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Getting a domain name for your business is one of the first steps to establishing your online presence. The good news? It's easier and more affordable than you might think.
This guide walks you through exactly how to get a domain—from choosing the right name to setting it up for your website.
Quick Start: Get a Domain in 5 Steps
Choose Your Business Name
Pick a name that's short, memorable, and easy to spell. If you're stuck, use an AI name generator to get brandable ideas.
Check Domain Availability
Search for your name across multiple TLDs (.com, .io, .app, etc.). Tools like namemyapp check 500+ extensions instantly.
Select Your TLD
Choose between .com, .io, .app, .co, or other extensions based on your industry and budget.
Register with a Registrar
Complete your purchase through a domain registrar. Registration takes about 2 minutes.
Configure DNS
Point your domain to your website host. Most registrars offer one-click setup for popular platforms.
How Much Does a Business Domain Cost?
Domain prices vary by TLD (Top-Level Domain):
| TLD | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| .com | $10-15/year | Traditional businesses, maximum trust |
| .io | $35-50/year | Tech startups, SaaS companies |
| .ai | $65-80/year | AI/ML companies |
| .app | $14-20/year | Software, mobile apps |
| .co | $25-30/year | Modern startups |
| .dev | $14-20/year | Developer tools, APIs |
Some registrars advertise low first-year prices but charge 2-3x more for renewals. Also watch for:
- WHOIS privacy: $10-15/year (free with namemyapp)
- Domain locking: Sometimes extra
- Email forwarding: May cost extra
Step 1: Choosing the Right Domain Name
What Makes a Good Business Domain?
Keep It Short
Aim for under 15 characters. Shorter = easier to type and remember.
Easy to Say
If you can't say it over the phone, it's too complicated.
Easy to Spell
Avoid numbers, hyphens, and unusual spellings.
Matches Your Brand
Your domain should be your company name (or close to it).
Domain Name Mistakes to Avoid
| ❌ Avoid | ✓ Better Alternative |
|---|---|
| my-awesome-company-2024.com | awesomeco.io |
| buyproductshere.net | productname.app |
| john-smith-consulting-llc.com | smithconsult.co |
| xkcd-solutions.biz | solutions.dev |
Step 2: Check Domain Availability
The Old Way (Frustrating)
- Think of a name
- Search on a registrar
- Find out it's taken
- Repeat 50 times
- Settle for something mediocre
The Better Way (namemyapp)
- Describe your business
- AI generates 20+ available names
- Every name shown has a purchasable domain
- Pick your favorite
- Register in one click
Find Your Perfect Domain Name
AI-powered name generation with 100% availability guarantee. Free to try.
Alternative Domain Checking Tools
| Tool | What It Does |
|---|---|
| namemyapp | AI naming + availability checking + registration |
| Namecheap | Traditional domain search |
| Google Domains | Simple search (now part of Squarespace) |
| Instant Domain Search | Fast availability checking |
Step 3: Choosing Your TLD (Domain Extension)
Decision Framework
Choose .com if:
- Targeting mainstream consumers
- Building a household brand
- Non-technical audience
- Budget for premium names
Choose .io if:
- Building for developers or tech
- Need a short, brandable name
- Startup credibility matters
Choose .app if:
- Building software or mobile apps
- Want HTTPS required by default
- Modern, tech-forward brand
Choose .ai if:
- AI is core to your product
- Targeting AI industry
- Premium positioning
Companies like Linear.app, Notion.so, and Perplexity.ai have proven that alternative TLDs work perfectly for successful tech companies. Don't overpay for a mediocre .com when a great .io is available.
Step 4: Register Your Domain
What You'll Need
- Business or personal name for registration
- Email address (use a permanent one you'll keep)
- Payment method (credit card or PayPal)
- Address (can be hidden with WHOIS privacy)
Registration Options
| Registrar | Starting Price | Includes Free WHOIS | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| namemyapp | $1.99/yr | ✓ Yes | AI naming + domains |
| Cloudflare | At-cost | ✓ Yes | Technical users |
| Porkbun | ~$7/yr | ✓ Yes | Budget-conscious |
| Namecheap | ~$9/yr | First year | General use |
| GoDaddy | ~$12/yr | Extra $10-15/yr | Avoid (upsells) |
- Renewal prices higher than first year
- Hidden fees for basic features
- Aggressive upselling during checkout
- Domain locking that makes transfers difficult
Step 5: Set Up Your Domain
What Is DNS?
DNS (Domain Name System) translates your domain name into the IP address where your website lives. Think of it as the internet's phone book.
Common DNS Records
| Record Type | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A Record | Points domain to IP address | Website hosting |
| CNAME | Points subdomain to another domain | www → main domain |
| MX | Email server routing | Google Workspace, email |
| TXT | Verification and security | SPF, DKIM, domain verify |
One-Click Setup Options
Most modern registrars offer one-click DNS templates:
Vercel
One-click setup for Next.js apps
Netlify
Easy deploy for static sites
Shopify
Automatic e-commerce setup
What Comes with Your Domain?
Included with Good Registrars
| Feature | namemyapp | Others |
|---|---|---|
| WHOIS Privacy | ✓ Free | Often $10-15/yr |
| SSL Certificate | ✓ Free | Usually free |
| DNS Management | ✓ Included | Included |
| Email Forwarding | ✓ Free | Sometimes extra |
| Domain Locking | ✓ Free | Usually free |
Optional Add-ons
- Professional email (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365): ~$6/user/month
- Premium DNS (faster propagation, DDoS protection): $5-10/month
- **Domain privacy+ ** (additional protection): Usually unnecessary
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a domain?
Registration is instant. Your domain is active within minutes. DNS propagation (connecting to your website) can take up to 48 hours but is usually complete in 15-30 minutes.
Do I need a website to register a domain?
No! You can register a domain before you have a website. Many people register domains to secure them while they build their business.
Can I transfer my domain later?
Yes. After 60 days (ICANN requirement), you can transfer to any registrar. Your domain stays with you regardless of where you registered it.
What if my domain is taken?
Options include:
- Try alternative TLDs (.io, .app, .co)
- Add a modifier (get-, try-, use-)
- Use a different name entirely
- Negotiate purchase from current owner (often expensive)
How do I protect my domain?
- Enable domain locking
- Use strong password + 2FA on your registrar account
- Enable auto-renewal
- Keep contact info current for recovery
Get Started Now
The best time to register your domain is before someone else takes it. Good names get claimed every day.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Domain?
Generate AI-powered business names with guaranteed availability. No signup required.
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