How to Set Up a Domain Name

Setting up a domain name is a simple and inexpensive process that will get you on your way to establishing a presence on the web, whether for personal or business use. Learn how to register a domain name and set up the domain name servers so that your domain name will actually lead to your website's files on your hosting server.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Payment method, usually credit card Computer with internet access Email address Web hosting account

Register Your Domain Name

1. Pick a domain name to register. You will want it to be something that reflects the nature of your website both for people who may want to visit it and for search engines.

2. Choose a company to use for registering your domain. Check the Resources section for some reputable, popular registrars.

3. The registrar's site will guide you through the registration process. As part of the process the registrar will confirm that the domain you want is available; if it is not you will be able to keep trying other names until you find one that is available.

4. Once you complete the registration process including payment, you will receive a confirmation email. Be sure to save this email and make note of the username and password you used for setting up your account with the registrar.

Pointing Your Domain to Your Web Host

5. Find the Domain Name Server (DNS) settings for your web hosting account. They should look like "ns.somethinghere.com". If you can not find this in the confirmation email you received when you signed up for hosting, you can log into your hosting account and access the information there.

6. Log into your domain registration account and find the option to set up the Domain Name Server (DNS) settings. Account interfaces vary, so look for an option such as "Set Domain Name Servers" or "Change DNS Settings" and contact the company's support team if necessary.

7. Enter the DNS info you obtained from your hosting company in the applicable place in your domain account, to create the link between your domain and the server on which your website files will reside.

8. Use your web browser to navigate to your new domain name and check it. If you have already set up an index or home page file in your hosting account (or if a basic page was automatically created for you when you set up hosting), you may see that page. Note that there may be a delay between entering the DNS settings in your registrar account and seeing the change take effect.

9. You should now be able to refer people to your domain and view your website as you build it. Congratulations!

Tips & Warnings

• As of early 2009, many companies offer domain registration for under $10 a year. Since registrars all offer essentially the same service, there is no reason to pay the much higher rates that some companies charge. Before starting the registration process, create a list of domain names you would consider using and rank them in order from most ideal to least ideal. Then if your first choice is unavailable you can just go through the list until you find one you can register. Some companies provide a package of domain registration and a hosting account together. This may or may not be an more cost effective that using different companies, but it can make the domain setup process a bit easier.

Resources

• Namecheap Domain Registration
• 1&1 Domain Registration
• ImHosted Web Hosting
• DreamHost "Green" Web Hosting