Once you've chosen your domain name, it's time to register it.
Sidebar: You have the option of registering one domain name for free when you sign up for hosting (which we'll get to in a couple of steps). I have always purposefully registered my domain name and purchased hosting from different companies. This is because I prefer not to give one company total control over the two most important aspects of my site. That being said, the likelihood of you encountering a problem is probably slim so if you want to save a little bit of cash, you can skip this post for now and you can register your domain when you sign up for hosting.
For those of you who want to proceed, onward…
There are numerous places online to register a domain. I personally use GoDaddy.com. (I do not recommend them for hosting, though, as I've heard many not-so-favorable reviews of their hosting service.)
Domain registration will cost between $10 and $20 per year and must be renewed annually.
Aargh, it's a bit blurry. Working on this. In the meantime, you can view it here.
Can't see the video? Watch it here.
Video notes:
- Go to GoDaddy.com.
- Enter your desired domain. Related: How to Choose a Domain Name: 12 Tips
- Follow the prompts.
- Note: The only "extra" I routinely purchase is Private Registration. I explain why in Is your personal information public?
- Bonus Tip: There are often discount coupons available for GoDaddy.com. So, before you complete your purchase, open a new tab or window in your browser and do a search – "godaddy.com promo code" or "godaddy.com coupon code" — and then enter the "promo code" in the appropriate field before checking out.
Disclosure: The links to GoDaddy.com in this post are affiliate links, meaning, if you click on one of them and register your domain there, they will give me a portion of that sale. I'd be grateful for a click through my affiliate link, but that is completely up to you. 
Other posts in this series
- How to Start a Blog or Website: Intro & FAQ
- How to Start a Blog or Website: Cheat Sheet
- How to Find (or Refind) Your Passion
- How to Decide What to Blog About: What Works for Readers?
- How to Decide What to Blog About: What Works for You?
- Understand Branding: 4 Tips
- Understand Keywords: Increase the Odds of Getting Found
- Writing Great Content: 3 Tips
- How to Write a Killer About Page
- 12 Blog Organization Tips
- How to Choose a Domain Name: 12 Tips
- How to Register a Domain Name
- How to Set Up Hosting and WordPress
- How to Change Your Nameservers
- How to Add a New User in WordPress
- How to Optimize Your WordPress Settings
- How to Install a Plugin
- My Favorite Plugins
- How to Get & Optimize a Feedburner Feed
- How to Choose a WordPress Theme
- How to Install a WordPress Theme
- Elegant Themes for WordPress
- How to Install Google Analytics
- How to Use WordPress: Tips & Tricks
- How to Start a Blog or Website: 10 Tips for New Bloggers
Amy,
I purchased my domain through blogger. Will that be a big deal when I move to Word Press?
No Shelly, you'll be fine!
Someone has already purchased the .com of my website – would you recommend just buying the .net until the .com goes up for renewal … or is there a different "dot" that you would advise to purchase … possibly more than just the .net? I know they offer specials if you buy them in "bulk". Thanks so much!!
I'm starting over because I purchased my domain originally through Blogger, but no one reminded me when to renew! So this time I went through Google Apps. They include the private listing for $10/year and set up email with your domain for you. It SEEMS to be a cool tool to use, but I"m not sure.
I just liked that the private setting was included!
About the Blogger thing — someone ended up stealing my domain name.
Oh bummer. Those domain names get snatched up!
Is it necessary to make your domain "certified"? I saw that offered on Go Daddy and clicked it at first. Before finalizing my purchase, I'm questioning it. Please share if it's a necessity.
Oh, I don't plan to sell anything, at this time, on my blog. I say that in case being "certified" has something to do with that aspect of blogging.
Hi Bonnie,
I never do.
Thank you, so much!!!
I forgot to add another question to my previous post.
Must I purchase an e-mail address linked to my blog at this time? I'm a beginner. I was just going to place my regular e-mail in the contact info. Is that a bad idea?
Nope!
Again, thank you for your response.
I watched your video for step 7 and 8 and then went to those sites to check prices and kind of test drive them a bit. Why are you using 2 different sites when bluehost is offering free (included) domain name with their web packaging? I'm sure there is a good reason, I just didn't catch it. Sorry.
Thank you in advance for your response. I have enjoyed following this site and thank you bunches for all the help you are giving me.
OMG, LOL!!! I guess I should have kept reading. Your next step explains why. Thank you!!!
So, if I have purchased a domain name (which I did, StarvingArtistWife.com)from Go Daddy, I can use it for another website, even if I do not go with them for the hosting? I am new at this blogging thing so I am full of questions.
