“Ever tried to visit a website, but ended up guessing the wrong address?”
In today’s digital age, your website is a critical gateway to brand visibility and customer engagement—and your domain name is the very first step.
A good domain is more than just a web address; it’s your brand’s identity online. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what a domain is, how to buy one, and how to set it up properly so your website is ready for the world.
1. What Is a Domain? And What Makes a Good One?
A domain name is your website’s unique address on the internet—for example: www.yourbrand.com.
Think of it like your online street address, making it easier for people to find you instead of using a long IP number.
For example, when you see foodpanda.com, you can probably guess it’s about food delivery, right?
There are generally two main types of domain strategies:
- Keyword domains – These include relevant search terms, like bestlaptops.com, to help improve SEO and attract search-driven traffic.
- Branded domains – These focus on uniqueness and identity, like spotify.com or airbnb.com, helping you build a memorable brand presence.
A great domain name should be:
- Memorable – Short, catchy, and easy to spell
- Brand-consistent – Reflects your business name or product
- Clear and simple – Avoid confusing symbols or complex words
- SEO-friendly – Ideally includes relevant keywords or brand terms for better search visibility
Whether you choose a keyword domain or a branded domain depends on your business goals—but the best domains often strike a balance between the two.
2. Steps to Purchase a Domain Name
Buying a domain is simple and quick—just like online shopping. Here’s how:
Step 1: Choose a Domain Registrar
| Registrar | .com Price (1st Year) | Renewal Price | Ease of Use | DNS Management | WHOIS Privacy | Core Strength | Things to Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Namecheap | $9.58 | $14.98 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Custom DNS + DDNS | ✅ Free forever | Best value: free privacy + free SSL | Slower customer support |
| GoDaddy | $11.99 | $24.99 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Basic DNS tools | ❌ $9.99/year | World’s largest registrar, 400+ TLDs | High renewal costs, frequent upsells |
| Squarespace | $12.00 | $20.00 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Integrated with site builder | ✅ Free | Seamless with Squarespace websites | Limited scalability, best for beginners |
| Bluehost | “Free” | $19.99 | ⭐⭐ | Basic DNS settings | ✅ Free 1st year | WordPress-endorsed hosting + 1-click install | *Only free with 36-month hosting plan, not truly free domain |
| Cloudflare | At cost (~$9.15) | At cost | ⭐⭐ | Enterprise-grade + DNSSEC | ✅ Free | Zero markup policy, built-in CDN & DDoS protection | Accepts transfers only, must use Cloudflare nameservers |
| Porkbun | $9.47 | $9.47 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Advanced + API support | ✅ Free | Transparent pricing, supports newer TLDs (.io, .ai, etc) | Lower brand awareness, more suitable for tech-savvy users |
(Pricing and feature information collected as of May 19, 2025. Please note that actual prices and offerings may change over time—always refer to the official registrar’s website for the most up-to-date details.)
Quick Tips:
- Looking for the best value with no hidden fees? 👉 Porkbun or Namecheap
- Need beginner-friendly website building? 👉 Squarespace
- Want pro-level DNS & security? 👉 Cloudflare
- Don’t like renewal traps? Avoid GoDaddy unless you monitor your billing closely
Step 2: Search for Domain Availability
Type in the name you want (e.g., firstpoint.com)
If it’s available, you can proceed to purchase it. If it’s taken, most platforms will suggest alternatives.
Step 3: Choose Your Domain Extension (TLD)
Your domain extension—also known as a Top-Level Domain (TLD)—is the suffix at the end of your domain, such as .com or .net.
Some common TLDs and their typical use cases include:
- .com – Most popular, great for general business and personal websites
- .net – Originally for networks, now often used for tech or digital platforms
- .org – Best for nonprofits, communities, or open-source projects
- .io – Popular with startups and tech companies
- .au, .tw, etc. – Country-specific domains for local presence
Make sure the TLD you choose aligns with your audience and brand image. For example, a .org might not be the best fit for a for-profit eCommerce store.
Step 4: Add to Cart and Checkout
You can register the domain for 1–10 years. It’s also recommended to purchase WHOIS Privacy Protection to hide your personal information from public databases.
3. After You Buy: 3 Essential Steps to Connect Your Domain to Your Website
Once you’ve secured your domain, follow these three steps to get your website online:
Step 1: Set Up DNS (Domain Name System)
Log in to your domain registrar’s dashboard and point your domain to your web host(Understanding Web Hosting Services).
This tells the internet where to find your website.
Key records to configure:
- A Record (IP address)
- CNAME (alias)
- MX Record (for business emails)
Step 2: Link Your Website Platform
Whether you use:
- WordPress
- Wix, Squarespace (no coding needed)
- Shopify (for e-commerce)
Your platform will provide the DNS settings you need to connect your domain.
Step 3: Install an SSL Certificate
SSL ensures your site uses https:// instead of http://, encrypting all data transfer.
This improves both user trust and Google SEO rankings.
Final Thoughts: The Right Domain Gives You a Head Start
Your domain is your digital first impression. If you’re still using a free subdomain like yourbrand.wixsite.com, it’s time to upgrade and claim your own space.
Choosing the right domain helps build credibility, improves search visibility, and sets the tone for a professional brand experience.
Take the first step today—secure your domain and own your brand’s future.
FAQ
Q1: Should I always choose a .com domain?
A: While .com is the most widely recognized and trusted domain extension, it’s not mandatory. If your preferred .com is taken, consider alternatives like .net, .io, or a local TLD such as .au for Australia. The key is to choose an extension that matches your brand and audience.
Q2: Can I buy a domain without building a website right away?
A: Yes! You can purchase a domain and “park” it, meaning it’s reserved for future use. Many people do this to secure their brand name early, even before launching a website.
