Registering a domain on name.com

The first step in establishing your online presence is registering a domain name. Your domain is the unique address that users type into a browser's navigation bar to reach your site (e.g., www.name.com). While people often use the terms "URL" or "website" interchangeably with "domain," the domain is specifically the digital real estate you own.

Why register a domain?

Registration is the act of purchasing the rights to a domain name for a specific period. Securing a unique domain allows you to:

• Build a professional website.

• Create custom email addresses (e.g., [email protected]) using Name.com Email.

• Protect your brand identity online.

How to register your domain

When you register a name, you pay a registrar (like name.com) to secure the domain from a registry. Each Top-Level Domain (TLD), such as .com, .net, or .ninja, is managed by a registry that controls those specific extensions.

1. Search: Go to name.com, type a name or keyword into the search bar, and click Search.

2. Select: Find the extension you want, check the annual price, and click Add to Cart.

3. Review: Click the Shopping Cart icon in the upper right to review your order.

4. Checkout: Follow the prompts to complete your purchase. If you do not have a name.com account, you will be prompted to create one during this process.

5. Verify: After purchase, check your email for a registrant verification link. This is a mandatory step required by ICANN to keep your domain active.

Important registration facts

• Ownership Duration: Domains are typically registered for one year at a time, though most can be secured for up to 10 years in advance.

• First-Come, First-Served: Domains cannot be reserved without payment. It is best to secure your idea immediately before another party registers it.

• Renewal: To keep your domain, you must renew it before it expires. We recommend enabling Auto-Renew in your name.com dashboard to prevent service interruptions.

• WHOIS Privacy: When you register, your contact information is added to a public database. You can add Advanced Security or privacy settings during checkout to keep your personal details hidden.