Your website journey starts here!
Before you can build a website, you need a domain name. Think of it as your website’s address on the internet. It’s what people will type into their browser to find you!
For this tutorial, I’m recommending Namecheap.com. It’s a beginner-friendly place to search for available domain names and register your own.
Let’s get your website name officially yours!
HOW TO BUY YOUR DOMAIN ON NAMECHEAP
1. Visit Namecheap
Go to www.namecheap.com and find the domain search bar on the homepage.
2. Search for your domain name
Enter the name you’d like for your website (example: myawesomewebsite.com) and click Search.
3. Check availability
If your domain is available, you’ll see an option to add it to your cart. If it’s taken, try a different variation or extension. My recommendation for most beginners is to start with .com if it’s available.
4. Add your domain to your cart
Click Add to Cart next to your preferred domain. Review your selection and proceed to checkout.
5. Review the extras
Namecheap may offer additional products such as web hosting, email, SSL certificates, and other services.
You don’t need to purchase everything right now! If you’re just getting started, you can purchase your domain separately and choose your website hosting later.
Make sure to review Domain Privacy protection, which is included free with many eligible domain registrations.
6. Create an account and check out
Sign in or create a free Namecheap account. Enter your contact and payment information, review your order, and click Pay Now to complete your purchase.
7. You’re officially a domain owner!
Check your email for your purchase confirmation. Log in to Namecheap to manage your new domain, review its renewal settings, and make sure you complete any requested email verification.
A FEW TIPS BEFORE YOU BUY
- Keep your domain name short, memorable, and easy to spell.
- Avoid unnecessary hyphens and numbers.
- Check that your domain name is available on social media, too.
- Register your domain in your own account so you maintain ownership.
- Check the renewal price, not just the introductory price.
- Consider enabling auto-renewal so you don’t accidentally lose your domain.
REMEMBER: Buying a domain name is not the same as buying website hosting. Your domain is your website’s address. Hosting is where your website actually lives. We’ll cover that in a future Website 101 tutorial!
READY FOR THE NEXT STEP?
You’ve got your website address. Now it’s time to start building!
Follow Monica Hacks for more beginner-friendly website tutorials, tips, and hacks.