Before we get to see how to purchase a domain you need to note that it is only possible to register a domain with valid domain extension if only the domain is not already owned by someone.

We will be looking at how to detailly into how to purchase a domain name, where you can get one right down to the process step by step.

1) Find A Trusted Domain Registrar

A domain registrar is a company that is responsible for the registration and management of domains. It is certify by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), a non-profit organization for the regulation of website domain name registrations.

Choosing a trusted and reliable registrar is crucial because it can impact your online project or website for years. Choosing the wrong one means you might end up paying hidden charges or even getting scammed.

It can be difficult and challenging to pick from numerous registrars as they all offer similar services. Therefore, you need to consider the following aspects to select a trusted and  reliable domain registrar for your project;

1. Pricing. Before purchasing a website domain, do well to read the registrar’s terms of service and check if there is any hidden domain costs. Avoid those offering extremely low upfront fees for the first year but charging extremely higher renewal rates.
2. Domain Expiration Policies. It’s vital to register a domain name before its expiry date to keep others from registering it. To stay away from this issue, pick a domain registrar that gives you updates when your domain is about to expire or offers an automatic renewal choice
3. Domain transfer policies.It is very possible to move a domain name from one domain registrar to another, Same as some of them(domain registrar) may make the transfer process difficult or place extra charges. Do well to  review the domain registrar’s transfer policies before purchasing a domain.
4. Additional Services(Add-On Services). Select a domain registrar offering valuable add-on services, like domain privacy.

Apart from purchasing a domain from a company dedicated only for domain registration you can also purchase a domain from a hosting company like link Hostinger.

In other to cut short the website building process it is always advisable to purchase domain and hosting from the same company(hosting provider) in this case you wont need to make any domain transfer or linkup the domain manually to the hosting plan.

 

2) Run Domain Name Search.

You have found a web hosting provider or a domain registrar to buy your domain, the next thing is to check the domain availability through a domain search.

While choosing a perfect domain name do well to select the right domain extension too. Domain extension is the suffix at the end of a domain, domain extensions are also known as Top Level Domain(TLDs).

There are different types of domain extensions.

1. Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD). This is the most common type of top level domain and can be used for general purposes. Some popular examples of Generic Top Level Domain  are .com, .org, and .net. This type also includes new extensions, like .xyz, .club, and .online.
2. Sponsored Top-Level Domain (sTLD). This type of Top Level Domains are dedicated to certain groups and organizations. Some examples include .gov, .mil, and .edu
3. Country Code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD). This is a type of Top Level Domain that represents a particular country, It let users and search engines know that a website is created for visitors from a particular country. Some examples of this ccTLD include; .uk for United Kingdom, .ae for Arab Emirates, .cm for Cameroon, .ng for Nigeria, .us for the United State

When making decisions to choose an extension that best suits your website consider choosing an extension related to the purpose of your website because choosing a wrong extension will misinterpret your brand and confuse your website visitors.

After you gotten a domain name and identify the extension to be used, use the a Hostinger domain name checker to check for it availability.

 

In case the domain you wish to register has been taken, then you, consider alternative TLDs. Take for example you are running an IT company  but .com and .io TLDs are taken, then you need to try the .tech extension. In case you need a domain for an online shop, consider going for .shop, .store

 

3) Select Your Domain.

Now after you must have gotten the perfect domain name for your project, you need to proceed to making payment.

At this level, you need to choose a registration period, this always varies from 1 to 10 years depending on the registrar you choose. Before the initial registration period ends, the registrar will keep you updated to renew it.

Most registrar typically want users to pay for a minimum period of 1 year. However, some registrars may have a longer minimum registration period, like two years.

To continue your domain purchase at Hostinger, click Add to cart button next to your chosen domain. Then, click Continue to cart.

On the shopping cart, choose a domain name registration period from the drop-down menu. Then, create an account by providing your email address or connecting your  Google or Facebook account.

Next, select the payment method, provide your billing information, and review the order. When done, click Submit Secure Payment to complete the checkout process.

 

4) Complete Your Domain Registration

when you are done with the payment, you’ll be redirected to the control panel or hPanel that is if you’ve purchased your domain or domain and hosting with Hostinger. Here is where you will set up the domain to complete the registration process.

Fill in all the fields with the right details, such as your name, address, and contact information. Afterward, click the Finish registration button. This data will be stored on WHOIS, the official domain ownership database.

After submitting your details, the domain name registration will be processed. This may take a few minutes, so you will have to check back to the control panel or your email to see whether it has been confirmed.

Domain ownership details can be modified under the domain management section in the control panel. Once changes are made, you will have to reconfirm via email.

 

5) Verify Domain Ownership.

The final and last step is to verify domain ownership through the email address you used when registering the domain or domain and hosting. The email should reach your inbox within a few minutes after finishing the domain setup. Just click the verification link to confirm your contact information.

In case the email doesn’t arrive, resend the request from the control panel. It is  recommended doing this as soon as possible, because if your domain is not verified within 15 days or more it will lead to a temporary suspension of your domain from the registry.

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Want to check out things to consider before purchasing a domain click here