The 5-Step Process to Buying a Domain Name
A step-by-step guide to securing the perfect domain name for your business, from choosing your name to protecting it for the long term.
The 5-Step Process to Buying a Domain Name
- Choose your domain name
- Check domain availability
- Choose a domain registrar
- Buy and register your domain
- Renew and protect your domain
1. Choose Your Domain Name
If you haven’t chosen a brand name yet, it’s best to decide on both your brand and domain together. Your domain should match your brand to avoid confusion. If your ideal domain is taken, try these strategies:
- Add a Suffix
- YourBrandShoes.com
- YourBrandFrance.com
- YourBrandStore.com
- Add a Prefix
- GoYourBrand.com
- GetYourBrand.com
- HelloYourBrand.com
- Try Different Extensions
The most common top-level domains (TLDs) are .com and .fr, but alternatives like .shop, .org, or .net are becoming more popular.
2. Check Domain Availability
When users enter a domain, their browser uses the Domain Name System (DNS) to locate the correct server. That’s why availability matters. You can check domain availability using WHOIS-based tools offered by most registrars and web hosts. Here are some popular ones:
- Shopify
- Squarespace
- GoDaddy
- IONOS
- OVHCloud
- Nom-Domaine
If your domain isn’t available, many tools suggest alternatives. Some registrars also offer domain brokerage to negotiate a purchase from the current owner — but this can be costly and time-consuming.
3. Choose a Domain Registrar
A registrar is a company that reserves domain names and records them in the DNS. Use a trusted provider for better support and security. You can buy domains via:
- Website builders (Shopify, Squarespace, WordPress)
- Hosting services (OVHCloud, IONOS)
- Domain registrars (GoDaddy, Nom-Domaine.fr)
Pricing varies based on domain popularity and extension. Most domains are billed annually. Watch out for:
- Intro prices vs. renewal prices
- Premium domain rates (e.g. short or popular names)
| Provider | First-Year Price | Renewal Price | WHOIS Privacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | From $15 | $15/year | Free |
| Squarespace | From €10.80 | €18/year | Free |
| GoDaddy | From €0.99 | From €11.99 | Free |
| IONOS | From €0.60 | From €10 | Free |
| Nom-Domaine | From €19.90 | €19.90/year | Free |
Also consider:
- DNS configuration ease
- Domain privacy protection
- Available extensions
- Add-on services (email, hosting, site builder)
4. Buy and Register Your Domain
Once you’ve chosen your domain and registrar, it’s time to buy it. Your provider will reserve and register it for you.
Buying a Domain with Shopify
- Go to Settings > Domains in your Shopify admin
- Click “Buy new domain”
- Enter your domain and select an available extension
- Complete payment and verify via the email sent to your account
- It may take up to 48 hours for your domain to go live
With Squarespace
- Visit Squarespace Domains and search your name
- Select your domain + add-ons (optional)
- Create an account and complete the checkout process
With GoDaddy
- Search your domain on GoDaddy.com
- Add it to your cart and proceed to checkout
- Create an account or sign in
- Select optional services (email, site builder, privacy)
- Finalize your payment and registration
With IONOS
- Go to IONOS.com and search your domain
- Add to cart and choose optional services
- Select “Domain only” if you don’t need hosting
- Sign in/create an account, then complete checkout
With OVHCloud
- Visit OVHCloud and enter your domain
- Choose from available or premium listings
- Create an account, enter payment info, and confirm your order
With Nom-Domaine.fr (Viaduc)
- Visit Nom-Domaine.fr and search your domain
- Choose the extension and duration
- Create an account and proceed through the checkout steps
5. Renew and Protect Your Domain
Domains are typically registered for one year. To keep ownership:
- Set up auto-renewal (recommended)
- Update payment details if they change
If you don’t renew, your domain may be released and purchased by someone else.
Can You Register a Domain for Free?
Some website builders offer free subdomains (e.g. yourstore.myshopify.com), but:
- They look less professional
- They limit customization
- They can’t be transferred
Some hosts (e.g. GoDaddy, OVHCloud) offer free domain registration with a hosting plan. This is useful if you need hosting — but not cost-effective if you’re using a separate platform like Shopify.
FAQ: How to Buy a Domain Name
Where can I buy a domain name?
From registrars, web hosts, or site builders. Use their search tool to check availability and purchase.
How much does it cost?
Anywhere from a few cents to hundreds of euros per year. Renewal prices are usually higher than first-year promos.
How can I buy a domain that someone already owns?
Use a domain brokerage service (extra fees apply). Your registrar may handle the negotiation.
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