A domain name is your business's address on the internet, such as yourbusiness.com. You buy it from a company called a registrar, and you rent it for a set period (usually one year at a time). This guide walks through buying one so that you own it from day one.
Before you buy
- Decide on a name (see how to choose a domain name). Have two or three backups in mind in case your first choice is taken.
- Create the account with your own email address, one you will still have in five years. Do not use your web developer's email.
- Plan to pay yourself, with a payment method in your business's name. The domain is a business asset, and the account holder is the owner.
Buying the domain, step by step
- Choose a registrar. A registrar is the company that sells domain names. Pick a well-known one and compare more than one. The cheapest first-year price is not always the cheapest overall, so look for the renewal price before you commit.
- Search for your name. Type it into the registrar's search box. If it is taken, the registrar will suggest alternatives. Treat those suggestions with care and prefer a different name over an odd extension.
- Add it to your cart and look carefully at every line. Registrars often pre-select extras such as email, website builders or "protection" bundles. You can usually remove anything you do not need.
- Turn on privacy protection if it is offered. Your name, address and phone number are otherwise listed in public domain records. Many registrars include this for free.
- Choose the registration length. One year is fine. Multiple years can reduce the chance of an accidental lapse.
- Turn on auto-renew. An expired domain can be lost, and anyone could buy it.
- Pay, then check your email. Registrars send a verification message. Click the link in it. If you do not, the domain can be suspended after a short time.
Registrar's own guides
These official guides show each step with the registrar's current screens:
- GoDaddy: Invite a delegate to access my GoDaddy account
- Cloudflare: Register a new domain and Manage account members
- Bluehost: How to register a domain name
After you buy
- Secure the account. Use a strong, unique password and turn on two-factor authentication.
- Save your login details somewhere safe, such as a password manager.
- Keep the contact email current so renewal and verification notices reach you.
- Tell your developer the domain name and add them to your account so they can connect it to your website.
Common questions
Do I need to buy hosting from the same company? No. Registration and hosting are separate services. If Forsyth Development hosts your site, you only need the domain.
Will I pay every year? Yes. A domain is renewed periodically, and renewal prices can differ from the first-year price.
Can I move it to another registrar later? Usually yes, after a waiting period set by the rules for that extension. You stay the owner either way.
What if my first-choice name is taken? Try a shorter or more specific version, add your city or trade, or choose a different common extension. Avoid names that are one letter off a well-known brand.