Here’s How I Register Domain Names (& Get Some for Free)

I registered my first domain name when I was just 14 years old. Back then, I was fascinated by the idea of owning a piece of the internet (I still am).

I didn’t fully realize it then, but that small decision sparked a journey that helped me build multiple successful businesses worth millions of dollars.

As a serial entrepreneur, many of my businesses started with just registering a domain name.

But I know many people hesitate to register a domain. They are worried that they might choose the wrong name, overpay, or struggle with the technical steps.

Registering a domain name is quite easy and can be inexpensive. In this guide, I’ll show you how to register a domain step by step and even share where you can get one for free.

If you are in a hurry, here is a quick overview of the topics I will cover in this article:

What Is a Domain Name?

A domain name is the web address people type into their browser to visit your website, like wpbeginner.com or google.com.

Think of it like your home address on the internet. Instead of long, complicated numbers called IP addresses, a domain makes it easy for people to find you.

When I started my first website, getting a domain name felt like claiming my own space on the internet. It was exciting to have a name that represented my idea and made it accessible to the world.

Over the last two decades, I’ve registered hundreds of domains for my businesses. Each one played a key role in building a strong online presence, making my brands easier to find and remember.

Why Do You Need a Domain Name?

Every successful business I’ve built started with a domain name. It’s the foundation of your online presence and the first step to making your brand memorable.

A domain name gives your website a professional identity.

Imagine handing someone a business card. Your domain name is that card for the Internet. It tells people where to find you and makes a lasting impression.

When I launched WPBeginner, I knew I needed a domain that was short, clear, and easy to remember.

It helped me grow the site into the world’s largest WordPress resource because the name was easily recognizable.

Beyond branding, a domain gives you control. It lets you create a business email address like name@yourwebsite.com, which looks far more professional than a generic Gmail or Yahoo address.

Whether you’re starting a blog, an online store, or a small business website, owning your domain means you’re building an asset you fully control—not relying on someone else’s platform.

How to Choose the Perfect Domain Name

During my journey, I learned that choosing the right domain name is important and worth the time.

Trust me, it makes a big difference in the success of your business or brand image. I recommend that you think carefully about it.

I have seen people end up with domain names that are hard to remember and difficult to pronounce, and they have had to change them later.

On the other hand, I have also seen folks who are unable to make up their minds and get stuck in choice paralysis.

Here are some personal tips I stick to when picking a domain name:

• Keep it short and easy to spell: Shorter names are easier to remember and faster to type. I always avoid complex words or tricky spellings.
• Avoid hyphens and numbers: Hyphens and numbers can confuse people. If I say a domain out loud, I want it to be crystal clear without extra explanations.
• Make it memorable: Your domain should stick in people’s minds. That’s why I picked WPBeginner.com—it’s clear and instantly tells you what the site is about.
• Think about the future: I try to avoid anything too niche or trendy that might not age well. A flexible name can grow with your brand.
• Use the right domain extension: I usually go for a .com when possible, since it’s the most recognized and trusted.

I’ve followed these steps for most of my businesses, and it’s helped me secure some great domain names that worked really well.

Related 💡: My team collected tips and tools to choose the best domain name that you may find useful in your domain research.

Next, I’ll show you exactly how to register a domain name step by step and where you can even get one for free.

How to Register a Domain Name (Step by Step)

Domain names are managed by an organization called ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers).

They oversee the system that allows domain registrars, like Bluehost and Domain.com, to sell domain names to the public.

In this section, I’ll show you how to register a domain name using some of my favorite registrars.

Whether you’re looking for a free domain or need additional features like domain privacy, these step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process.

Method 1: How to Register a Domain Name with Bluehost (Recommended)

🔹 Pricing: Free (with hosting) 🔹 WHOIS Privacy: Available with high-tier plans 🔹 Website Builder: Yes 🔹 Free Email Accounts: Yes

Bluehost is my go-to choice for beginners who want to register a domain and set up a website. Each hosting plan includes a free domain for the first year.

Starting at just $1.99/mo, you get one of the best WordPress hosting plans on the market with excellent domain management features.

Considering the features and pricing, this is an incredible option for users who want to build a website or start a blog.

Step 1. To register your domain, go to the Bluehost website and click on the “Get Started” button.

Step 2. Select a hosting plan that works for you.

I recommend the Basic plan for beginners.

Step 3. Search for your domain name to check its availability, and add it to your account.

You can uncheck the option to add domain privacy, as it will increase your costs.

Step 4. Create your account by filling in your details and then continue to the payment section.

During checkout, uncheck any extra items selected under add-ons.

Step 5. Once your payment is complete, Bluehost will register your domain and set up your hosting account.

My Experience with Bluehost:

I have been a long-time Bluehost customer, hosting several websites and domain names with them. What stands out to me is how easy they make it for beginners. From registering a domain to setting up a WordPress site, everything is streamlined. The free domain offer adds additional value to their offering.

For more in-depth analysis, take a look at my Bluehost review where I also shared performance tests.

✅Pros of Using Bluehost:

• Free domain name for the first year with hosting.
• User-friendly dashboard, perfect for beginners.
• Includes a free SSL certificate to secure your site.

