NAME YOUR WEBSITE

Domain Names

Domain names are usually quite cheap. Here’s where to find them and how to claim them.

How do you find one?

First things first, you have to find the name. Go to any of the following companies to register or search for your domain name. Companies i’d reccomend using are listed below. For examples purposes only i’ll be using 123-reg.co.uk

Search...

Goto the homepage and search for a domain name. 123-reg will first see if your domain is available and/or suggest similar results which may be available if yours is taken.

You’ll see a screen similar to this, then follow the steps adding to basket & checkout. During the checkout you’ll be asked for your details, when it comes to “UK Registrant type” for startups or most i’d suggest registering as UK Individual.

.co.uk, .com or .net?

Which extension you use is upto you. UK Businesses i’d reccomend .co.uk if you do business worldwide then you’re better off with .com

.net, .info, .biz ect can all be used if your chosen name is already taken but be careful. When you start to promote your website and telling people about it, people may automatically assume you’re .co.uk instead of .biz and you could be doing free promotion for someone else.

What does a domain name cost?

If you’re buying hosting annually, you may want to check with the provider you choose first as most will be able to register a domain name for you and will offer a free domain name.

Most domain names are cheap, high competition or highly sought after domains often go up for auction and fetch higher prices.

As an example i’d say pay no more than:

What to look out for

Introductory offers. Registrars like 123-reg, godaddy and others often use introductory offers like: “.com for just 0.99” They’re good deals, don’t get me wrong but it doesn’t change the fact it feels like a bait and switch when you come to renew.

If you buy a domain name for 0.99, check you’re happy with the renewal price the following year. In the case of godaddy, it’s 16.10 (based on conversion rate at the time of writing this) and 123-reg will renew at £15.99

Compare this to buying a domain name from clickhosting.co.uk who do not offer introductory rates, just a flat cost of £9.95 for .com domains. The upfront cost is higher but in the long run…

Back to Homepage