How To Buy A Domain Name

The times are changing! Roughly a decade ago the craze was buying real estate for comfort and security. Fast forward to today and the purpose is still somewhat the same and in essence, still real estate - but this time, at a click of a mouse.

Your grandmother might even own one by now.

Before you even dare to investigate if my last statement were true (you'll have lots of time after this), remember that a domain name is similar to owning a piece of real estate. Some techies and web geeks though like to call it web estate and in a way they are right on the dot. The biggest difference though is obviously the price. 

It's important not to get too technical or bothered with too much complications when buying a domain name, especially if it's your first time and even if you're not that much of an internet whiz. Securing one is a simple process that anyone can do and in a few minutes, you can make your presence felt already in the web.

1. Decide on a Vendor - this first step is often the hardest and many people who are new online usually end up confused with this one. "What is the most reputable place to get a domain?" "Where can I find a domain name that is cost-friendly?" "What is the most secure site where I can entrust my personal details in safety?" Theseare all valid concerns. There is often the option of purchasing a domain from your local ISP provider although you're not indebted to do so.

Unarguably, two of the top vendors in the online marketplace today are GoDaddy.com and Namecheap.com They are leaders in the industry which you can count on doing business securely and providing good service from the get go.

2. Decide on a Name - If you have already made your vendor choice, the next step is somewhat easy, though it can take some time if you are unprepared. To make it easier, consider the purpose why you are purchasing a domain name. Is it for business? For a non-profit organization? Or simply making your name stand out in cyberspace? (e.g. www.JohnStevensonTheGreat.com)

GoDaddy.com and Namecheap.com provide easy options for you to check if that domain name is free and for sale. There are some cases though that somebody already beat you to a specific name that you want, and if the registrant is in the business of selling his domain, then you can bid for it, usually at a much higher price. If you are linked with any of these two vendors, they can help you out in that process as well.

Also, remember that you're not limited to purchasing just .com domains. You can choose other variants as well such as .net, .org, .biz, .info, .me and many others - again, depending on the purpose why you are getting one.

3. Decide on a Price and a Plan -   Normally, .com domains cost around $10 and the other variants at a much cheaper price (some less than $1!). And it's good already for a year! At times, providers also release coupon codes that you can use to further get a good deal. Simply search the web for them (e.g. "coupon codes + godaddy + january 2009")

This is the point though where you have to check the planthat you are purchasing, as the vendors often make complimentary suggestions and automatically add such items to your shopping cart. You can tick them off easily but be sure to review them as they each serve a purpose, such as discounted offers, enhanced privacy, and email features.

An interesting thing to note, some people just buy a domain name solely for the purpose of having their own personal email address. (e.g. john@johnstevenson.com)

4. Pay for your Domain - you can easily do this either with a creditcard or a Paypal account (if you have one). Transactions are always held on a secure server assuring privacy of your details.

Once you have accomplished these steps, congratulations and welcome to the web from the inside! Your next step would be to find where and how to get your domain hosted so you can load up content on your site as soon as possible. There are a lot of good hosting providers, but normally your domain provider comes with a complete package that includes hosting which you can avail of with ease.