For users to find and visit your website, you need an easy-to-remember and suitable web address. Thanks to professional providers, it is easy to purchase and register your own domain.
Quick Guide: Buy a Domain
- Choose a reputable domain provider.
- Go to your provider's domain checker and check if your domain is still available.
- Choose a domain; Supplier suggestions can also help you with this.
- Make payment through your provider.
- Verify your identity with your provider using the link received by email.
Step 1: Choose an Accredited Domain Name Registrar
Since 1998, ICANN (Iinternet Corporation for HASsigned Nsouls and Numbers) is responsible for assigning all available domain extensions. The organization manages all top-level domains as well as new extensions and sells registration rights to registries, who in turn work with domain name registrars (also known as registry offices). So, if you want to get a suitable address for your website, the first step is to choose the right registrar. In doing so, you must not only pay attention to costsbut also ensure that the desired top-level domain is available. It is important to choose a registrar serious. Otherwise, you run the risk that the purchased domain will not be registered correctly or will not be available at all in reality.
Step 2: Find a good domain name and its top-level domain
The domain name plays a vital role in the success of your project. A catchy and relevant association of the extension (top-level domain) and domain name (second-level domain) is important. So visitors not only find your site via links, but also when Internet searches. Additionally, search engines like Google take the domain name into account when ranking search results.
When it comes to second-level domains, you have a lot of design freedom: names can include up to 63 characters composed of letters, numbers, and hyphens. However, the most popular domain extensions are often already assigned or reserved for the most diverse combinations. You will find more information and help in finding a suitable domain name in our detailed article with our most important tips for registering a domain name.
If you're running out of ideas for a suitable domain name, no problem! The IONOS AI Domain Name Generator helps you find the perfect name for your web project.
Step 3: check address availability with a dedicated tool
Once you have one or more options in mind for your website domain name, it's time to check availability. Almost all major domain providers offer a domain checker tool. Typically, you simply enter the desired domain name into the tool's search bar and then run the search.
You quickly get the verification result : if the address is still free, the tool confirms its availability. Otherwise, it informs you that the domain you want is already taken or registered. With many providers, you will automatically receive suggestions for other top-level domains or refreshed second-level domains.
Step 4: order or register the domain name
When purchasing domains, it is also possible to use the domain verification tools offered by the providers. Once you have verified an address, a button allowing you to start the purchasing or registration process usually appears. Click on it for the domain(s) you want to purchase.
At IONOS you can also select a suitable product, or choose “ Domain (alone) » if you are only interested in the domain.
Advice
At IONOS you can get a free ad-free domain bundled with a hosting package or website.
You will then get a list of monthly costs for all currently selected areas (including commitment duration).
Advice
For certain top-level domains, IONOS offers the possibility of free “private” registration. If you choose this option, your data will not be published in the WHOIS database: IONOS acts as an intermediary!
After clicking on “ Continue », create an account or log in to your IONOS account to make payment. You can also pay for your domain directly via PayPal, Google Pay or Apple Pay.
Advice
The cost of purchasing an address for your web project depends on various factors such as the type of domain or the popularity of the desired extension. For more information, see our article “How much does a domain cost?” « .
Step 5: Check the validity of the new domain
Pursuant to an ICANN policy, domain providers are required to verify theauthenticity of domain name buyer contact details. This applies to generic top-level domains, whether classic or new. Following the purchase of a new web address, providers therefore send a e-mail to the contact address you provided during registration.
Note
In the case of a domain transfer, your provider must also verify the authenticity of the contact details by email.
This email contains a verification link valid for 15 days which allows you to confirm your identity. Once the period has passedthe provider will deactivate the domain name.
How to register a domain?
New TLDs are highly sought after, but ICANN only releases them gradually. When using a verification tool, if a domain has not yet been releasedyou will not be able to purchase the desired address with this TLD. However, you can secure or reserve this domain from the supplier of your choice. In the case of IONOS, proceed as described in step 4: however, you will find a contact form instead of the cost overview. It will allow you to pre-order the domain for free.
Advice
Protect your domain with an SSL/TLS certificate from IONOS. This security protocol encrypts all information transmitted to and from your website, such as user input into a form, comments, or user logins. This guarantees maximum protection against access attempts by third parties.
How to buy a domain name that is no longer available?
If your dream domain name is already taken, there is no way for you to purchase it from the provider, even if the site is not active. You can, however, try to locate the owner of the domain (via a WHOIS query in the database of the registry concerned) in order to make him an offer to purchase. Our article “Domain name unavailable: follow these steps! » provides information on the entire process, from finding the domain owner to purchasing the domain and transferring it.
Top Tips for Buying a Domain
Your web address is the backbone of your site or online store. Take the time to research a good top- and second-level domain combination. Below are some tips to make your job easier.
- Analyze the market : Take a look at the most popular top-level domains in your industry and match them with a meaningful name that suits you and includes important keywords if possible.
- Consider trademark rights : Make sure the desired domain does not violate any trademark rights or contain any protected terms. Also avoid too strong a resemblance to registered trademarks.
- Avoid domain names that are too long : Visitors need to remember your web address. Therefore, look for a name that is catchy and as short as possible.
- Limit numbers and hyphens : There are many ways to design your domain name. However, it is advisable to limit numbers and hyphens.
- Include domains with typos : Misspelled name or typos will prevent access to the targeted website. You can avoid this problem by registering domain names with typical errors and redirecting them to your website.
- Ask your loved ones for advice : Discuss your ideas for TLDs and domain names with other people such as colleagues or experts, but also friends, acquaintances and family members who can give their opinion as a potential target group.
Advice
Are you looking for the right solution for your web project? Use the IONOS website design service and let our experts create your personalized website.
