Finding a Domain Name Registrar:
The domain name registrar that I use and recommend is:
NameCheap (http://www.namecheap.com)
At the time of writing this the price of the domains is $8.88 USD so it's affordable for everyone who wants to set up a web site to invest in their own .com domain.
Tip: If you've got your domains hosted elsewhere, on Dotster.com, Register.com, NetworkSolutions.com or GoDaddy.com for example, you can TRANSFER them to NameCheap for free. They do charge you $8.88 at the time of transferring though, which covers an additional year of domain registration.
Transferring to Namecheap allows you to use all of the ADVANCED domain name options. Those we'll discuss in a moment. For now, here are the rest of the steps.
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STEP TWO: SELECT A DOMAIN NAME YOU WANT |
Take a piece of paper and write down the top THREE domain names you've thought about registering.
Now say each one of them aloud and listen for pitfalls, such as your having to spell it versus read it.
For example, I registered "www.hitsncash.com" and about 95% of the time, I've got to SAY it like "Hits", followed by an "n", as in "n", then "cash", so it's "hitsNcash.com"
It's extremely difficult to say. So watch out and make sure YOUR domain can be verbally given without having to spell it out.
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STEP THREE: ENTER THE DOMAIN YOU WANT |
Go to http://www.namecheap.com to REGISTER the new domain.
In this example I am going to walk you through registering a domain that I just bought, called "www.repairyoursite.com" which I'm using for another product.
To find or register a domain, just type the domain into the search box, add the .com extension (or whatever you plan on using) and hit the SEARCH button:
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STEP FOUR: MAKE SURE IT'S AVAILABLE |
On the next page it'll show you if the domain is available.
If not, type another domain or try something else.
Once you see it showing as "available", click to register it by selecting the checkbox, then click the ADD TO CART button.
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STEP FIVE: PURCHASE THE DOMAIN |
Choose whether you want a STANDARD or EXPRESS checkout.
Tip: If you have an existing NameCheap account then you can choose EXPRESS. This saves you from having to enter your name and address during checkout.
If you're not an existing NameCheap account holder then you have to choose STANDARD. But from here on you can choose EXPRESS for speedy 1 minute domain registrations!
Because I have an existing account I am going to be choosing EXPRESS.
On the next page you'll be asked to LOGIN or create an account. Follow those steps to do that now.
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STEP SIX: REVIEW YOUR ORDER |
The next page just reiterates your order and shows you the domain you're registering.
Tip: DOUBLE check the spelling of the domain now. If you make a typo or mess it up, you can't get a refund.
What You Need To Know: At the time of writing this, NameCheap will give you a year's worth of FREE access to the WHOISGUARD service. This lets you "hide" your name and information in the domain registrar database, so spammers can't come along and get your email address.
It also prevents you from getting a lot of unwanted junk direct mail advertising things like hosting and so forth.
When you're ready, click the SUBMIT button:
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STEP SEVEN: PAY FOR THE DOMAIN |
Paying for the domain name during checkout.
This last step in the registration process is where you enter your credit card information and customer information.
So fill in these fields:
Then add your address and contact information into the last form fields.
What You Need To Know: Namecheap has a strange way of making you enter your phone number into the order form. If you don't know this in advance, it can cause you a lot of grief with error messages during the registration process.
When you enter your phone number you must use THIS FORMAT:
That's +1.XXXXXXXXXX
Another example, if your phone number is: 1-888-204-6141 then you need to write it like this:
+1.8882046141
Once the domain has been registered, you'll see this confirmation page:
At this point you're finished. You've registered your domain name and you're all set to go to the next icon.
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