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How To Buy a Domain Name
If you've recently launched your own business and are eager to carve out a digital niche for yourself, you're probably brainstorming ways to differentiate your brand from countless others. One of the initial steps in this process is buying a domain name.
In this guide, I'll walk you through the essential knowledge required to buy a domain name in
Canada. I'll also share four insider tips and point out two pitfalls that I wish someone had told me about before I registered my first domain.
5 Steps to Buy a Domain Name:
What is a Domain Name?
Think of a domain name as the friendly face of an IP address—those not-so-easy-to-remember strings of numbers that computers use to identify each other on the internet.
Let’s break down the parts of a domain name using www.hostingcanada.org:
www. | hostingcanada | .org |
Sub-Domain | Second Level Domain (SLD or 2LD) | Top Level Domain (TLD)* |
*Just by looking at the TLD, you can immediately tell the purpose—commercial business, non-profit organization, government agency, educational institution, etc.—behind that particular website, or sometimes, the country it's based in. In this case, '.org' has been trimmed from 'organization.'
Who Owns Domain Names?
Domain registries are the ones responsible for managing domain names. For example, CIRA sets any rules and procedures concerning registrations, transfers, and renewals of '.ca' domain names. Similarly, Registro IT does the same for Italy and Nominet for the UK.
Therefore, simply put, you don't own the domain you're assigned when you buy one. Instead, you would be renting it, so we highly recommend ensuring your registration never lapses so your domain name doesn't drop. Otherwise, you'd be risking losing it to another business or individual.
Tips for a Good Domain Name
As a rule of thumb, your domain name should always match your business name for consistency and recognition. And since it's how your audience will identify and remember you on the web, it’s essential to think of something snappy and catchy. In fact, just by hearing or reading it, they should be able to tell what the brand is about.
Here are four tips to keep in mind before you buy a domain name in Canada:
#1: Study Your Niche
Before deciding which domain name to use, ask yourself questions like: 'What keywords are popular in my industry?', 'How do competitors in my niche structure their domain names?' and 'What terms resonate most with my target audience?'. Therefore, make sure you do your research in advance to better understand what your audience is looking for from you.
#2: Keep Your Domain Easy to Type and Remember
Make sure to opt for a domain name that's short, simple, and easy to recall. Can it be easily spelled? Is it following a trend that might fade soon? Is it meaningful and relevant to your audience? Avoid special characters, random numbers, repeated letters, odd spellings, typos and competitor names.
The latter could easily backfire and land them on your rival's site. The best advice is to choose a name that speaks highly of YOUR business. Have you thought of going for a shortened version of your business name? While it’s wise to keep it under 14 characters, don't let it hold you back and limit your creativity!
There's ample space for a name that makes a lasting impression.
#3: Think About Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
We're confident that your goal is to draw as much organic traffic as possible to the site.
To do this, consider incorporating SEO-optimized keywords related to your industry and, most notably, your niche within your domain name. Keep it relevant to your brand and use a common domain extension so users and search engines alike can clearly understand your domain's purpose.
#4: Avoid Odd Extensions
Take some time to think about the domain extension (or TLD). As a general guideline, avoid weird and unsafe ones. Instead, opt for those that are familiar and highly suggested by many, including .com, .net, .org, .co, and .ca.
Pitfalls to Avoid When Buying a Domain Name
Once you've decided on your choice (great job on that!), next up is buying a domain name in Canada. Be sure to watch out for:
#1: Hidden Costs
Most domain registrars in the market will do their best to tempt you into picking them. In fact, most have more affordable promotional offers for first-timers but then impose unreasonable renewal and contract costs, amongst other upsell features.
The trick is to be sharp and not get tricked into buying the "cheapest" one. It’s wise to know the best domain registrars in Canada to choose from and how to maximize their potential. Also, don't think short-term; changing providers later on is much more complicated than paying for the renewal fee.
#2: Trademarks
Before you set your heart on a domain name, it’s crucial to make sure you’re not stepping on any toes. Take a moment to check if other businesses are already using the name you like. This goes for social media handles too; consistency across all platforms can prevent legal headaches and help strengthen your brand.
Once you’ve cleared that hurdle, you’re ready to register your domain and begin attracting visitors to your business.
Importance of Domain Name:
- Builds your brand - Domain names help to increase awareness about your business and your brand. A perfect domain name makes it easier for the audience to know your services. The power of word of mouth will help to spread awareness about your brand among the masses.
- A domain name adds credibility to your business - A domain name leaves a good impression on the audience. A domain name will instil the trust of your target audience into your business and services. Your business will appear more professional and trustworthy. If you are not willing to spend that extra penny to register a domain name, why would the audience trust your products and services?
- Attracts walk-in business - Picking a domain name that matches the nature of your business can attract a lot of walk-in business online. For instance, if you are dealing with beauty products a domain name like lookbeautiful.com will instantly grab the attention of those searching for beauty products.
- Establish your business as Tech-savvy - In an era of the digital revolution, having a domain name will establish your business as a forward-thinking one. It will build your reputation as a tech-savvy brand. People trust businesses that have an online presence more than those without an online presence.
- Search Engine Ranking - A well-developed website with quality content and a good domain name will increase the search engine ranking. Your domain name will be more recognizable on search engines like Google. This, in turn, will increase your customer base and bring you more business.
How To Buy a Domain Name (Exact Steps)
Now that you know how to choose a domain name, let us take you through the steps involved in buying a domain name.
Once you've chosen a domain name, you now have to buy it for your business. Here's how to do that:
1. Choose a Domain Name
Pick the name you want your business to have. It should appropriately define your services, and if possible, be memorable and a bit catchy.
2. Find a Domain Registrar
The first step is to find a registrar to register your domain name. As mentioned, I suggest Namecheap.
3. Domain Availability
Once you choose a name, you need to check if it is available. Aim for a well known and trusted TLD extension like .com, .net, or .org.
Keep in mind, the domain with your desired extension may not be available.
If that's the case, aim for the "next best" available extension. Once you've found one, simply pay for the domain and complete the transaction.
4. Domain Registration
Once you make the payment, you'll need to complete the registration.
Fill in any necessary contact information as required by your registrar. Remember, if you have WHOIS privacy, your personal information will remain private. .
5. Verification
The last and the final step in buying a domain name is to verify the ownership details that you have provided. Once verified, you're all set.
Congratulations!
Your online business now has a shiny new domain name.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, domain names play a crucial role in representing, establishing, and promoting your business on the internet.
A domain name gives an identity to your business and helps to take it a long way.
Beyond branding, a good domain name should help your business generate traffic to your website and attract customers.
We hope this article helps you to select - and buy - the most appropriate domain name for your business.
If you are confused about selecting a domain name for your business, or have questions about different registrars, just shoot us a message on our contact page and we'll walk you through the process step by step.
