How to Register a Domain Name In 5 Minutes: Step-By-Step Guide

So you finally decided to take the plunge and build your digital space. Whether you’re creating a blog, an eCommerce store, or just a fun project, the first step is to purchase and register your domain. While it might sound technical, it’s actually quite straightforward and I’m confident that you can do it in less than 5 minutes if you follow this guide. Ready… Set… Go!
How to register a domain name using Namecheap
- Head over to Namecheap.
- Enter the domain name you would like to register and select Search.

- If it’s available, click on Add to Cart. If not, scroll down. Namecheap will suggest some suitable alternatives, either with a variation in the words or in the domain extension (e.g. .co.uk instead of .com).

- Click on Checkout at the bottom of the page.
- You can get most domains for under $10, although premium domain names can go up to hundreds or thousands of euro.
- If you’re a new user and just creating your Namecheap account, you can get your domain for just $5.98 (for the first year). Enter the promo code NEWCOM598 at checkout.

- Fill in your personal details.
- Select your preferred payment method (card or PayPal).
- Submit your order.
How to choose a domain name
Your domain name is your digital address. It’s what people type into their browser bar to find your website. So, choosing the right one and registering it is an important first step in building your online presence.
But what makes a good domain name?
- Memorable: People should be able to recall it easily.
- Brand-Reflective: It should give visitors an idea of what your website is about.
- Keyword-Rich: Including relevant keywords can help with search engine optimization (SEO).
Domain name generators
Can’t think of a good domain name for your website? No problem! You can:
- Ask ChatGPT to generate one for you. Make sure to give it a good description of your website, brand and industry to help it come up with relevant names.
- Use one of the popular online domain name generators.
Tips to keep in mind before you purchase and register your domain
Keep in mind the following tips when registering your domain name:
- Try to get a domain with the .com extension. It’s the most popular TLD (top-level domain) and certainly the easiest for people to find and remember.
- Keep it simple to type and memorize. Here’s what to avoid:
- Hyphens: cyber–illo.com
- Numbers: cyberillo101.com
- Slang: cybertips4u.com
How much does it cost to buy a domain name?
It costs between $10 and $15 per year to buy a domain with a .com extension.
The cost of purchasing a domain depends on various factors, such as the domain registrar you choose, the top-level domain (TLD) you want, and any additional services like domain privacy. Specialized or premium domain extensions like .tech or .store can be significantly more expensive, sometimes costing upwards of $50 annually.
Additional costs may include domain privacy protection (to keep your personal information hidden from the public WHOIS database), which can add around $10 per year . Also, some registrars offer discounted rates for the first year but increase the price upon renewal, so it’s important to check the long-term cost of the domain name registration. Before submitting your order, check for any extra services such as web hosting or email hosting that might come bundled with your domain purchase. These can unnecessarily increase the cost of your purchase.

How to Get a Free Domain Name
Registering a domain name for free is possible through various methods, though they often come with certain limitations or conditions.
Free domain with a web hosting plan
One of the most common ways to get a free domain is by signing up for a web hosting service that includes a free domain as part of their package. Hosting providers like Hostinger, Verpex, and Wix offer plans that include a free domain name for the first year when you purchase their hosting services.

Free subdomain from a website builder
Another option is to use platforms that offer free subdomains, such as WordPress.com, Blogger, or Wix. While these are not custom domain names, they can be a good starting point for personal projects or small blogs.
Free domain name for the first year
Some domain registrars also run promotions where you can register a domain name for free for the first year, though these offers usually require you to commit to a multi-year registration at regular rates thereafter.
Which is the best domain name registrar?
When selecting a domain registrar, it’s important to consider factors such as pricing, customer support, additional services, and ease of use. Here are three of the best domain registrars in my opinion.
Registrar | Price (1st Year) | Price (2 Years) |
---|---|---|
Namecheap | $5.98* | $20.56 |
Hostinger | $4.99** | $20.98 |
Verpex | $13.99 | $26.99 |
** 2-year plan required
1. Namecheap

Namecheap is renowned for its affordability and excellent customer service. They offer a wide range of domain extensions, including popular TLDs and new domain extensions, making it easy to register the domain you want. Here are some key features:
- Affordable Pricing: Namecheap offers competitive pricing for domain registration, often with discounts for the first year.
- Free Domain Privacy: Namecheap includes free WHOIS privacy protection, ensuring your personal information remains private.
- User-Friendly Interface: Their intuitive user interface simplifies the process of searching for and registering a domain name.
- Additional Services: Namecheap provides additional services such as web hosting, email hosting, and SSL certificates, making it a one-stop shop for your website needs.
2. Hostinger

Hostinger is primarily known as a web hosting provider, but they also offer excellent domain registration services. If you’re looking to combine web hosting and domain registration, Hostinger is a great choice. Here’s why:
- Free Domain with Hosting: Hostinger offers a free domain name for the first year when you purchase one of their hosting plans, which is perfect for new websites.
- Competitive Pricing: Even if you’re just purchasing a domain, Hostinger provides competitive rates and frequent promotions.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Hostinger offers round-the-clock customer support to assist with any issues related to domain registration or web hosting.
- Wide Range of TLDs: They offer a variety of domain extensions to choose from, including standard and niche TLDs.
3. Verpex
Verpex is a newer player in the domain registration and web hosting industry but has quickly gained a reputation for its excellent services and customer support. Here are some highlights:
- Comprehensive Packages: Verpex offers domain registration as part of their web hosting packages, making it easy to manage both your domain and hosting in one place.
- Free Domain with Hosting Plans: Similar to Hostinger, Verpex provides a free domain name for the first year when you sign up for their hosting services.
- Exceptional Support: Verpex is known for its outstanding customer support, with a focus on personalized assistance.
- Competitive Pricing: They offer competitive pricing for both domain registration and renewal, ensuring long-term affordability.