Learn how to purchase a site identify
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Buying a domain name is one of the first steps in starting a website.
However, finding the perfect domain for your website and registering that domain can feel like a huge task if you've never gone through this process. Fortunately, domain registration isn't that difficult – you just need to follow a few simple steps.
I've bought a lot of domains in my career – too many to count. Some of these experiences were significantly better than others.
This guide explains my two favorite ways to buy a domain. You can even get a free domain using one of these methods. I'll also go into more detail about the differences between these options and how to buy a premium domain. Let's dive in.
How to buy a domain name with Bluehost
Bluehost is a web hosting provider. In fact, they are one of the most reputable and reliable web hosts out there today. Bluehost hosts over two million websites worldwide.
However, Bluehost also offers domain registration services. When you use Bluehost for web hosting, you get a free domain for one year.
Since you need a hosting plan anyway, you can use Bluehost as a one-stop shop to bundle hosting and domain registration into a single package. This is a great option for beginners starting a new website from scratch.
Step 1 – Navigate to Bluehost.com
The first step is easy. Just go to the Bluehost website.
From here, scan the menu and select "Hosting" at the top of the screen.
I will say it again. click HOSTING. Do not click the Domains menu option.
If you click the latter, you are not bundling your hosting plan with domain registration, which defeats the purpose of using Bluehost (and you do not get the domain for free).
Step 2 – Choose a hosting plan
The hosting menu will expand and give you three different options:
- Shared hosting
- Special hosting
- VPS hosting
Shared hosting is the best option for 99% of new website users. Select this from the advanced drop-down menu.
You can still bundle your hosting plan and domain registration (and get a free domain) if you choose Dedicated or VPS, but most of you don't have to worry now. Stick with shared hosting.
Bluehost has four different shared web hosting plans to choose from: Basic, Plus, Choice Plus, and Pro:
If you're starting a small personal website, the basic entry-level plan should be fine for you from $ 3.95 per month. For those of you who are setting up a website for your business, I would at least choose the Choice Plus plan.
The extra features associated with this plan are well worth the few extra monthly costs.
To continue, simply click the "Select" button under the plan that meets your needs.
Step 3 – Register your domain
Once you've selected a web hosting plan, Bluehost will automatically prompt you to set up your domain. Here you are offered two different options:
- Create a new domain
- Use a domain you own
You want to use the Create New Domain option to search for available domains.
Just enter the domain you want to buy in the search bar and choose your domain extension (.com, .net, .blog, .biz, .info, .store, .co, .us, etc.).
In the vast majority of cases, you'll want a .com extension. The only reason I would consider an alternative domain extension is to use the .com domain. For example, if you try to create a domain with nike.com or apple.com, they are obviously not available. However, another extension may be available for purchase.
So in the meantime, once you've set a name, you can always get an alternative extension while figuring out how to buy the .com extension. I'll go into more detail later in this guide on how to buy domains that have already been registered (although you probably can't buy Nike or Apple).
Another reason to consider an alternative domain extension is price. Many of these extensions are cheaper than a .com domain.
For a small blog, side project, or personal website, that's fine if you're looking to save a few bucks. However, companies should always register a .com domain.
Step 4 – Sign your contract
Once you've chosen an available domain name, simply create your Bluehost account and select your plan terms.
Either way, make sure you get Domain Privacy + Protection in the Package Extras section. Otherwise, your name, email address, telephone number and address will be available in a public database. It's worth the extra $ 0.99 per month.
The other options like SiteLock Security and Codeguard Basic are up to you. I would get them, but there are alternative third-party services you can use for site backup and security. I think it's easier to get them now.
That's it!
Once you've entered your payment details, your hosting plan and new domain purchase will be completed. Your domain name is free for the first year of your contract.
How to buy a domain name with Namecheap
The market is flooded with domain registrars. But Namecheap is definitely my favorite. It is very easy for anyone to buy a domain with this registrar, even if it is your first time.
This method is a little easier than using Bluehost just because you aren't bundling other services. Namecheap is only used to buy a domain.