❌Cons of Using Bluehost:

• Domain privacy requires an additional fee in the Basic plan.

Method 2: How to Register a Domain Name with Domain.com (25% Off)

🔹 Pricing: Starts at $9.99/year 🔹 WHOIS Privacy: Sold Separately 🔹 Website Builder: No 🔹 Free Email Accounts: No

Domain.com is a trusted registrar that makes it easy to buy a domain name, especially if you’re looking for an affordable option.

What I love about them is that they make it incredibly easy for beginners to register and manage their domain names. As an advanced user, I also like their DNS management area, which is quite straightforward.

Step 1. To register your domain, go to the Domain.com website and use the search bar to check the availability of your desired domain name.

Once you find the name you want, simply add it to your cart and proceed to checkout.

Step 2. Next, you may see additional upsell items. Feel free to uncheck them and continue to billing.

Step 3. Next, you’ll be asked to create an account with your details, including your email address.

Step 4. On the billing page, you can use my Domain.com coupon code NAMEBOY to get an additional 25% discount.

My Experience with Domain.com: I’ve used Domain.com when I needed a reliable and straightforward way to register domains. I have enjoyed their easier domain management tools and appreciated a straightforward domain renewal setup. Overall, they are a great place to manage and build your domain portfolio.

✅Pros of Using Domain.com:

• 25% discount for new customers, making it budget-friendly.
• Simple and easy-to-use interface, perfect for beginners.
• Better domain search and renewal features.

❌Cons of Using Domain.com:

• No website builder or free email accounts.

Method 3: How to Register a Domain Name with Hostinger (Free)

🔹 Pricing: Free (with hosting) 🔹 WHOIS Privacy: Included 🔹 Website Builder: Yes 🔹 Free Email Accounts: Yes

Hostinger is an excellent choice if you’re looking to save money while making a website. They offer a free domain name with their affordable hosting plans, making them one of the best value options for beginners and small businesses.

What I like most about Hostinger is how they bundle everything you need to launch a website, from hosting to a free domain, in a single plan. Their dashboard is intuitive, which makes managing your domain and website easy, even if you’re new to this.

What makes this an even better deal is that they offer free domain WHOIS privacy ($9.99 value).

Here is how to register your domain with Hostinger.

Step 1. Go to the Hostinger website and select one of their hosting plans. I recommend their Premium Shared Hosting plan as it offers the best value and includes a free domain.

Step 2. Once you’ve selected your plan, you’ll be prompted to create an account. Enter your email and set up your login details.

Step 3. Search for your desired domain name to check its availability. If it’s available, you can add it to your plan at no extra cost.

Step 4. Fill out the billing information and complete your purchase. Hostinger will automatically register your domain name and set up your hosting account.

My Experience with Hostinger: I’ve used Hostinger for projects where affordability was a top priority. Their hosting plans, combined with a free domain, have been a great solution for small websites, and I’ve appreciated their beginner-friendly interface. For more details, take a look at my full Hostinger review.

✅Pros of Using Hostinger:

• Free domain name with affordable hosting plans.
• Beginner-friendly dashboard for easy management.
• Includes free email accounts and an SSL certificate.

❌Cons of Using Hostinger:

• Slightly more expensive than some other options.

Method 4: How to Register a Domain Name with Network Solutions

🔹 Pricing: Starts at $9.99/year 🔹 WHOIS Privacy: Included with higher-tier plans 🔹 Website Builder: No 🔹 Free Email Accounts: No

Network Solutions is one of the oldest domain registrars and offers reliable services for individuals and businesses. Their platform provides powerful domain management tools and support for advanced users, while their higher-tier plans include valuable extras like WHOIS privacy.

What I appreciate about Network Solutions is their long-standing reputation and focus on security features. They’re a solid choice if you’re looking for a reliable domain registrar with a focus on professionalism.

Step 1. Go to the Network Solutions website and use the search bar to look for your desired domain name.

Step 2. If your chosen domain is available, just click to add it to your cart. Network Solutions will also suggest additional domains you might want to consider.

Step 3. Continue to checkout and create an account with your details, including your name, email address, and billing information.

Step 4. During checkout, you can choose optional features like WHOIS privacy, which is included with higher-tier plans. Review your order and complete the payment to register your domain.

My Experience with Network Solutions: I’ve used Network Solutions for projects where professionalism and security were top priorities. Their domain management tools are great for advanced users, and I found their customer support team responsive when I had questions. However, their pricing can be slightly higher than other registrars.

✅Pros of Using Network Solutions:

• Long-standing reputation and reliable services.
• WHOIS privacy is included with higher-tier plans.
• Advanced domain management tools for experienced users.

❌Cons of Using Network Solutions:

• Higher pricing compared to other registrars.

Method 5: How to Register a Domain Name with GoDaddy

🔹 Pricing: Starts at $11.99/year 🔹 WHOIS Privacy: Included with premium plans 🔹 Website Builder: Yes 🔹 Free Email Accounts: No

GoDaddy is one of the largest domain registrars in the world. They are known for their extensive range of domain extensions and frequent promotional discounts. Overall, they are a popular choice for both individuals and businesses looking to secure their online presence.

