How to Register a Web Address

Websites have become a necessity for businesses large and small, and are increasingly popular for individuals. To set up a website, one needs both a web hosting account and a registered web address called a domain. Registering a domain is a simple process and is inexpensive as well.

Instructions

Select A Domain To Register

1. Decide what you want to use as your domain name. It's best to come up with a list of options as your first choice may not be available. Many domain names end with the .com extension, but you can also choose .biz, .org, .info, or others.

2. Find out if a website already exists for that domain by using your web browser to go to that domain. If you see an existing website, the domain is already taken.

3. Even if a site is not visible, the domain may still belong to someone. Go to the domain directory (4th link in the Resources section) and do a domain search to see if the one you want is already registered. If it is taken, detailed information about the registration will appear. If it is available, the phrase "No match for domain"---followed by the domain you entered---will appear.

4. Once you have determined which domains are available, select the one you want to register. It should be easy to remember and spell, and should reflect the topic of the site you will be building.

Register Your Domain

1. Select a registrar company to use. There are hundreds available, and as of early 2009 it is easy to find one that offers domain registration for under $10 a year.

2. On the registrar's site enter the domain name you wish to register. Since you already confirmed that it is available, you should be able to register it at this point. You may be given the opportunity to register multiple domains if you desire.

3. Select the number of years for which you want to register your domain. If you are sure you will want to have the site for many years, you can lock in the rate for a longer time and not have to worry about annual renewals.

4. Provide the personal and payment information required to complete the transaction. You will probably be asked to provide information for the domain owner, the technical contact, the billing contact, and the administrative contact. These may or may not all be the same person.

5. Submit the information and be sure you receive a confirmation that the transaction is complete. You may see this immediately on the site and/or receive an email confirmation.

Tips & Warnings

• Some companies offer both website hosting and domain registration. Some people find this helpful as it simplifies the process, while others prefer to keep their hosting and domain registration separate.

• Search for "domain coupons" in a search engine to find coupons for domain registrars before you register your domain.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Domain Registration Coupons
• Namecheap Domain Registration
• 1&1 Domain Registration
• Domain Directory