The whole process can be completed in just three quick steps.
Step 1 – Visit Namecheap.com
Of course, the first thing you need to do is head over to the Namecheap website.
From here you can search for your domain directly from the homepage.
Enter your desired domain name in the search bar located in the middle of the screen.
Make sure "Register" is toggled above this search bar. The "Transfer" option is for people who have an existing domain and want to change registrars – this is not for you.
Click the search icon to continue.
Step 2 – Choose your extension
As a domain registrar, Namecheap offers an extensive list of domain extensions.
You have the option to choose between things like .fun, .vip, .studio, .health, .xyz, .lol, .design, and hundreds of other extensions. In most cases, choosing a .com extension will be your best bet.
Simply click the "Add to Cart" button next to the extensions you want and then click checkout.
Step 3 – Confirm your order
If you buy a domain directly from a domain registrar, you can skip all the extras. You don't need an SSL certificate, professional email or anything else. You can get this from your web hosting provider.
In any case, make sure that WhoisGuard is activated. This protects your personal information from being available to the public. With some domain registrars you pay extra for this, but Namecheap is offering it for free forever.
Activate "Automatic Renewal" for your domain registration as well. Otherwise, you will have to manually renew it every year, which runs the risk of expiring the registry.
As simple as that!
Once you have confirmed the order, you will be asked to create a Namecheap account. After you've entered your payment details and completed the purchase, the domain is yours.
Ways to Buy a Domain Name
In general, there are two ways to buy a domain name. Both were covered above – domain registrars and hosting providers.
Each method has advantages and disadvantages, and the process for each method is very different.
I'll quickly explain the differences between these options so you can figure out which is the best choice for your website.
Buying a domain from a stand-alone domain registrar
In most cases, the best option is to go straight to a domain registrar like Namecheap. As the name suggests, these platforms specialize in registering domains.
Buying domains directly from a standalone registrar is faster than alternative methods. This is because you are not bundling other services so the process is more direct.
Domain registrars also make it easy to buy domains in bulk. So if you have more than one domain in the market, be sure to contact a registrar.
If you want alternative extensions, domain registrars offer significantly more options. While I usually don't recommend anything other than a .com domain, some of you may want to search hundreds of alternative extensions.
Transferring domain names with a registrar is also easier than using a service that doesn't specialize in domain registration. So, if you want to transfer your domain or think you may want to transfer it in the future, use a domain registrar.
It is usually cheaper to buy domains directly from a registrar. For starters, the domain itself will likely be less expensive. However, some of the best registrars like Namecheap include the free WhoisGuard protection when buying a domain. You probably won't get this from a hosting company.
The downside to getting your domain from a registrar is that the process includes an additional step. You need to do web hosting elsewhere.
Buying a domain from a web hosting company
Domain registration and web hosting should for the most part be kept separate. Bluehost is the exception to this rule. So if you want to bundle your domain name with a hosting plan, Bluehost is really the only option you should consider.
There are several main reasons why you should go this route.
For beginners who are new to the world of web hosting and domain registration, it is easier to have everything under one roof. Fewer steps are required and you can manage your hosting plan and domain name from a single account.
Bluehost also gives you a free domain name for one year. You will never receive such an offer from a domain registrar.
However, getting a domain from a hosting provider is not ideal if you plan to buy domains in bulk. It's fine for a single domain, but beyond that, it gets messy. You also don't have that many options for alternative extensions (if you want something unique).
Most web hosting providers charge you additional fees for privacy and domain protection, while you can get them for free from a domain registrar.
How to buy a premium domain
Premium domains are a great way to stand out online. They're also great for branding and marketing purposes.
What is a Premium Domain?
A premium domain is usually short, memorable, and easy to spell. High-quality domains have a high search volume and are closely linked to an industry, a service or a topic. They also have TLDs (top level domains) like .com, .org or .net.