How can I apply my domain name to my blog? Can I, if I use Blogger?
I will definitely be watching your video later!
Yes, you can register a domain name with GoDaddy and point it to another host (where your site files are). You do not have to register a domain and host with the same company.
You can use your own domain on Blogger. Here's info on that.
Hey, Amy.
First I want to say thanks so much for your blog. Seems like it's the answer to all my questions!
I jumped right in to blogging without really knowing what it might turn out to be for me. Still not sure, but I know i love it. So, now I am backtracking…trying to cross the T's I missed and see if I can make money doing it, too:)
My blog is one of those non-specific family blogs….but I think I can narrow it down with some work. I really don't want to start over, unless you tell me I absolutely need to.
I guess I need to buy a domain:) Here is my question…finally….
On this link you have given at Blogger they say it's easier to buy your domain from them. I'm taking it you don't agree, or is that fine?
Thanks in advance! Oh, and sorry for the book!
Joyce
Do you mean at Bluehost? Yes, you can actually register a free domain with them if you purchase hosting with them. You'll probably be just fine doing it this way. My suggestion to purchase your hosting and register your domain separately comes from my old-school ways, which, back in the day, when there were a lot of dot coms coming and going, it was recommended you separate the two, lest your whole online presence (i.e. domain and hosting) be gone with the downfall of one company (if said company didn't survive). However, I think for the most part, nowadays, the best companies have become established and in my opinion, Bluehost is one of those. So, I presented it here in this way so as to be "better safe than sorry" but if you choose to, I think you'll probably be fine with Bluehost. Hope that helps!
Thank you Amy for this tutorial series!
I've followed you on Twitter for a while now because you were listed as attending the Relevant Conference later this month (looking forward to meeting you!) and I just got around to checking out your site after I saw Crystal from MoneySavingMom's recent post that linked to you. I have used a WordPress.com blog for almost 2 years now and have been contemplating switching over to self-hosted using WordPress.org. I just had no idea how to do it! Your blog and tutorials are just what I needed to figure out what exact steps I needed to take!
Now I just need to figure out how to transfer over my posts and data from my wordpress.com account to the new site I purchased (thanks for the recommendation of GoDaddy.com – I used your referral link on this post!).
Looking forward to meeting you at the conference this month!
Laura, Frugal Friends in Northern Virginia
Thanks Laura! Glad you have been helped here. You can use the import tool to transfer your posts/comments/etc. Simply go to your self-hosted Dashboard–>Tools–>Import. I think you'll have to export your data from your .com blog first, but peruse the WP.com Help/FAQ for that info!
Thank you so much for this website and post. When I went to godaddy.com to register a domain name for myself for future use, I was completely overwhelmed with all the "extras" and didn't know what I needed or not. What I thought would be a simple $10-$20 purchase was turning into a lot more with all the extras I didn't know if I would need! But thanks to your advice here I only bought the domain name and the privacy protection, and with a promo code I googled it was only $17 for the year.
I used your affiliate link, thanks again for this great guide.
Thanks Elizabeth, I'm glad it was helpful!
Thanks for your great tips! I am going to Godaddy to register a new site and now they charge you $ 138.49 a year?? Where did I go wrong here?
Hmmmmm…that doesn't sound quite right. I'm thinkin' you might try again.
I went to sign up for my name, and GoDaddy says it is already taken. It is owned by BuyDomains.com, but is for sale. Is it a bad decision to purchase domain names from sites such as this?
I'm looking into registering a domain name with GoDaddy but I'm uncomfortable with their terms of service. It sounds like they make you agree to letting them use your content. And this is what bothers me most: "Go Daddy will not be liable for any loss you incur due to any unauthorized use of your Account. You, however, may be liable for any loss Go Daddy or others incur caused by your Account, whether caused by you, or by an authorized person, or by an unauthorized person." How can you be a functioning company and say this about your site: "Go Daddy, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES ABOUT (I) THE ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, OR CONTENT OF THIS SITE . . . ."? Further down you see that they are not liable for any "ANY UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO OR USE OF OUR SERVERS AND/OR ANY AND ALL CONTENT, PERSONAL INFORMATION, FINANCIAL INFORMATION OR OTHER INFORMATION AND DATA STORED THEREIN" or "ANY VIRUSES, WORMS, BUGS, TROJAN HORSES, OR THE LIKE, WHICH MAY BE TRANSMITTED TO OR FROM THIS SITE . . . ."
