How to Register a Website Domain Name

Congratulations! You have finally decided to launch your very own website on the internet. But before you can start sharing your ideas, products, or services with the world, you need to find and register a domain name. It’s a unique name/address that people will type in their browsers to visit your website. 

In this guide, we will cover all the key aspects of registering a domain: choosing the right name, selecting an appropriate extension, checking availability, and the registration process itself.

What is a domain name and why do you need one?

The internet is home to countless websites, and each website runs on a computer. Every computer is uniquely identified by an IP address, which is essentially a series of numbers, like 101.123.123.111. This means that to visit a website, you’d need to access the computer it’s hosted on, which would technically require knowing its IP address. 

However, since it’s impractical to memorize long strings of numbers, the architects of the internet came up with a clever solution: they mapped these IP addresses to domain names. This system allows us to use easy-to-remember domain names, like Facebook.com or Google.com, to access websites instead of typing in their numeric IP addresses. 

Still confused? Here’s a simplified breakdown:

1. You upload your website’s files to a server, which has an IP address like 123.45.67.89.
2. You purchase a domain name (e.g., yourwebsite.com) and associate it with your server’s IP address.
3. A visitor types your domain name into their browser.
4. A special system, known as the Domain Name System (DNS), translates the domain name (yourwebsite.com) into the corresponding IP address (123.45.67.89).
5. The browser uses that IP address to locate and load your website.

In essence, this process is no different than typing a friend’s name into your phone to call them, instead of having to memorize their phone number. 

Why is registering a domain name important?

Here are some additional reasons why you must register a domain name:

• A custom domain makes your website look more credible compared to a free subdomain like yourbusiness.freewebhost.com.
• A short, memorable domain makes it easy for visitors to reach your site.
• A relevant domain name can help search engines understand your website, which can in turn improve rankings.
• Once you register a domain, no one else can take it. This secures your brand’s identity.
• You can create professional email addresses like yourname@yourdomain.com, which look more trustworthy than a generic Gmail or Yahoo address.

Step by step guide to registering a website domain name

Let’s get straight into our jargon-free guide on domain registration.

Step 1 – Choose the right domain name

Your domain name is your website’s first impression, so it’s worth putting thought into it. Here’s how to pick one that works:

Keep it short and simple

Aim for a name that’s easy to type, pronounce, and remember. Avoid long phrases or complicated spellings. For example, BakeWithJoy.com is good; TheBestBakingRecipesForBeginners.com is too long.

Make it relevant

Your domain should reflect your brand, business, or website’s purpose. Include keywords that describe what you do. For example, if you’re a photographer, something like SarahLensArt.com or VillageShots.com works well.

Avoid numbers and hyphens

This goes without saying but don’t use numbers or hyphens in your domain name as they can be confusing when spoken aloud or typed. For example, avoid names like Best-Deals-4-You.com or Tech101Solutions.com.

Think long-term

Choose a name that will grow with your brand. Avoid trends or overly niche terms that may limit your future expansion. For example, if you plan to eventually expand nationwide, a name like NYCFitness.com may not be a good option. 

Check social media handles

It’s also a good idea to check whether the name is available on major social platforms (like Instagram, X, or Facebook) to ensure a consistent online presence.

Check for trademarks and availability

Last but not least, you need to check that the domain name is available, and not already trademarked or registered by someone else. We’ll discuss how to do this in step 3.

For a more detailed guide on choosing the best domain name, check out our comprehensive guide on how to choose a domain selection.

Step 2 – Pick the right domain extension

A domain extension is the part that comes after your website name, like .com or .org. It helps define the purpose of your website and can also indicate its location. While it seems like a small detail, your choice of extension can impact your website’s credibility, visibility, and audience perception. Here are some common domain extensions and what they are best suited for:

• .com: The most popular and widely recognized extension. It works well for businesses, personal websites, and almost any type of site.
• .org: Commonly used by nonprofits, charities, and organizations. If you run an NGO or community group, this is a good choice.
• .net: Originally meant for internet-based businesses but now used more broadly. It’s a good alternative if the .com version of your name is taken.
• .co.za: This is the country-code extension for South Africa. It’s best for businesses and organizations looking to target a South African audience.
• .info – Suitable for informational websites or blogs.

The price of domain names vary based on the extensions you choose. For example, if you visit our domain name search page, you’ll notice that different extensions come with different price tags. 

Generally, .com domains are the most expensive, as you can see in the above screenshot. This is due to their global popularity and high demand. On the other hand, local extensions like .co.za are not only more affordable but also a popular choice among South African businesses, as they help establish a strong local presence.

Step 3 – Search for domain availability

The next, and arguably the most important bit is to check whether the domain name is available for registration. You can do this using a domain search tool, like the one offered by Cloud.co.za. Let’s explore the steps involved:

1. Visit the domain names search page.
2. Type in your preferred domain name in the search box and hit Enter.

3. The search results will indicate whether the domain name is available, and if so, with which extensions.

4. If the name is available in your preferred extension, add it to your cart and checkout. If it’s taken, you’ll need to try alternatives (more info on how to do this below).

What to do if your domain is taken?

If your chosen domain name is taken, here are some ways to look for alternatives:

1. Try a different extension: For example, if .com is taken, consider .co.za, .net, or .org. The cloud.co.za domain search tool shows all the available extensions by default. 
2. Add a relevant word: Include a keyword related to your business or industry. For example, if BakeWithJoy.com is taken, try BakeWithDelight.com or OnlineBakingJoy.com.
3. Incorporate Your location: Add your city, region, or country to make the domain unique. For example, if FitnessHub.com is taken, try FitnessHubSA.com.

Step 4 – Complete the registration process

Once you have found the ideal domain name for your website, it’s time to complete the registration process:

• You’ll need to enter some personal and business information, including your full name, email address, phone number, and billing details. 
• By default, when you register a domain, your contact details (name, email, phone number) are stored in a public database called WHOIS. This means anyone can look up your details; a privacy nightmare. This is why we recommend enabling WHOIS Protection during the registration. It hides your personal information from the public.
• Domain registration is time-bound, typically for one year, though longer periods (up to 10 years) are often available. To avoid accidental expiration and potential loss, it’s recommended to enable auto-renewal.
• For those transferring an existing domain, follow our step-by-step guide on how to transferring a domain to ensure a smooth transition.

Additional considerations when registering a domain name

Here are some extra things to consider during or after registering your domain name:

Should you get a hosting plan with your domain?

Yes, if you want to launch a website, you’ll need web hosting to store your website’s files and serve it to visitors. While most domain registrars also offer hosting, and it’s generally recommended to get both from the same provider for convenience, you can also buy hosting from a different provider if you prefer. If you’re looking for powerful and scalable hosting solutions, consider exploring our cloud server options.

Do you need SSL security for your domain?

Yes, an SSL certificate secures your website by encrypting data. It’s especially important if you collect user information, passwords, or payments. Many hosting providers offer free SSL certificates. Also, an SSL certificate can also boost your website’s SEO because secure websites are favored by search engines and users alike.

Is It worth buying similar domain names?

If your domain name has common misspellings, you may want to register those too. For example, if your website is BestShoes.com, you might also register BestShoe.com to capture potential visitors who mistype.

Common questions about domain registration

We’ll finish off with some domain registration FAQs:

Conclusion

A domain name is your website’s unique address on the internet. Make it memorable, relevant, and easy-to-spell so that people don’t have a hard time finding you online. Also, don’t forget to register early because popular domain names get taken quickly, and you don’t want to miss out on the perfect name for your website.

Ready to get started? Visit the our domain names page now!