What I like about GoDaddy is their wide selection of domain extensions, which makes it easy to find the perfect name, even if your first choice is taken.

However, I noticed that their upselling offers affected the user experience. Their pricing was also higher than that of many other companies.

Here is how to register your domain name with GoDaddy.

Step 1. Visit the GoDaddy website and use their domain search tool to find your desired domain name.

Step 2. If the domain is available, click on ‘Add to Cart’ and proceed to checkout. GoDaddy will also suggest other extensions and related domains you might be interested in.

Step 3. During checkout, you need to create an account with your email and billing details. You can also select optional add-ons like domain privacy, which is included with premium plans.

Step 4. Review your order, remove any upsells you don’t need, and complete the payment to register your domain.

My Experience with GoDaddy: I’ve used GoDaddy when working with clients and some smaller projects. However, I always review the renewal rates carefully, as they can be higher than the initial price. Personally, I often compare prices with GoDaddy alternatives and have almost always found a better product at lower pricing elsewhere.

✅Pros of Using GoDaddy:

• Extensive selection of domain extensions to choose from.
• The biggest name in the domain registration industry.
• Beginner-friendly interface with additional tools like a website builder.

❌Cons of Using GoDaddy:

• Higher renewal rates compared to the initial purchase price.
• Aggressive upselling hurts the user experience

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Registering a Domain Name

Registering a domain name is an exciting step, but I’ve seen how easy it is to make mistakes that can cost you time and money.

Beginners often face avoidable challenges simply because they don’t know what to watch out for:

• Choosing a name that’s too complicated or hard to spell: If your audience struggles to type your domain, they’re less likely to visit your site. I’ve always kept my domain names short and easy to remember for this reason.
• Using hyphens or numbers: While they might seem unique, they often confuse people and make your site harder to find. One of my early domain ideas included a hyphen, but I quickly realized it would be a problem when sharing the name verbally.
• Forgetting to check trademark issues: Make sure your domain doesn’t conflict with existing trademarks, as this could result in legal issues down the road. I’ve always researched trademarks to protect my businesses and avoid costly disputes.
• Selecting an irrelevant TLD: The domain extension you choose says a lot about your website. For example, .com is great for businesses, while .org is ideal for nonprofits. Picking the wrong TLD can confuse your audience or harm your credibility, so choose one that aligns with your goals.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for success and save yourself unnecessary hassle in the future.

FAQs About Registering a Domain Name

Here are answers to some common questions I get about registering domain names. Whether you’re new to this or just need clarification, these FAQs will help.

What is the best domain extension to choose?

The .com extension is the most popular and widely recognized. I always recommend choosing .com when possible because it’s trusted by users worldwide. If .com isn’t available, you can consider alternatives like .org for nonprofits or .net for tech-related sites.

Can I register a domain name for free?

Yes, many hosting providers, like Bluehost and Hostinger, include a free domain name when you purchase their hosting plans. This is a great way to save money while setting up your website.

How can I check if a domain name is available?

You can use the domain search tools provided by registrars like Bluehost, Domain.com, or GoDaddy. Simply type in the name you want, and they’ll let you know if it’s available or suggest alternatives.

What should I do if my desired domain name is unavailable?

If your preferred domain name is taken, consider slight variations like adding a relevant keyword or choosing a different TLD. For example, instead of example.com, you could try exampleblog.com or example.net.

Can I transfer my domain name to another registrar later?

Yes, most registrars allow domain transfers after a certain period, typically 60 days. If you plan to move your domain, make sure to check the transfer policies of your current registrar.

How do I permanently buy a domain name?

You cannot permanently buy a domain name. Instead, you lease it by registering it for a specific period (e.g., 1 year or 10 years) and renewing it when the term expires. Most registrars offer automatic renewal, so you won’t lose your domain accidentally.

Your Next Big Idea Starts with a Domain Name

Every great business, blog, or personal project starts with a single step. For me, that step was registering a domain name.

Whenever I have a new business idea, I always look up and register a domain name for it, even if I don’t intend to work on that idea right away.

When you choose the right domain name, you’re giving your idea a place to grow 🪴.

It becomes the home for your brand, the way people find you, and the first impression you leave on the world. That’s powerful.

If you’re ready to start, here are my top three recommendations:

• Bluehost 🏆: Perfect for startups and bloggers. You get a free domain name and web hosting at an affordable price, with beginner-friendly tools to help you launch your site quickly.
• Domain.com 🎯: A great choice for their simple interface, free domain privacy, and 25% discount for new customers. Ideal for anyone who values ease of use and affordability.
• Hostinger 🎖️: Best for small businesses and personal websites. Their budget-friendly plans include a free domain and tools to help you grow online.

In my opinion, you cannot go wrong with any of these domain registrars. Just follow the tips we discussed above and complete your domain registration.

I hope this article helped you learn how to register domain names for your next business ideas or passion projects. If you have questions or need more help, feel free to contact me or leave a comment below.