Do all domain/host companies have these kinds of terms? They don't want to be held liable for any damage they do to you, but stipulate that you will be liable for any damage you do to them! I don't think I want to go with them if there is a more protected, reasonable option out there.
Not sure how GoDaddy's TOS compare to other companies specifically, but I do know them to be one of the top domain registrars online (though they aren't very popular for hosting). Kudos to you for really checking it out!
Thanks for the video. It was helpful!
Thank you so much for these steps. They are easy to follow, very informative! I have went to godaddy.com and registered my .com and I'm looking forward to showing off my new site soon. =)
Woohoo! Let us know when you launch!
Will do!! Still working diligently but with huge smile on my face. LOL
I have a blog on Blogger but may eventually go to a self-hosted. I've been advised to buy my domain name. Do I do that through blogger, godaddy, or does it not matter? I have two domain names that I'd like to keep on standby; one for my current blog and one for a future blog. What's your advice?
Nope, doesn't matter. I would personally choose GoDaddy out of the two, but whatever works is just fine!
Thanks for your help. Now for the hard part. Actually designing it. UGH!
Hi Amy,
First of all, thanks for the information on your site. It's the most informative source of blogging info that I've found.
One thing I don't get. I set up a blogger blog account http://ruthsrealfood.blogspot.com a month ago.
Obviously, it's free. I get that if I ever change it, I'll likely lose some traffic, so if I ever want to register a domain name, I should do it now. But why not continue indefinitely with this URL?
You certainly can. Often people prefer to have their own domain without the "blogspot" so it looks more professional and unique.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I was so nervous about purchasing my own domain name for some reason.. but you made it so easy. I really love your site and appreciate all your help! (PS just bought my own domain.. through your link of course!!)
Thanks, Kelley. I'm glad it was painless!
Amy, I have been blogging for years but in the most basic way! I am now reading through all of your posts and learning so much. Just purchased my domain name (through your affiliate ilnk!) and am working on getting some outside hosting! You are amazing for sharing all of this information! I appreciate it so much!
Thanks so much, Rebecca. I'm glad you stopped by and I'm very glad it's been helpful!
Hi, Amy, I wonder if you can help me? In my *pup wagging it's tail excitemen* I attempted to register my domain name with godaddy. (hereafter: DN -too long to type over 'n over!) As I was at the payment screen, FOR SOME REASON, it blanked out! When I couldn't get back to the screen right away, in my impatience, I went to WordPress and registered my DN there. After thinking about it for a minute (more like 3 seconds) I attempted to cancel and went back to GD. Yaay! It was working! However, when I proceeded to register my DN, it showed that it was ALREADY IN USE WITH THE OPTION TO PURCHASE IT! OMG, I am so out of it! Is there ANYWAY I can undo this? I went back to WP and cancelled my DN there (they say I may never be able to get it again…) I just want my original DN back, without having to buy it! Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you so much for reading to this point!
Kimberly
I would call both GoDaddy and/or Bluehost and explain the situation. One of them should be able to help you figure it out and what you'll have to do at this point. I haven't had this exact experience, but I definitely understand the "pup wagging its tail in excitement" thing!
Thank you SO much!
Kim
Hi Amy, I am changing my blog name & getting a redesign. I want to buy my name but am a little confused? Why do you have to "host" is somewhere? You still recommend godaddy? I am on blogger and know they also offer domain names right? If someday I ever switched to WP would it be bettter to not be with blogger? Thank you
Once you get to purchasing hosting, you could register your domain for free at the same time.
Hi Amy, right now my blog is on Blogger and I'm not wanting to change yet, put possibly will want to in the future. So my question is, if I buy a custom domain through blogger and later decide to switch to self hosting will my domain name still be good…meaning once I purchase that name can another company sell that name?
Yep! You can absolutely buy it now and use it later (even with another company).
Thank you for this reminder, Amy. I've now registered mine for freelance use.
Also, there is a nice discount promo code at fatwallet.com for goDaddy I just used it a few minutes ago.
Thanks, Rhonda!
If I did this through HostGator I am fine right?
Yep!
Hello! I'm new to blogging, actually I have not started just yet. But this site is very helpful. I was wondering if a matching email comes along with a registered domain?
You'd get an email address when you purchase hosting usually. Sometimes you get one, sometimes unlimited so check when you purchase hosting.
Okay, thanks for the info!
Just bought my domain name and found a GoDaddy deal for only $2.95 a year!!
Woot!
And you could get up to 5 years at this price!!
Hi Amy, Do you still use and recommend Go Daddy for a blog, I noticed that at the bottom of your page it says wordpress… I've heard of that too…
I have not used it and wouldn't recommend it for hosting (haven't heard great things about their hosting services). Read the next few steps in my How To Start a Blog posts for info regarding hosting.
