How to Register a Domain Name

A domain name is what people type into their web browser to find your website. Websites have unique addresses called IP addresses, which are hard to remember. Your domain name acts as a simple way to reach this address, making it easier for people to visit your site.

Think of your domain name as your online address—it helps people find and remember your brand. It also assists search engines in better understanding your website.

The internet uses these tricky numerical IP addresses, but a domain name is an easy alternative. For example, instead of typing in a long string of numbers, users can just enter "bluehost.com" to get to your website.

In this article, we’ll show you how to register a domain, including tips on picking the right name, locking it down, and verifying it’s yours.

• How to Register a Domain
• How to Verify a Registered Domain
• Tips for Choosing a Domain
• Branding and Legal Considerations in Selecting a Domain Name
• Understanding Different Domain Extensions
• Impact of Domain Names on SEO
• Future-Proofing Your Domain Name Choice
• Additional Information for Registrants
• Summary
   

How to Register a Domain

Here are the steps to register a domain with Bluehost.

1. Log in to your Account Manager.
2. There are several methods available for registering a domain name:
   • Via the Domains Tab ⤵
   • Via the Marketplace ⤵
   • Via the Bluehost Domains Page ⤵

   Via the Domains Tab

   1. Click Domains on the left menu.

      
       

   2. Click the ADD A DOMAIN menu on the right pane.

      
       

   3. Select Get a brand new domain from the list of options.

      
       

   4. Click Buy a domain.

      
       

   5. Brainstorm your next domain name! Use the search bar to check if the domain you want to register is available.

      
       

   Via the Marketplace

   1. Log in to your Account Manager.
   2. Click MARKETPLACE on the left menu.

      
       

   3. In the Domains section, you can do any of the following:
      • Option 1: Enter the domain you want to register in the search box and click on SEARCH.

        
         

      • Option 2: You also have the option to click the CLAIM OFFER button under the Domain Name Search card.

        
         

   4. Search for the domain you want to register.

      
       

   Via the Bluehost Domains Page

   1. In your browser, go to https://www.bluehost.com/domains.
   2. Enter your preferred domain and click SEARCH.

      
       

3. Regardless of the method you choose above, the system will verify the domain's availability.

   If the domain is available, click CONTINUE to be redirected to the Cart page.

   If the domain is unavailable, the Cart will suggest available domains close to or similar to what you want. You can select from these domains by clicking the ADD TO CART.

   We recommend adding Domain Privacy + Protection to protect your personal information online. You can learn more about Domain Privacy + Protection in the What Is Domain Privacy Protection? article.
4. Review your Order Summary. Double-check your domain to ensure its correct spelling. Please note that we cannot edit the domain name once it is registered.
5. Click SUBMIT PAYMENT to complete the payment transaction.

How to Verify a Registered Domain

Now that you've registered your domain, it's time to verify it. You will receive a verification email to confirm your domain order. 

You can also check your domain's status under the Domain Overview section of your Account Manager's Domains tab. More information is available in the How to Update Domain Owner Contact Details article.

If you're having problems with your registered domain, explore our separate article on troubleshooting a domain that's not working for more information.

Tips for Choosing a Domain

• Choose the Right Extension: Popular choices like .com, .net, and .org suit general businesses, while industry-specific extensions like .tech or .fashion help niche brands.
   
• Prioritize Branding Over Keywords: While including relevant keywords can enhance SEO, focus on a memorable, unique domain name.
   
• Check for Trademarks: Ensure your domain does not infringe on existing trademarks to avoid legal issues.
   
• Consider Local SEO: Using a country-code TLD (.uk, .ca) can improve search rankings if targeting a specific region.
   
• Secure Multiple Variations: Protect your brand by registering common misspellings and multiple domain extensions.

Branding and Legal Considerations in Selecting a Domain Name

• Trademark checks: Conduct a thorough search before settling on a domain to ensure it doesn't infringe on existing trademarks. This can prevent legal issues and the need for costly rebranding.
   
• Consistency across platforms: Aim for a domain name that matches your business name and social media handles. This consistency is key to brand recognition and can reduce customer confusion.
   
• Memorability and pronunciation: Choose a domain that's easy to remember, spell, and pronounce. Complex or lengthy names may hinder word-of-mouth marketing and lead to lost traffic.

Understanding Different Domain Extensions

• Variety and purpose: The popular .com and other domain extensions, such as .net, .org, .biz, and industry-specific ones like .tech or .fashion, serve various purposes and audiences. Each extension has its connotations and is suited for different types of websites.
   
• Geographical extensions: Country-code TLDs (ccTLDs) like .uk (United Kingdom) or .ca (Canada) can be beneficial for businesses that target specific geographic regions because they can help a business rank better in that specific country.
   
• Choosing wisely: Consider your audience and business goals when selecting an extension. A .com is universally recognized, but a more specific TLD might set you apart or better indicate your niche.

Impact of Domain Names on SEO

• Keywords: Including relevant keywords in your domain name can help improve your site's SEO by making you more discoverable to potential visitors through search engines. However, the relevance and context matter more than keyword stuffing.
   
• Brandability vs. keywords: While keywords can help, a unique and memorable brand name often trumps long-term SEO success. Google's algorithms increasingly prioritize brand recognition and user engagement metrics.
   
• Local SEO: Incorporating a city or region name into the domain can enhance local search visibility for local businesses. Remember to balance this with your business's overall brandability.

Future-Proofing Your Domain Name Choice

• Scalability: Find a domain that's flexible enough to grow with your business. Avoid overly specific domain names that could limit your expansion into new areas or services.
   
• Defensive registration: Consider registering multiple domain extensions and variations of your domain name to safeguard your brand from competitors or cybersquatters.
   
• Renewal strategy: Keep track of the renewal dates of your domain names to avoid losing them. You may set up auto-renewal with your registrar to safeguard you against accidental expirations.

Additional Information for Registrants

• Registrants' Benefits and Responsibilities
• Registrant Educational Information

Summary

Domain name registration is the foundation of your online presence. We've taken you through the step-by-step guide to search, secure, and verify your domain, and even offered expert tips on choosing the best extension and optimizing for SEO. Now that you know how to register a domain name, grab the perfect domain for your brand!