How To Register A Domain Name
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This guide will detail the process and steps you need to follow in order to purchase a domain name from GoDaddy.com. Most web hosting providers should have a pretty basic and easy to follow solution to purchase a domain name so you will most likely be able to apply this guide to any host or domain name registrar.
1. Find a domain name registrar
As stated above, we will be using GoDaddy.com to register our domain name. Click here to head on over to GoDaddy.
2. Search for a domain name
Usually GoDaddy will have at least 2 boxes for searching for a domain name. You can almost always find one in the bar at the top of the browser window and most likely upon loading GoDaddy’s main page, there should be a nice big ad where you can search for a domain name.
Go ahead and enter the domain name and press enter. GoDaddy will then check to see whether or not the domain is available for purchase.
3. Domain name availability check
Hopefully the domain that you have chosen is available and ready for purchase. Should it be available you will see notice that looks similar to the image below with your domain name of course.
You should also notice a table below letting you select some of the more common extensions that you might also want to choose when registering your domain name.
If you domain name is not available, GoDaddy will give you a warning and show you which extensions are already owned for that domain name. They also offer you other domain name options similar to the name that you searched for like they do when a domain name is available.
Go ahead and choose if you would like to register more then 1 domain name extension, scroll down past the other domain name options and click the Proceed to Checkout button.
4. The upsell
GoDaddy “suggests” other domain name extensions that are available and gives you the option to purchase them. If you are interested or have second thoughts all of a sudden, you are more then welcome to register more extensions. Depending on your motive and what you plan to do with the domain name, it may be wise to register a .net extension.
Go ahead and click Continue to checkout so we can proceed.
5. Domain Name Registration Information
Ok, now we are past all of that nonsense, it is time to give GoDaddy our information for registering the domain name. If you already have a GoDaddy.com account, you can login with your existing account. If not, go ahead and select the I would like to create a new GoDaddy.com account option and go ahead and enter your information.
6. Registration confirmation
After entering your information, the next page will list the information and just give you a quick overview to make sure that everything is correct. Go ahead and click Continue once you’ve made sure that all the information that you entered is accurate.
7. Domain Registration Options
The next page will give you a few options that you can add on to your domain name.
Here you can change the registration length, whether or not the domain is certified by GoDaddy, add some hosting options along with email accounts. If you would like more information for these options, hover your mouse over the yellow question marks to receive an explanation.
Below these options you can choose whether or not you would like one of two types of registration: Business or Personal.
Business registration gives you extra options for you domain name and there is a brief explanation of what each feature offers. Decide whether or not you would like Business or Personal registration, depending on what you have planned with your domain name you may want to choose Business along with some of the added features.
Assuming you chose Personal, and that you are finally ready to checkout, select the No thanks. I’m ready to checkout option and click Continue.
8. Review your shopping cart
The next page will give you an overview of what is contained inside your shopping cart and you should make sure to check that nothing got added on accident before continuing.
Note: Go ahead and search the net for “GoDaddy hosting coupons”, you will find some coupons that will allow you to save money on your domain name.
After you make sure that everything is there go ahead and select your payment method below the shopping cart. Make sure to read and check both options listed in Step 3 of the current page and click Checkout Now.
9. Almost there!
Oddly enough, even though we already created an account, you may get asked to create another one. If you already have an account go ahead and click the Log In link and fill out your information.
After entering your information, you should be taken to one final page confirming your information one last time. After making sure that everything is correct, go ahead and proceed. Upon successful purchase, you will be taken to an order confirmation page. You should also be receiving a confirmation email very soon as well.
Hopefully you were able to follow along with this guide and were able to successfully purchase a domain name. If you are confused about any of the steps listed, go ahead and email us using our contact form with your question. We will be more then happy to help you out!
