You have a list of short, catchy domain names that you want to buy. Here’s how to buy and register a domain name.
- Select a Trustworthy Domain Registrar
- Identify Domain Checker Tools
- Select the Best Domain Name
- Purchase and Register Your Domain Name
- Verify Domain Ownership
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Select a Trustworthy Domain Registrar
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is the non-profit organization responsible for coordinating all of the numerical spaces on the internet. This is an ICANN-regulated domain.
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Identify Domain Checker Tools
The next step is to search for a domain name using a domain availability checker. This will tell you if the domain you want is available, like tinysgarage.com.
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Select the Best Domain Name
When searching for available domain names, your first, second, and tenth choices are frequently taken. When this happens, you can take the following actions:
- Look around. Keep searching until you find something you love — or at least like.
- Opt for another. If the.com isn’t available and you’re set on a name, consider.net or.org.
- Contact the owner. Maybe you already own the domain, but it’s underutilized. You could make an offer to the owner.
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Purchase and Register Your Domain Name
It’s time to buy a domain name. To register a domain, you will need to enter your contact information, including an email address.
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Verify Domain Ownership
Paying for your domain may seem like the final step, but you must also verify ownership. This step allows you to send email from the domain ([email protected]) and prevents others from doing so.
This is easy if you bought your domain through Mailchimp. After your purchase, you’ll get a confirmation email. Using your domain to build your brand is as simple as clicking the Verify Domain button in the email and following the instructions. This step is only required once.
Buying a Domain from a Friend
If the domain name you want is taken, try again. If you find a name you absolutely must have, follow these steps to purchase it:
- Locate the Owner’s Contact Info
- Agree on a Price
- Close the Deal with Escrow
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Locate the Owner’s Contact Info
Look up the domain owner’s contact information in the WHOIS directory. If it isn’t listed, you might be able to contact them via the domain’s website.
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Agree on a Price
Solicit a fair price for the domain. If you’re unsure about a price, look it up. If you really want the domain, you can even hire a broker to help you out.
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Close the Deal with Escrow
Avoid sending money to strangers online. It’s a bad plan. Instead, use an escrow service to ensure both parties are happy and the sale is risk-free.