Domain Name Guide
Some of you expressed interest in buying your own domain name. This guide walks you through what a domain is, how to pick and buy one, and the ways you can use it—plus privacy tips to keep your personal info safe.
This does NOT tell you how to use the domain name.
What Is a Domain?
A domain is your website’s unique address on the internet (for example, yourname.com). You do NOT buy domain names. You LEASE the name from a company called a "registrar" — usually for one year, and then you must renew it.
Does this mean I have a website / email address?
No. These are all seperate things that you would likely need to pay for. This is just to get the domain name.
Choosing Your Name
Think of something short, simple to spell, and memorable. Popular endings include .com, .net, or country codes like .ca. You can also opt for newer endings such as .shop or .blog to match your project.
Typically, .com is considered "The Best", but there are lots of good alternatives that can work for you, as the majoriy of .com domains are already purchased.
Privacy Add‑Ons (WHOIS Privacy)
By default, your registration details (name, address, email) appear in a public WHOIS database. A privacy add‑on:
- Hides your personal info from public view
- Reduces spam and unwanted marketing contacts
- Costs extra (typically $2–$15 USD/year)
- Is easy to enable—just select privacy protection when you check out.
- You can add it later, but be aware, your personal information will be available for public if you don't.
"Buying" and Keeping It
- Visit a domain registrar and make an account.
- The registrar I use is Web.com.
- I'll show you instructions for this site specifically, but most any registrar will do.
- Search your desired name to see if it’s available.
- Add to your cart and click checkout.
- Notice that you'll see a bunch of stuff in your cart that you didn't add yourself.
- Most of these sites offer you a free domain from some other TLD for the first year. Remove them if you can, but if it won't let you, just don't "auto renew" them next time. They are typically worthless. For example, web.com is overing .online TLD's with your purchase, but will probably cost $30-50 to renew next year.
- Most of these sites offer you a free domain from some other TLD for the first year. Remove them if you can, but if it won't let you, just don't "auto renew" them next time. They are typically worthless. For example, web.com is overing .online TLD's with your purchase, but will probably cost $30-50 to renew next year.
- Privacy Protection - this is important, if you skipped over it, please go back and read about it.
- I always buy this, but it's not needed. Depends how "anonymous" you want to be.
- I always buy this, but it's not needed. Depends how "anonymous" you want to be.
- Notice that you'll see a bunch of stuff in your cart that you didn't add yourself.
- Last thing - Don’t forget to renew before expiration every year!
- It is EXTREMELY difficult and EXPENSIVE to buy your domain back if it expires. Do not let it expire if you want to keep it.
- I've seen it time and time again, people ignore the renewal emails and they lose it forever.
- After purchase, you will need to decide what do with your site. Some ideas are listed below.
Now what? What You Can Do with Your Domain.
- Build a website: Launch a blog, portfolio, business site, or online store.
- Custom email: Create professional addresses like
you@yourname.com. - Redirect or forward: Send visitors to social profiles or other webpages.
- Subdomains: Use sections like
shop.yourname.comorblog.yourname.comfor different projects. - Landing pages & apps: Host promos, sign-up forms, portfolios, or mini-apps.
- Domain investing: Buy, sell, or lease domains like digital real estate.