Starting a new business / startup / personal brand comes with its various challenges that all entrepreneurs experience at the start.
One of the first and most crucial steps is establishing your online presence and deciding on a brand name for your business. This begins with purchasing the right domain name, which not only defines your brand but also plays a critical role in your marketing and search visibility.
Also you don’t want to be paying through the nose for domain name. Buying one should not deplete your startup budget. Lots of young companies make the mistake of purchasing a premium domain because they may want a one word .com or their brand name has been taken by a domainer.
In this guide, we’ll show you the top tips for securing an affordable domain name that aligns perfectly with your business without breaking the bank.
From understanding which domain extensions to go for, navigating registrar promotions and avoiding hidden costs, we’ll equip you with the knowledge to make an informed and cost-effective choice.
Whether you’re tech-savvy or new to the digital world, this guide will give you insights to help ensure your first step into the online world is both strategic and economical.
Before we jump in to this guide, here’s a list of the top 4 cheapest Doman Name Registrars.
Top 5 Cheapest Domain Name Registrars
#1 – Domain.com – .com domains for $7.49
#2 – Namecheap.com – You can buy a .com for as low as $8.88
#3 – Bluehost.com – 100% Free domain when you buy hosting at Bluehost
#4 – Namesilo – Very cheap prices for domain names. As low as $0.99
Find out more and jump straight to my list of the Cheapest Domain registrars.
Understanding Domain Name Extensions
There are over 3000 different domain name extensions to choose from. Also known as a top-level domain (TLD), choosing the right one is a pivotal branding decision for any new online business.
Each extension has a distinct reputation. For example, if you go for .ai, this signifies that your business is associated with artificial intelligence. The .tv domain extension is associated with TV production companies or individuals that work within TV and film.
So you can see, by buying the right TLD (top-level domain), it can position you and your business for optimal brand recognition and credibility in your specific market.
Let’s take a look at some common extensions.
- .com: The most popular and widely recognized TLD. Ideal for businesses as it is often associated with established, credible companies. Due to its popularity, finding a .com domain that hasn’t already been taken can be challenging and potentially more expensive.
- .net: Originally intended for network services and internet service providers, this extension is now a popular alternative to .com. It’s suitable for tech companies or online services, offering a professional appeal.
- .org: Best suited for non-profits, charities, and educational platforms, .org conveys trust and community. While it’s great for organizations, it might not be the best choice for a commercial business aiming for a commercial image.
- .co: Seen as a modern, innovative domain choice that is particularly suitable for contemporary business projects, startups, and entrepreneurial ventures looking to establish an edgy online presence.
- .io: Seen as trendy and tech-oriented, making it particularly suitable for innovative tech projects and communities that want to project a modern and technological image.
Newer and Less Common Extensions
In addition to these well-known options, there are numerous newer or less common TLDs that can be attractive due to lower costs and increased availability:
- .biz: Designed for business use, this TLD is an alternative to .com that is straightforward and professional. It’s less competitive, making cheaper and more relevant domain names more accessible.
- .info: Ideal for informational sites, .info is useful for organizations looking to build educational platforms or resources.
- .tech: A perfect fit for technology-related businesses, startups, and tech blogs. It’s trendy and relevant, which can help in standing out in a crowded market.
- .store or .shop: These TLDs are excellent for ecommerce businesses. They immediately communicate the purpose of the website to users.
In summary, while traditional TLDs like .com, .net, and .org are safe and familiar choices, exploring newer options could lead to cost savings and a stand-out presence online. Remember, the key is to match your domain extension with your business’s mission and the expectations of your target audience.
Our Top Choices for Budget Friendly Domain Registrars
#1 – Bluehost
A top choice for buying your first domain name is Bluehost. They are one of the biggest hosting providers in the world and offer domain registration services and a variety of affordable options.
What’s great about Bluehost is their offer of a free domain for the first year when you sign up for one of their hosting plans.
Considering their shared hosting packages are quite budget-friendly, you can launch your website without breaking the bank.
This setup is perfect for bloggers and small business owners looking for a straightforward, all-in-one package.
You get a domain for free, along with web hosting and a free email account, making it easier and more cost-effective to start your online presence.
All domain registrations at Bluehost come with the following:
- Easy to use domain management dashboard
- Domain locking (keeping your domain safe from thieves)
- Free SSL certificate (not all registrars offer this)
- Auto renewals
- Complete DNS control
- 24/7 expert support
- Self-service knowledge base
Get your Free Domain Name here.
#2 – Domain.com
Like Bluehost, Domains.com is a company that’s dedicated to becoming the top domain registrar globally. They also provide web hosting services and a website builder tailored for smaller-traffic sites, but their main reputation rests on their domain services.
They’ve been around since 2000 and have built a reliable support team that’s available 24/7. They are part of the larger EIG group of companies.
In terms of pricing, Domains.com offers a wide variety of choices. They have an extensive collection of TLDs, giving you numerous options to find affordable registration costs.