Hi Amy.
I'm not thrilled w/ GoDaddy pushing the envelope w/ their ads, etc. Their site today has really offensive stuff on it.
Any other recommendations of domain registration? Wondering if GoDaddy will give prorata refunds.
Are you an affiliate for anyone else?
Thanks!
I was going to register my domain and real name, but my name is taken. Most variations are taken, too, except for one that would be $4,000+! What are the odds that my name will become available?
Well, it's possible. If I were in your shoes, I'd try to contact the owner(s) of the domain(s) you're hoping for to see if there's any way they'd be willing to part with it (them). If not, I'd try to think of something else. You could also do a search on the domain and see when it's due to expire. If it's in the near future, you might try to snag it.
hi amy! i love your blog!
i am interested in setting up my own website, not blog, which one do you recommend?
thanks for your help!
Hi Amy,
Is there somewhere here on your site where you explain what to do after you register a domain? I just registered my domain after majorly scouring through all the good stuff you have here. I then tried to switch it to my .com but things got messed up and it was scary. (I use blogspot.com because for me it's most user friendly). I'm sure you have info here, I just need help to point me in the right direction, if you please. Thank you so much, and thank you for this wonderful site that helps people like me who majorly need it!
~Brianne
You can use your domain name with your Blogger blog. Try here.
Thank you, Amy!! ~Brianne
Hi Amy,
Does it matter which service I use to purchase my domain name? In other words, am I locked into that company once I am ready to launch my site or can I just use the name on the host of my choice?
thanks so much!
Yes, you can register your domain and host your site elsewhere.
PS – I am considering using "namecheap.com" on a friend's recommendation. When I looked at the reviews they were terrible, but then, most other company's were as well. I have my shopping cart all set to buy but I'm clueless.
I purchased my domain name through enom..through blogger last year (it said it would automatically "work") it never did, now it is time to renew. So I have a blog on blogger (that I would like to move to wordpress.com or wordpress.org…NO idea the difference) and a domain name I can't seem to use? Any advice???
You should be able to use your domain name since you've already registered it. If I were in your shoes, what I would do is purchase hosting from HostGator or Bluehost (here's how) and then transfer your domain to them. If you call them and tell them you'd like to transfer it, they should be able to walk you through the process. (You definitely want WordPress.org vs. WordPress.com – read more on that on my FAQ page – and make sure you do this before it expires.) I hope that helps!
Thank you so much…ok…I seem to be a little slow with this…I am going to purchase Genesis on WordPress.org (thank you)…ok…is the "hosting" yet something different? Geez…I'm not dense really….just having to relearn…
Hi Amy, thanks so much for this wonderful resource! I hope you don't mind too much another question, I looked hard for the answer here but I just don't see it;
I want to start monetizing my blog, but I can't really afford to buy a domain name or anything until it starts bringing in some money. Can I sign up for affiliate programs and such with the current blogspot domain and then transfer the affiliate programs over to a self hosted site once I start breaking even? Will companies even go for this? Is my blog even viable and worth trying to make a little bit of money on?
Honestly all I want is to break even. Some extra cash would really really help right now, but the point of blogging for me is to share the information. I don't see that happening as fast as I see it happening with other bloggers though, so I am wondering if a self hosted domain would help.
Sorry for the rambling!
Dear Amy -
I have a similar question to Michelle's (posted 9 December 2010). I have a what I think is a good domain name – let's say, for the sake of posting, it's WordAWordB.com – and I clicked through your site (of course) to register it with GoDaddy. But they say it's taken.
If I just go to the web and type in http://www.WordAWordB.com, it comes up as for sale, just contact the following e-mail address. What are the pros and cons of buying a domain name like this? Presumably they can charge anything they want? Can I buy it from them then transfer it to another registry? The page with the 'for sale – please contact' sign on it also has a link to an ICANN registry in Korea.
Thanks!
Yes, you can buy a domain. I'd do some more research first. Check the price and the terms from the seller and make sure everything is in writing.
Hi Amy,
I'm VERY new to blogging, and I want to start a family blog. Most blogs like this that I've seen have a .blogspot.com at the end of their domain name. Is this not necessary? Also, is it possible to make a .com blog site private to only those I would like to see my blog?
Thanks so much for your information. It will be very helpful… I can see it already!
