Get your own domain name

"Could you please tell me how to get my own domain name?" is a question I have been asked so many times, I've kind of lost count. All you need to do is to visit a domain registrar web site, find a suitable domain name and register it. Contrary to what you may think or feel; no "special" technical knowledge is required - just a little common sense and that too only during the process of selecting a suitable domain name. As long as you know how to use a computer and browse the web, by following the detailed instructions on this page you shall be able to get your own domain name in a few minutes.

But before we get into that, here are a few things you should know:

• Domain name are not free: You may find some companies, usually web hosting firms, advertising free domain names boldly on their web sites. This is a kind of marketing stunt to lure visitors into purchasing hosting, email accounts or other add-ons - the cost of the domain name is adjusted in the cost of the extras on offer.
• Registration of the domain name and renewal: Domain names are registered for a period of minimum one year. The next year, you have to renew the domain name if you still want to retain and use it. You can also register or renew a domain name for several years at a time which would save you some money.
• Domain name, email and web site: getting your own domain name does not mean you'll get your own email or a web site. These are extras that you need to purchase in addition to the domain name. We'll hit upon this point below.

Where can you get a domain name?

Domain names can be purchased from domain name registrars. There are plenty of such companies but I advice getting your domain names from a reliable one such as Network Solutions. This company was the first in the world to sell domain names and is still the best.

How to pick a domain name?

Enter the name you want in the box above, choose an extension and check out if it's available. I'm sure you already know that domain names need to be unique. Like email addresses, no two people can have the same domain name. This also implies that if the domain name you want belongs to someone else, you need to choose another one. Getting a good domain name that will correctly reflect your online objectives can be frustrating as all suitable domain names may be unavailable but perseverance and patience are two virtues that will help you a lot during this process. I also suggest you read "what is a domain name" and country specific domain name for tips.

Once you do get a domain name of your liking, all you need to do is follow create an account on NetworkSolutions by entering your details (such as you name, contact address etc.) and forwarding the payment. It's like buying a product online and is a simple process.

Can I ask someone else to register my own domain?

Please don't! Registering a domain name on your own will ensure that it belongs to you and no one can have a control over it. And talking about control, each domain name is associated with three contacts - Administrative contact determines who manages it and is probably the most important, the Billing contact specifies who is responsible for the renewal and the Technical contact points to the person who governs the technical aspect. Ideally, all the three should be in your name and carry your postal as well as your email address.

How much does a domain name cost?

Domain names are pretty cheap costing about $10-$30 for one year. The cost to you will decrease if you register a domain name for multiple years such as 5 or 10 - advisable! The price also varies depending on the extension of the domain name. For example, the cost of a country specific .co.uk may be higher than a .com.

Will buying a domain name get me email or a web site?

No! When you register a domain name, that's all you get! You can purchase email accounts and a basic web site along with the domain name and this is why I highly recommend NetworkSolutions - they make the process very easy for beginners.

Very important last words

Please understand, a domain name is simply a name - an online identity. It is very important that you register this with a reliable company such as Network Solutions. If you lose your domain name, you will not be able to use any email accounts associated with it and will also have to change your web site address. Do not go to companies that offer domain names at a slightly cheaper price because if they shut down their business (and this happens frequently), you would be left high and dry.