Premium domains are in great demand. Registration usually costs a little more. Buying a premium domain can also be different, as it is not always clear whether the domain is actually for sale. This is what I mean:
For example, let's say you're trying to register a premium domain from a domain registrar or hosting company. Just because it says "not available" doesn't necessarily mean it is not available for purchase. These are the steps to buy a premium domain:
Step 1 – Determine if the domain appears reachable
If a domain is not available with a registrar, go straight to this website and see what you can find. If an active website or business is using this domain, it might be more difficult to acquire.
However, if you don't see an active website, there's a good chance the domain is for sale.
Here is an example for management.com:
It is clear that not much is happening on this website. So, if you want that premium domain, here's a pretty good indication that it's for sale.
In some cases, you can even see text like "Buy this domain" or information saying "This domain may be for sale". All of these are good signs that the domain is reachable.
Step 2 – Find out who owns the domain
There are two ways to complete this step:
- Find out for yourself
- Hire a domain broker to do this for you
It can be difficult to do it alone. You could do a quick whois search, but most people didn't have their personal information listed. Using google to your advantage can help. Some domains may be linked to a different website or social media profile. You could possibly find the owner this way.
Personally, I would recommend using a broker. Sedo is one of my favorite domain marketplaces and brokerage sites.
Brokers can almost always find out who owns the domain because they have such a massive network. You determine whether the domain is actually for sale and how much the seller is asking. Your broker can even handle the negotiations on your behalf.
The downside to using a broker is that you have to pay a brokerage fee. However, in most cases, you only have to pay when the sale is actually completed.
Other great places to find a premium domain online are:
If a domain is up for sale, you can use Sedo or one of the other options listed above to get the ball rolling.
Step 3 – Negotiate and Buy
Often times, the list price of a premium domain can be negotiable. If you think the price is fair and fits your budget well, then you can speed up the buying process by completely offering the asking price.
When a domain is in high demand, it also increases your chances of securing it before someone else makes a better offer.
In some cases, however, domains can come at an outrageous price. You have to ask yourself if the cost is really worth it. Sometimes it's better just to look for a different domain. When a particular domain isn't critical to the success of your business, it can be difficult to justify a five- or six-digit list price.
Don't be afraid to walk away during the negotiation process. If this is not by design, you can continue or try again later. This is another reason why having a broker is helpful.
Step 4 – Transfer the Domain
Once the domain has been purchased, the last step is to transfer it to your domain registrar. Again, I recommend Namecheap.com because it's so easy.
Make sure to turn on auto-renew after the transfer. Otherwise, you will have to take care of manually renewing your domain every year. If you forget and the name expires, your premium domain may be up for grabs in the open market.
The process is officially complete when the domain is in your domain registrar account. Now you can finally rest assured that you have secured your premium domain.
How to buy a domain name that is not for sale
Not every premium domain is available on a brokerage site or domain marketplace. However, if you really want to track a specific domain, you may still have a chance.
Similar to the steps in the last section, you need to find out who owns the domain. If a domain isn't for sale, this step should be a little easier and you can probably do it yourself.
Most domains that are not for sale are linked to an active website. This site should contain contact information. You can contact the business owner or decision maker associated with the domain directly.
Start with a general inquiry that says you are interested in buying the domain. Don't throw an offer yet (or you might overpay).
See what kind of response you're getting and if the website owner is ready to sell. Unlike a premium domain listed on a domain marketplace, you may need to dig a little deeper into your pockets to buy a domain that is not currently for sale.
If you absolutely need to secure that particular domain, make an offer to the owner that they can't refuse.
Note, however, that this doesn't always work. It's like trying to buy a home that isn't for sale. You can knock on the front door and make a cash offer, but the homeowner might choose to stay there.
When they're ready to sell, contact a broker to make sure the purchase goes smoothly. Then transfer that domain to your registrar immediately after receiving ownership.
Summary
Buying a domain name doesn't have to be that complicated.
Even beginners and first time buyers can complete this process in just a few minutes by following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this guide.
Buying a premium domain can take a little longer. But again, you can achieve this by following the process outlined above. Good luck and have fun shopping!