Registering A Domain Name – Made Easy!
Once you’ve decided on a domain name for your website you will need to register it at one of the online domain registrars. There are many to choose from but i personally like to use GoDaddy or Namecheap.
For the purpose of this how to register a domain name tutorial we will be looking at registering a domain name with GoDaddy, as they are the registrar most people choose to use. To follow along i suggest opening the GoDaddy website in a new tab so you can flick between this tutorial and GoDaddy’s website. To open GoDaddy in a new tab click here.
When you click the link above, a new tab will open in your browser and the page should look like the image below.
GoDaddy Domain Registrar Homepage Image
Type your chosen domain name in the box and use the drop-down arrow to select your domain extension. Click the GO button to check if your domain name is available to register.
If the domain name you chose is not available you will be presented with a list of alternatives. You can choose one of the suggestions or try a different domain name yourself.
If the .com is not available you could try .net or .org – just avoid the .info as these have historically been abused by spammers due to the reduced cost, and are associated with websites of low quality.
If you are really struggling to find your chosen name you could try using hyphens to separate the words but i normally only do this as a last option as i stated in my post how to choose a domain name.
When you have found a name which is available to register, make sure there is a check in the box next to the name and click the Continue to Registration button.
A pop-up window may appear asking you if you’d like to add other domain extensions to your order. This is not really necessary unless it is your business name and you want to snap up all the variations and redirect them to your main website – a good way to protect your brand and stop others registering a domain with your name.
1. Domain Registration Information
Everyone who registers a domain name must have an account first (this is the same for any domain registrar).
It is important that you fill out the form with your correct details as these will be used for your domain and any future domains you may wish to register in the future. Click the Next button when you’re finished.
2. Your Domain Settings
Check to make sure the domain name is correct and change it if necessary using the View and Edit All Domains link. Select the length of time you wish to register the domain for (minimum of 1 year for .com) and make sure your contact details are showing properly. You can also choose whether you want a certified domain (not necessary unless you’ll be doing ecommerce). Click Next when you’re happy with everything.
3. Privacy and Domain Protection
You will now be given options to hide your personal details by upgrading to a privacy protection package. I usually don’t bother, but if you’re a little paranoid about prying eyes then feel free to select one of the domain privacy options.
Just bear in mind that these options do cost extra money, so take that into account when you’re deciding.
If you choose an upgrade press the select button and follow the instructions, otherwise just click the Next button to continue.
4. Activate Your Website, Email & More
GoDaddy are a great registrar but they do like to try and sell you stuff! The only option worth considering here is the SSL certificate – but only if you’ll be building an ecommerce site, otherwise leave everything unchecked.
You will be getting your hosting from Hostgator so ignore the hosting section. Also ignore the email section as you’ll be getting unlimited email accounts with your Hostgator hosting.
Click the Next button at the bottom to continue to the checkout.
Review Your Shopping Cart
Check that the details are correct and go back if necessary to correct them, then click the Continue to Checkout button.
Create New Account
Check the information already contained in the form and add anything that is missing. Choose whether your domain name is going to be used for personal, business or both, receive a monthly account summary and select the default currency you would like to use.
On the right-hand section you will need to create a password and enter it twice. You will also be asked for a password hint (used in case you forget your password) and a 4 digit Call-In-PIN.
Make sure your email address is correct and then fill in sections 3 & 4 as appropriate.
When you’re happy click Continue to Checkout.
You will now be asked for payment, and there are 4 choices – credit/debit card, gift card, check and Paypal. Go ahead and enter your details for your chosen method. If you choose Paypal you will be taken to a secure Paypal processing page and then returned to the checkout page to finalize your order.
For added security there is a final step asking you to enter an access code. Simply type the code into the white box and click Verify Code.
That’s it!!!
You should now see a confirmation page telling you that your order is complete. Within a few minutes you should also receive two emails with all the details of your purchase. These are usually titled “Your Log In Information” and “GoDaddy.com Order Confirmation”.
You are now the proud owner of your first domain name! Our next post will detail how to buy hosting from Hostgator.
Did you find our how to register a domain name page useful? If you did, please take a few seconds to spread the word by sharing on Twitter or Facebook – thanks.