Where You Should Purchase Your Domain Name for Your Blog
Where You Should Purchase Your Domain Name for Your Blog
No matter what kind of site you want to create you are going to need a domain name. A domain name is the URL address of your site or blog. I am going to show you where to purchase your domain name for your blog or website.
For this, I am going to assume you are starting a blog. If you are a new blogger then don’t worry we have all been there. It may seem overwhelming learning all of this but really it’s pretty easy once you get the hang out it.
To start a blog it takes more than just a domain name. If you need help with all the ins and outs of starting a blog then I suggest my freebie the 30-Day Challenge to Start a Blog workbook.
For now, let’s walk through where to purchase your domain name for your blog.
Choose a Company
There is more than one place you can purchase your domain name through. And sometimes it is included in your hosting plan so make sure to check that before purchasing it.
I have used two different companies when purchasing a domain name. Like I said there are many more but I like to cover things I have personally used before.
1. NameCheap
NameCheap is just like its name. They offer cheaper domains than other companies. If you test it out by searching for available domains at both sites you may see that sometimes GoDaddy actually has a cheaper option. However, as you continue on with the checkout process they upsell you to death.
Some of it you may need so then your total goes up to what it would have been at NameCheap. A lot of it you don’t need and they just keep on trying to add more on.
I have purchased my last two domain names through NameCheap and it is a one and done deal. Just add it to the cart and purchase. No upsells or hassle at check out.
2. GoDaddy
That all said there are plenty of people who use GoDaddy. I’m sure the comfort of the name is part of it. When you see it advertised all over you feel more comfortable that you are purchasing something with a bigger well-known company.
Just be aware as I said they do try and tack on upsells at checkout.
3. Google
I didn’t realize this until writing this blog post but Google actually sells domain names as well. You can’t get much better than that! Here is the link to check out domain names at Google.
4. Domain.com
Here is another option that came up while I was researching more places for you to purchase a domain name. There is a domain.com that you can purchase your domain name through too.
Again, each person is going to have their own opinions and things they like or dislike about a company so just review these options and maybe do a little more research of your own to choose one that fits you best!
Walk Through
Since I use NameCheap I am going to walk you through how to purchase your domain name through them! Again, you will want to double check that the hosting you have doesn’t already provide a free one for you.
I know when I signed up for SiteGround (the hosting company I use) they provided a free one for me. I don’t know for sure if that was a special they were running at the time or if they always do that.
If you haven’t purchased your hosting yet you can check out my post on why I use SiteGround to help you decide on a hosting company.
Go to NameCheap.com
First, go to NameCheap.com. It will look something similar to this screenshot below that I took today.
In the middle of the screen, you can see there is a search bar. Search for the domain name that you are wishing to purchase. In this example, I used “www.searchdomain.com”.
Not to my surprise that domain name was already taken. After a few different tries, I was able to find one that was available.
As you can see below “helpsearchdomain.com” is available.
If you need help coming up with a domain name for your blog then again I suggest that you download a free copy of my 30-Day Challenge to Start a Blog. There is a section in there that helps walk you through coming up with a domain name.
Once you have found an available domain name you like for your blog then you will see it shows you the total. Most domain names average between $2.99-$14.99 per year.
Usually, the more years that you purchase it the better the price. For instance, if you purchased it for two years versus only one year.
Those are all factors you will have to think about and decide what’s best for you.
Now hit add to cart and then view cart.
Also, you will see that below it is showing you a list of other domains that you might like to add to your cart. I like how it shows you the different options that are available and the prices.
Coupon Code
Once you are in your cart you will see there is an option to add a promo code. When I purchased my domain name I was able to find a 10% off coupon code at RetailMeNot.com.
To look for a coupon code, go to retailmenot.com and search for NameCheap.
I love using RetailMeNot.com for all sorts of things. I usually use it for a coupon when we decide to order pizza but I have even got $40 off of SeaWorld tickets before!
Over on the left side of the screen at RetailMeNot, you will see the option to search the coupons by type. I like to do the codes. If I have a coupon code then I can see if it works on top of a sale that is already running. Sometimes it works!
After you enter the coupon code (if you were able to find one) then you continue with your checkout process. If you don’t have an account already with NameCheap then it will ask you to create one here. If you do then go ahead and sign in.
Now you are ready to purchase your domain name. Select your payment method and continue on with the checkout process.
It will then take you to your NameCheap account where you will be able to see your new domain name for your blog! Congrats!
You have now taken the first (or second if you purchased hosting already) set to setting up your blog! It is a scary and exciting feeling!
Next would be to go ahead and purchase your hosting which averages about $3-$5 a month. You do have to purchase the full year but I can think of many other less important things that I waste $3-$5 a month on so to me it is worth it!
After you have your domain name and your hosting you will then need to connect them. I feel kind of silly saying that I didn’t know you had to do this but if you are like me then you didn’t know either. That is why I created this blog. To help people that are like me and need a literal walk through!
I created this short video last year that walks you through how to do that. You can check that out here!
Congrats again on talking those first steps to starting a blog! Once you are up and rolling I would love to feature your blog on Mom Blog From Home!
Happy blogging!
Vanessa
P.S. Don’t miss out on any more helpful tips! Sign up for my email list to stay up to date on what’s new on Mom Blog From Home!
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