I want to change the name of my blog which means changing the domain. I use Blogger and I have affiliates that I use. Will changing the name/domain mess things up w/ affiliates and how hard is it to do it yourself? Thanks for any information! Norma
You'll need to make sure you redirect your old domain to the new one. It's a little more complicated than simply forwarding one domain to another, though, because all your existing posts have permalinks with the old domain in them. If you're not quite sure about it, I would get someone to help you make the transfer. You might check out the people on this list for help.
Amy, thank you so much for your prompt response and advice on this issue. I will definitely check out the list on people to help.
Great post. I use GoDaddy for my domain name as well, but my blog is on Blogger. This seems like a long stretch but can I move to WordPress without the self-hosting?
I used your advice. Thanks
Testing your comments
Hi there! I am BRAND new to all of this! I just started a blog through wordpress and opted to purchase the domain name so that I could have http://www.holidaywonderful.com as my very own… but my QUESTION is… IS IT my very own? Do I now actually own it for a year… or forever if I renew on time each year? I guess I am wondering since I simply bought through wordpress, not godaddy or any place like that. Is there any difference? Thank you SO much for any advice!
Hi Mary, I'm a little unclear on the details, but if you received confirmation from WordPress.com that you successfully registered the domain, you should be good to go. You do not have to register through GoDaddy for it to be legitimate.
I would contact WordPress.com though and make sure.
I have a free WP hosted site now and got my domain from them, will I still be able to take that to Host Gator site?
Yes. After you set up your hosting, you'll have to point the domain to your new site. (Call HostGator and they'll walk you through.)
I'm just starting to get my feet wet with domains. I'll definitely employ some of the methods to get me started. I've visited DomainKa.com and found lots of aged domains for sale. Excellent tips.
Amy, I've read your post and watched the video and im probably just missing where you go over it, but I cant figure out where the best place is to get a business email address. I just followed your advice on purchasing a domain so that part is done. Should I sign p with an email through go daddy? Or grab a free email through gmail or to hotmail? If a free site, then is it best to choose businessname@gmail.com for example? Thanks in advance Amy!
Jenn
I think this is a matter of preference. For me personally, on my first blog I used amy@businessname.com as my email address. But then I started several more blogs over the years and I didn't want separate ones for each, so now I just use one gmail address.
If you do want a yourname@yourbusiness.com address, you can do that through your host (like Bluehost). Depending on the hosting account you purchase, you are typically allowed at least one business email address that matches your domain. I would just call your host and ask them to walk you through the process to set it up.
Great question. I hope that helps!
Amy, I think this helps to answer the questions I just posted in regards to choosing a username for a new gmail account. I can use my domain b/c I already own it! (Duh.) The next question (I think) is: should I do that through bluehost (my host, thanks to your advice) or through google apps for business? The google apps would allow me to creat a gmail account with my own domain name, right?
I am SO not technical and I continue to appreciate any tips you can send my way….thanks!
I think you could go either route. Personally, I have an email for my domain through Bluehost and then I have a regular Gmail account through which I pull my domain email. I hope that makes sense. (Short answer: I don't use Google apps personally.)
Thank you so much! I have a domain name now!
Okay, Amy, I think I'm going to pay Google $10/year for a domain name. I've done a little research on moving to WordPress, and from the looks of things, it's a bigger hassle than it's worth to do so at this point in time with food-pusher. Is there any reason I should NOT register a domain name with Google? Do you have any idea what the benefits will be for me? I wish I knew more. I should read your blog more closely…
Thanks for any words of wisdom you can provide!
Hey Kelly! If you're going to stay with Blogger (totally valid option), I think registering a domain with Google is absolutely A-OK. I'm not sure if there are any direct benefits for registering a domain with Google, but I don't think it'll hurt you.
Thanks, Amy. Interestingly, when I registered and was done, it turns out that godaddy.com is who it's registered with. I don't understand all of this. At any rate, I guess it's both food-pusher.com AND food-pusher.blogspot.com now.
I guess so long as it's still there, right?
thanks for sharing .
thank u. very useful information. video tutorial was awesome
Hi Amy,
I got my hosting through HostGator and picked my domain name. Should I still register it with GoDaddy or is it already registered with HosGator? Confused.
If you entered it as a new domain and actually went through the registration process when you signed up with HostGator, no, you don't have to do it at GoDaddy too. (Sorry for the confusion.)
Great informative post Amy.
Hi Amy,
Your blog has helped in many ways.
I have a confusion about whether to buy my domain through blogspot or godaddy. If I buy my domain using blogspot, what happens to my already existing blogs in my blogspot ? And can I use iWeb in my mac to manage my newly bought domain ?
About godaddy and blogspot, where will I get a email id for my domain ?