Choose a Domain Name
Pick something short, memorable, and relevant to your brand or project. Avoid hyphens and numbers when possible. Try to use a .com extension for maximum trust — though .io, .co, and .net are also widely accepted.
Check Availability
Use a domain registrar's search tool to see if your desired name is available. If it's taken, try slight variations, different extensions, or use a thesaurus to find synonyms. Popular tools: Namecheap, Google Domains, or GoDaddy.
Pick a Registrar
A registrar is the company you buy the domain from. Compare prices and renewal rates — the first-year price is often discounted. Here are popular options:
Add to Cart & Create an Account
Add the domain to your cart and create an account with the registrar. You'll need a valid email address and billing information. Most registrars accept credit cards and PayPal.
Enable WHOIS Privacy (Optional but Recommended)
WHOIS privacy (sometimes called domain privacy) hides your personal contact information from the public WHOIS database. Many registrars include this for free — enable it to avoid spam and protect your identity.
Complete Purchase & Set Up DNS
Finish checkout. Once purchased, you own the domain for the registration period (usually 1 year, renewable). Point your DNS to your hosting provider — for Netlify, add a CNAME or A record as directed in your Netlify site settings under Domain management.