How to Register to Reserve a Domain Name

The start of your own domain name

If you have a website or you're thinking about creating one, you need to register a domain name. Your domain name acts as the identification label for your website and is what visitors type into the address bar of their Internet browser to get to your website. To obtain a domain name, you must register it through a domain registrar. When you register your domain name, no one else will be able to register or use your domain name and you will be able to start using it for your website.

Instructions

1. Come up with a list of potential domain names. Write down multiple variations of the domain name, as your first idea may already be taken.

2. Run the domain name through a domain name checker (see Resources). The domain name checker will determine if the domain name is available for purchase. Submit alternate domain names in the domain name checker if the domain you wish to use is already taken. Continue submitting domain names until you find one that is available for purchase.

3. Start to purchase the domain once you've found one that is available. Enter your personal information such as your name, the name of your business, your business address, and any other information that the domain registrar requests. Be aware that this information will be visible to the public via the Whois registry (see Resources), unless you purchase domain privacy. The Whois database contains the information of all registered domains and anyone can search the database to find out more information about the domain registration.

4. Select the option for how long you would like to register the domain name for. Typically, the domain registrar will ask that you pay for the length of time upfront. Enter your payment information. Most domain registrars only accept credit card or PayPal payments, though other payment options may be accepted via phone or mail. Click "submit" to finalize the purchase of your domain.

Tips & Warnings

• Search for different domain registrars to find the cheapest domain registering service that you can find. A registrar is any business accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to manage the registering of domains.

• Use short, memorable domain names to help visitors remember your website.

References

• thesitewizard: How to Register Your Own Domain Name
• Quackit: How to Register a Domain Name
• iWantMyName: How Many Domains Are Registered In Total? Statistics & Numbers, Part II

Resources

• GoDaddy
• Whois
• ICANN