How to Get & Register a Dot.com Domain Name
A domain name is a great way to add a personal touch to your personal website and add an air of professionalism to your business. Domain names can be purchased individually for use with services like Blogger, Weebly or Tumblr or as part of a complete Web hosting plan. Before finalizing the purchase of a domain name, check around for a plan that meets your needs and budget.
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Instructions
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Choose a domain registrar. If you just want the domain to use with a third-party service, such as Weebly or Tumblr, choose a company that offers domain names without additional Web space. If you're creating your entire website from scratch and need space, you'll want a Web hosting plan.
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Check to see if your desired domain name is available. There are dozens of extensions available -- from standards of .com and .net to the less commonly used .me and .mobi. Some companies have different pricing for different domain extensions. Domain and Web hosting companies will allow you to search the availability of domain names before beginning the purchase process.
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Select a plan that fits your needs. Most domain names are registered in single-year increments, while Web hosting plans are billed monthly, semiannually or yearly. If you're running a business, you will likely need more space and bandwidth than if you're hosting a personal website. Also, if you're planning to access email through your domain, make sure your plan offers messaging services.
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Complete the order and finalize the purchase. You will have to supply domain contact information, which will be linked to your domain using the WHOIS database unless you request private registration. Once you've finished your purchase, the domain can take up to 24 hours to spread through Internet name servers.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid using a domain that references or rips off a copyrighted or trademarked name; this can result in legal trouble down the road.
Double-check your domain name for spelling errors before confirming the purchase.
Avoid overly complicate domain names; the easier a URL is to remember, the more likely visitors are to return.