They have some super cheap domain name options such as .xyz domains for just $2.99 a year and .space for just $0.99 per year.
#3 – Namecheap
Namecheap is another really good domain registrar that has been around since the start. As their name suggests, they sell domain names really cheap. Not only that, but they offer free domain name privacy called WHOIS Guard, which other registrars charge for.
They have a wide range of TLDs to choose from and they pricing is really competitive.
Take a look at Namecheap here >>
#4 – Namesilo
As a long term customer of NameSilo I have consistently been impressed with their service and pricing. They really stand out as specialists in the domain registration field, primarily focusing on domains.
NameSilo not only offers affordable domain extensions but also provides extra services like web hosting, SSL certificates, and Google Workspace email.
Their domain prices start at an incredibly low $0.99, making them one of the most budget-friendly registrars available.
While their control panel might look a bit outdated—think early 2000s style—it’s easy to navigate. Remember, the quality of a domain service goes beyond just a sleek interface.
NameSilo offers straightforward pricing with several valuable features included in each package. These perks include comprehensive DNS management, complimentary WHOIS privacy, free email forwarding, robust domain protection, and domain parking options.
Our Top Tips On Choosing The Best Domain Name For Your New Business
#1 – Choose a .com
While numerous new domain extensions are available today, sticking with a .com is often best due to its widespread recognition and credibility. Most internet users still associate .com with a legitimate and established website, making it a safe choice for your online presence.
Obviously if the .com isn’t available for your new brand, then perhaps think about some of the next best TLDs such as .co, .org, .net, .xyz etc.
#2 – Keywords are good. Use them in Your Domain Name Search
Incorporating relevant keywords into your domain can improve your SEO and help users understand what your site is about instantly. For instance, if you’re selling coffee, having “coffee” in your domain can clarify your business focus. You could even have a .coffee domain name extension.
#3 – Keep It Short (Less than 15 characters)
A short domain name is easier to remember, type, and share. Aim for something concise — typically under 15 characters if possible. Shorter names reduce the risk of user error when typing and make the name more visually appealing on marketing materials.
The sweet spot is 6 to 10 characters.
#4 – Make Your Domain Name Easy to Pronounce and Spell
Your domain should be simple to pronounce and spell to ensure it is easily shared via both online and word-of-mouth marketing. Avoid complex words or spellings that might confuse people.
#5 – Unique and Brandable if Possible
A unique and brandable domain name stands out in your customers’ minds and establishes a strong online identity. It should resonate with your audience, reflect your company’s culture, and support your brand values.
#6 – No Hyphens or Numbers in a Domain Name
Hyphens and numbers can be a sign of spam domains and are often forgotten or misplaced by users. If your domain name is two words (like example-domain.com), you might want to consider a different variation that doesn’t require a hyphen.
#7 – Research Your Domain Name
Before finalizing your choice, check to see if the name is already trademarked or in use online, which could lead to legal issues down the line. You’ll also want to ensure that the name aligns positively with existing products or brands.
#8 – NO Double Letters
Avoiding double letters can help prevent typos. For example, a domain like glassesstore.com can lead to more mistakes than glasshub.com and result in lost traffic.
#9 – Leave Room to Expand
Choose a domain name that’s related to your niche but doesn’t box you into a specific product or service. For example, a broader domain like beautybasics.com can allow for expansion into different beauty categories.
#10 – Try Using some Domain Name Generators for More Ideas
If you’re stuck, try a domain name generator. These tools can suggest creative names based on your input keywords and can help you find a unique name that’s also available.
#11 – Use AI
Ask ChatGPT to come up with some ideas for your brand’s domain name. Give it a decent prompt such as: “Can you come up with some 6 to 14 character domain name ideas for my business called {name}”.
#12 – Be Fast! Someone Else Could Snap up your Domain Idea
Domain names sell quickly, so once you’ve found a suitable one, it’s wise to register it as soon as possible to avoid losing it to someone else.
#13 – Best Places to Buy a Domain Name
Look for reputable registrars with good track records. Some top choices include Namecheap, Domain.com, and Namesilo. Each offers a different user experience, pricing, and customer support.
#14 – Free Domain Registration With Web Hosting
Many web hosting providers offer free domain registration as part of their hosting packages. This can be a cost-effective way to get both your domain and hosting from a single provider — companies like Bluehost.
#15 – Most Popular Domain Registrars
The most popular domain registrars often provide comprehensive services, including domain registration, hosting, and additional tools. Names like Namecheap, and Domain.com are recognized for their reliable services and customer support.
Examples of Cheap Domain Name Extensions
Out of the 3500+ domain name extensions, here are a few that are very very cheap to register. Pricing correct as of April 19th:
.markets – $5.98 (Namecheap)
.meme – $6.98 (Namecheap)
.website – $1.99 (Bluehost)
.tech – $4.99 (Bluehost)
.online – $0.98 (Spaceship.com)
