Registering a domain is one of the easier parts of getting a website online. With a clear plan, it takes a few minutes.
Step 1: Choose your domain name
If you have not chosen one yet, start with How to choose a domain name. Keep it simple, clear, and reflective of your brand.
Step 2: Search at a trusted registrar
A registrar is a company authorised to sell domain names. Good options: Cloudflare, Namecheap, Porkbun.
Type your desired domain into their search bar to check availability. If the exact name is taken, try clean variations (e.g. adding “studio”, using .co.uk instead of .com).
Step 3: Add your domain to the cart
Find an available domain you like? Add it to the cart. Registrars usually guide you through this.
Step 4: Review add-ons (most are not needed)
Registrars offer extras:
- SSL certificates
- Email accounts
- Web hosting
- Website builders
- Premium DNS
You can skip almost all of these. The only add-on worth keeping: WHOIS privacy protection. It hides your personal details and is often free.
Step 5: Complete the purchase
Create an account, enter your details, and pay. The domain is then yours.
Step 6: Connect your domain to your website
After registering, the domain needs to be connected to your hosting.
WordPress: If you host on xCloud or my white-label hosting, I configure DNS records, SSL, and domain routing.
Shopify: Hosting is built in. I connect your domain to your store and handle the configuration.
Step 7: Keep your domain secure
Once registered:
- Enable auto-renew
- Keep payment details current
- Store login details safely
- Maintain WHOIS privacy
Unclear on domain setup or transfers? Get in touch →