subject: How To Get A Domain [print this page] How To Get A Domain How To Get A Domain
First you must find a place to a get a domain. The process of getting a domain is called "registering a domain," because you can't actually buy one. You can only control it for a period of time; it's a bit like getting a license; you have to renew it every year or so. Go to your favorite search engine like Google, Bing, or Yahoo and type the word "domain" into the search box and hit enter. You will get a list of sites that are willing to help you find the domain name you want; they are called registrars. Click on one that interests you.
Second, take a few minutes and look around the site you picked. Remember, there are literally thousands of such sites. Look for a good deal. Like the old Smokey Robinson song says "Try to get yourself a bargain son 'Don't be sold on the very first one!" That "good deal" isn't necessarily the cheapest one; that low, low price they promise is usually only for the first year and as a rule of thumb the lower the first year price the higher the second. See what you can get for free with your domain. Some sites offer free websites and website builders that allow you to open a website for free with only a few small ads.
Third, it's now time to get the domain. Find the domain search box. It looks a lot like the search box at your favorite search engine except that it probably has "COM" displayed on the far right of the box. If you don't want a com domain all you have to do is change it with your cursor to whatever you prefer. Com is still the most popular but it is getting hard to find the name you want.
Fourth, type the name you want into the search box. Don't worry, you won't be charged for doing this. But don't be surprised if the new screen tells you that the name you wanted already belongs to someone else; that's the case with almost everyone's first choice these days, particularly with com domains.
Fifth, don't quit looking because the name you wanted is gone. You still probably need a web address or you wouldn't have come this far. Think of some other names you might consider; try them in the search box. It doesn't matter how many times you use the box, you won't be charged until you find the right one for you! Then follow the instructions your new registrar gives you.
Lastly, keep in mind that domains are cheap. Most that you might want are available for less than ten dollars a year. Also, with most registrars, you have the option of changing your mind within five days and getting your money back.
As you can see it isn't hard to get a domain. Find a registrar; look for a good deal; find the search box and keep on trying. You will find there are few things on the Internet as reasonably priced and as useful as a domain name.
