How to Register a Domain Name in 2026: A Complete Guide

Registering a domain name isn’t just another box to check on your startup to-do list. It’s a major milestone — a decision that influences how people discover, remember, and interact with your brand for years to come.

Your domain is your company’s digital home. It’s also the first impression of your business and a key part of your brand identity. Choosing the right domain name (and setting it up properly) can impact everything from credibility to SEO performance.

Not sure where to start? This blog walks you through how to register a website domain name, what to look for, and the common mistakes to avoid.

What is a domain name?

A domain name is the web address people type into their browser to visit your site (like example.com). Behind the scenes, every website lives at a specific IP address, which is a string of numbers like 192.0.2.1. Domain names simplify this so visitors can find you without memorizing a complex series of numbers.

Each domain has three main parts:

• The subdomain (like www. or blog.)
• The second-level domain, or SLD (your brand or chosen word)
• The top-level domain (TLD) — domain extensions like .com, .org, or .io

What is a Top Level Domain (TLD)?

That last component — the TLD aka a domain extension — is a critical piece of your web address and can play a significant part in how your brand is perceived. There are several types of TLDs:

• Generic TLDs (gTLDs) like .com, .net, or .org
• Country-code TLDs (ccTLDs) such as .us, .uk, or .ca
• New TLDs (nTLDs) like .pro, .app, and .xyz, created to offer more options and flexibility

The best TLD comes down to your brand’s identity and audience. Traditional TLDs offer familiarity but may be hard to come by, while a popular tech extension like .ai can help clarify what your company is about. A well-matched extension can boost trust, increase memorability, and influence SEO outcomes. That’s why it’s worth taking the time to choose your TLD carefully.

Tips for choosing the right domain name

Your domain may be the first encounter many users have with your brand, so it’s worth doing your due diligence to get it right. A strong name must be memorable and clearly represent your business, yet have enough staying power to hold up as you grow. Here are a few best practices:

• Keep it short, simple, and easy to spell. Shorter domains are easier to type, less prone to typos, and more memorable. The ideal length is less than 15 characters with some studies showing that closer to six or seven may actually be the sweet spot (HubSpot, 2025).
• Use keywords when possible for SEO. A relevant keyword can help users and search engines understand your site. Just be sure it’s natural.
• Avoid hyphens and numbers. These extras make domains harder to say aloud and easier to misunderstand or misspell.
• Consider brandability and memorability. Look for a name that sounds good, feels unique, and has the potential to grow into a recognizable brand.
• Use domain search tools to check availability. Tools like name.com’s domain search tool can help you find available names and suggest alternatives if your first choice is taken.

There’s no specific formula for how to choose a domain name that fits your brand and engages your target audience. But thinking through these aspects will get you on the right track.

Pro tip: Once you’ve chosen a name, consider securing variations (e.g., yourbrand.com, yourbrand.ai, yourbrand.co) to protect against domain squatters and ensure consistency.

Where to register a domain name and what it costs

When you’re ready to register a domain, choose a reputable registrar accredited by ICANN. Providers like name.com. The process for registering a domain name for your website is usually straightforward:

1. Check availability for your domain name using a domain search tool. If it’s unavailable, many platforms suggest alternatives or allow backordering — though there’s no guarantee you’ll win. Learn tactics for securing a great domain when your first choice is taken.
2. Add it to your cart and choose your registration term (typically one to 10 years). Longer terms cost more upfront but you get to secure ownership for a longer period of time. Many registrars offer discounted pricing for longer term registrations.
3. Unsure if you want to commit for longer than a year? No problem! You can always renew your domain when the initial registration period ends.
4. Review add-on options. Privacy protection hides personal details and is often free. Other useful add-ons include SSL certificates and email forwarding.
5. Check out. Create an account, add payment info, and complete the registration. Your registrar account will serve as your homebase for domain management moving forward.

Most standard .com domains cost around $10–$20 per year, but prices vary by TLD and demand level. Popular tech domains like .dev and .ai may cost $60–$90 per year. If someone already owns the domain, you may have to make a competitive bid to see if the owner is willing to sell.

Be aware of additional fees, such as steep renewal prices, transfer-out charges, or mandatory service bundling. Always read the fine print when registering a domain.

Before you take a free domain offer

Some website builders and hosting platforms offer a free domain for the first year when you purchase an annual plan. This can be a cost-effective way to get started, but be aware of steep renewal costs and whether you can easily transfer your domain later if needed. You may also come across other “free” domain options, like subdomains or even less familiar domain extensions (e.g., .tk or .ml). These options are typically more restrictive and offer limited DNS access. At the end of the day, you get what you pay for.

What to do after you register

Registering a domain is step one. Here’s how to put it to work:

1. Connect your domain to a website: Most registrars let you easily link your domain to website builders like Wix or WordPress. If you’re using custom web hosting (like WordPress.org), consult your registrar’s instructions for connecting your domain to a website.
2. Set up a professional email address: Using a business email address (like [email protected]) adds credibility and professionalism. You can set up your domain email through your registrar, a hosting provider, or a service like Google Workspace or Titan. Forwarding options are also available, but hosted email typically offers more features and reliability.
3. Manage and renew your domain: Once you have a domain that fits your business, the last thing you want to do is miss your renewal. Expired domains are easy targets for squatters or others hoping to profit from your forgetfulness. Enable auto-renew right away to avoid losing ownership.

Note: If you eventually decide to work with a different registrar, you can transfer your domain later. Just be sure to follow the transfer policies and timelines for both registrars.

Common domain registration mistakes to avoid

Even a small misstep during the domain registration process can create headaches later on. Watch out for the following pitfalls:

• Registering through an unreliable registrar: Stick with reputable companies with ICANN accreditation like name.com. Bargain registrars can come with poor support, hidden fees, or difficult interfaces.
• Not checking trademarks or existing brands: Even if a domain is available, it might still infringe on someone else’s trademark. This can lead you into legal trouble or force a rebrand. Search trademark availability on the U.S. trademark database (or a similar resource in another country) before you move forward.
• Focusing only on exact-match keywords: While keywords can help, overly descriptive names may lack brandability and be harder to protect.
• Not securing your domain with 2FA and privacy protection: Two-factor authentication (2FA) helps secure your brand against domain hijacking. And unless your registrar includes WHOIS privacy by default, enable it to keep your personal information out of public databases.

Register a domain that will build the foundation of your online brand

Choosing a domain name may seem like one small choice among a long list of big decisions for your startup. But ultimately, it’s a strategic branding move that can define how customers find your business. From improving SEO to reinforcing credibility, a thoughtful domain strategy helps establish your online presence for the long haul.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the best place to register a domain name?

name.com is a top choice for registering a domain name, offering competitive pricing, best-in-class products and 24/7 customer support.

How much does a domain cost per year?

Most domains cost $10–$20 per year. Premium domains can cost significantly more, and some registrars charge extra for add-ons like privacy protection. Always check renewal rates and extra fees before purchasing.

Can I use my domain name for email?

Yes, and it’s usually a smart move. A domain-based email address boosts credibility while giving you more control over deliverability and inbox management. While forwarding is a quick fix, investing in a hosted email solution could mean better uptime, security, and support as your business grows.

Sources:

HubSpot. How to choose a domain name (from someone who’s done it many times). https://blog.hubspot.com/website/how-to-choose-domain-name