How to Register a Domain Name for a Company

Domain names are among the most important assets of online businesses. Domain names are the ".com" or ".net" names you type into your browser to access a website. The website developer or technical team of the company often purchases domain names on the company's behalf. Companies must renew domain names continually to avoid cancellation of the name. If you need to register a domain name for a company, you can do so quickly and easily.

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection
• Credit card

Instructions

1. Choose a domain name for the company that reflects the business name, or its main product or service. Create a list of potential domain names to register for the company. Choose all forms of the domain name possible while creating the list, including .net or .org versions and plural versions.

2. Choose an accredited domain name registrar to purchase and register the domain names. Visit the registrar's site and use the "domain name availability" form on the home page to check your list of domain names. Check each box beside the domain name extensions you want to investigate, including the ".net" or ".org" versions if desired. Click on the "Check" or "Go" button to query the database of domains for availability.

3. Review the results and add the available domain names you wish to purchase to the registrar's shopping cart by clicking the "Add to Cart" button. Remove domains from the list by clicking the "Remove" button.

4. Click the "Checkout" button to purchase and register the domains. Review each option while completing the checkout process for the domain. Select the domain name registration period, which typically ranges from one to ten years. Choose manual renewal to renew the domain manually each time, or choose automatic credit card billing. Choose either private registration information, or public registration. Select private if the company does not want to disclose the registration information.

5. Enter the name of the company, the address, phone number, and email address under the registration information section. Enter the credit card or billing information in the billing section. Choose a password and username as well, so you can access the domain control panel on the registrar's website.

6. Review all of the information for accuracy before submitting payment. Read the registrar's terms and conditions, and select the box if you agree. Click the "Checkout" or "Submit" button to complete the checkout process.

7. Log into the domain name registrar's website by entering the password and username you created during checkout. Manage the domain by clicking on the "Manage Domain" tab. Configure the domain name to point to the company's website by entering the host location, or use the "Forward" tool to forward the domain to an existing website. Keep all contact information up-to-date at all times to comply with the domain name registrar's agreement.

Tips & Warnings

• Many domain registrars offer a discount when you purchase several domains at once.

• Avoid legal action by avoiding the use of copyrighted phrases of other companies in your domain name.

References

• Quackit.com: How to Register Domain Names

Resources

• ICANN: Accredited Registrars