Registering a domain name
So you've finally decided on a name for your website? You know the URL that you want. But, is it available to buy? If so, how do you then go about buying it? It's a fairly simple process that shouldn't take you more than 30 minutes for the first time!
Is your domain name available?
Just because you've thought of it, doesn't mean to say that someone else hasn't either. Another person may have bought the domain name preventing you from being able to register it. There is very little you can do if this is the case. There is a quick way to determine if a domain name is available, and that is to simply visit it! So, if you have thought of the name myabsolutelywonderfulwebsitewhichistotallyunique.com, you can type that into the browser to see if a website appears. If something does, then you're going to have to think of another domain name.
If you really want example.com, and it isn't available, try other top level domains (tld's), such as .org, .net, .co.uk etc.
Finding a domain registrar
If nothing does appear, then you may be in luck! You now need to register your domain name with a domain registrar. There are plenty of domain name registration companies to choose from, and which allow you - for a small fee - register a domain name. Despite advertising, they are approximately the same price, so it's important to look for a registrar with a great reputation. If you think of your domain name as a house, and the domain registrar as a housing agency looking after your house, the reputation and strength of the company is vital, because if they fold, you are at a high risk of losing your domain name.
Registering the domain name
You will be asked to fill in your name, address, telephone number and other details. Please remember that these details are publically accessible. This is part of the 'deal' if you like with registering a domain name. If you would rather not have this happen, you can choose 'private registration' which will hide your name, address and telephone number through a proxy company. This will be an additional fee.
Once you have the domain name successfully registered, you will be in need of domain hosting to host the website you are to build.
Scam Alert: Be aware though, once it's time to renew the domain, you may receive a letter stating that it's time to renew and that you have to pay a company you may not have heard of before, a large amount of money. Your domain registrar will not contact you by post to ask you to renew your domain, this is a company using your public details to try and scam you out of money by overcharging you. You can safely ignore this letter, but do remember to check with the original company you originally purchased the domain with that they have the correct details to renew your domain registration.