation and reliable services.
• WHOIS privacy is included with higher-tier plans.
• Advanced domain management tools for experienced users.

❌ Cons of Using Network Solutions:

• Higher pricing compared to other registrars.

Method 5: How to Register a Domain Name with GoDaddy

🔹 Pricing: Starts at $11.99/year 🔹 WHOIS Privacy: Included with premium plans 🔹 Website Builder: Yes 🔹 Free Email Accounts: No

GoDaddy is one of the largest domain registrars in the world. It’s known for its wide range of domain extensions and frequent promotional discounts, making it a popular choice for individuals and businesses alike.

However, be aware that their pricing can sometimes be higher than other registrars, and they often have upsells during checkout.

One thing to watch out for with GoDaddy is that their renewal rates can be significantly higher than the initial price. Always double-check the renewal cost before committing to a long-term registration.

While I’ve used GoDaddy for client projects in the past, I’ve found that other registrars often offer better value for money.

Here is how to register your domain name with GoDaddy.

Step 1. Visit the GoDaddy website and use their domain search tool to find your desired domain name.

Step 2. If the domain is available, click on ‘Add to Cart’ and proceed to checkout. GoDaddy will also suggest other extensions and related domains you might be interested in.

Step 3. During checkout, you need to create an account with your email and billing details. You can also select optional add-ons like domain privacy, which is included with premium plans.

Step 4. Review your order, remove any upsells you don’t need, and complete the payment to register your domain.

My Experience with GoDaddy: I’ve used GoDaddy when working with clients and some smaller projects. However, I always review the renewal rates carefully, as they can be higher than the initial price. Personally, I often compare prices with GoDaddy alternatives and have almost always found a better product at lower pricing elsewhere.

✅ Pros of Using GoDaddy:

• Extensive selection of domain extensions to choose from.
• The biggest name in the domain registration industry.
• Beginner-friendly interface with additional tools like a website builder.

❌ Cons of Using GoDaddy:

• Higher renewal rates compared to the initial purchase price.
• Aggressive upselling hurts the user experience

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Registering a Domain Name

Registering a domain name is an exciting step, but I’ve seen how easy it is to make mistakes that can cost you time and money.

Beginners often face avoidable challenges simply because they don’t know what to watch out for:

• Choosing a name that’s too complicated or hard to spell: If your audience struggles to type your domain, they’re less likely to visit your site. I’ve always kept my domain names short and easy to remember for this reason.
• Using hyphens or numbers: While they might seem unique, they often confuse people and make your site harder to find. One of my early domain ideas included a hyphen, but I quickly realized it would be a problem when sharing the name verbally.
• Forgetting to check trademark issues: Make sure your domain doesn’t conflict with existing trademarks, as this could result in legal issues down the road. I’ve always researched trademarks to protect my businesses and avoid costly disputes.
• Selecting an irrelevant TLD: The domain extension you choose says a lot about your website. For example, .com is great for businesses, while .org is ideal for nonprofits. Picking the wrong TLD can confuse your audience or harm your credibility, so choose one that aligns with your goals.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for success and save yourself unnecessary hassle in the future.

FAQs About Registering a Domain Name

Here are answers to some common questions I get about registering domain names. Whether you’re new to this or just need clarification, these FAQs will help.

What is the best domain extension to choose?

The .com extension is the most popular and widely recognized. I always recommend choosing .com when possible because it’s trusted by users worldwide. If .com isn’t available, you can consider alternatives like .org for nonprofits or .net for tech-related sites.

Can I register a domain name for free?

Yes, many hosting providers, like Bluehost and Hostinger, include a free domain name when you purchase their hosting plans. This is a great way to save money while setting up your website.

How can I check if a domain name is available?

You can use the domain search tools provided by registrars like Bluehost, Domain.com, or GoDaddy. Simply type in the name you want, and they’ll let you know if it’s available or suggest alternatives.

What should I do if my desired domain name is unavailable?

If your preferred domain name is taken, consider slight variations like adding a relevant keyword or choosing a different TLD. For example, instead of example.com, you could try exampleblog.com or example.net.

You may also want to see our guide on how to backorder domains.

Can I transfer my domain name to another registrar later?

Yes, most registrars allow domain transfers after a certain period, typically 60 days. If you plan to move your domain, make sure to check your current registrar’s transfer policies.

How do I permanently buy a domain name?

You cannot permanently buy a domain name. Instead, you lease it by registering it for a specific period (e.g., 1 year or 10 years) and renewing it when the term expires. Most registrars offer automatic renewal so that you won’t lose your domain accidentally.

Your Next Big Idea Starts with a Domain Name

Every great business, blog, or personal project starts with a single step. For me, that step was registering a domain name.

Whenever I have a new business idea, I always look up and register a domain name for it, even if I don’t intend to work on that idea right away.

When you choose the right domain name, you’re giving your idea a place to grow 🪴.

It becomes the home for your brand, the way people find you, and the first impression you leave on the world. That’s powerful.

If you’re ready to start, here are my top three recommendations:

• Bluehost 🏆: Perfect for startups and bloggers. You get a free domain name and web hosting at an affordable price, with beginner-friendly tools to help you launch your site quickly.
• Domain.com 🎯: A great choice for their simple interface, free domain privacy, and 25% discount for new customers. Ideal for anyone who values ease of use and affordability.
• Hostinger 🎖️: Best for small businesses and personal websites. Their budget-friendly plans include a free domain and tools to help you grow online.

In my opinion, you cannot go wrong with any of these domain registrars. Just follow the tips we discussed above and complete your domain registration.

I hope this article helped you learn how to register domain names for your next business ideas or passion projects. If you have questions or need more help, feel free to contact me or leave a comment below.

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.