Why you can trust ZDNet
Our recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We may earn a commission when you purchase a product through our links. This helps support our work but does not influence what we write about or the price you pay. Our editors thoroughly review and fact check every article. Our process

‘ZDNet Recommends’ What exactly does that mean?

ZDNet’s recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNet nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNet's editorial team writes on behalf of YOU, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form

Close

How to register a domain for your website

Whether you’re starting a website for personal or business use, the first step is to register your domain. Luckily, it can be done in only four simple steps.

domain-registration.jpg

 (Image: Shutterstock)

Are you starting a website? Whether it's for a new business venture you're starting or as a personal resume or portfolio, it seems that everyone has a website today. And luckily, it's easier than ever to start one.

The first step to starting a website is registering your domain, which is the address for your website. This guide will break down all the steps you need to choose your domain, register it, and start building your website.

Are you ready to set up a website for yourself or your business? You can register your domain in just as little as a few minutes with these four simple steps.

Step 1: Choose a domain name

The first step -- and perhaps the most difficult -- of registering a domain is deciding on a domain name. Because of how many websites already exist today, it can be challenging to find good domains that are still available. And yet, there's a lot ridi

Step 2: Make sure your chosen domain is available

Once you've chosen your domain name, make sure it's available. It can be disheartening to find the perfect name, only to find out when you go to purchase it that it's not available. You can use any online domain registrar to check the availability of a

Step 3: Choose a domain registrar

Once you know what domain you plan to purchase, it's time to decide which domain registrar to purchase it through. The domain registrar is the company that registers and manages the domain. There are many registrars to choose from, but they aren't all

Step 4: Purchase your domain

The only step left is to actually purchase your domain from your chosen domain registrar. This part is fairly self-explanatory, and your domain registrar will provide all the instructions you need along the way. Once your purchase is finalized, the dom

How much does it cost to register a domain?

The cost to register a domain depends on the registrar where you purchase it and the domain you're purchasing. Many cost between just a few dollars to $20 per year, but some domain names can be considerably more expensive.

Can you register a domain name for free?

In general, you must pay to register a domain name. But some website hosts allow you to get a free domain name when you sign up for one year of hosting services.

Where is the best place to get a domain?

There are many registrars to choose from when registering a domain. Popular sites like Google Domains and GoDaddy make the process easy and affordable. But if you're going to be purchasing web hosting as well, it might make the most sense to purchase y

What should you do after you register your website domain?

After you register your domain, you can sync your domain with your hosting plan. Then you can set up other channels using your chosen name, including a domain email address and social media handles. Finally, once your domain and hosting are synced, you

ZDNet Recommends

Productivity | Tech and Work
Show Comments

Related