A Beginner's Guide to Buying and Managing Domains for Your Business

When you're launching a new business, securing your domain name should be near the top of your list. Think of your domain as your digital address. It's how customers find you online, and it plays a bigger role in your credibility than most people realize.

If you're new to this, the technical side can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about purchasing and managing domains without the jargon.

What Is a Domain Name?

A domain name is the unique web address people use to find your website, like www.yourbusiness.com. It has two parts: the name (yourbusiness) and the extension (.com, .net, .org, etc.). Think of it as your online storefront sign. It should be easy to remember, relevant to your business, and simple to spell.

When Should You Purchase a Domain Name?

As soon as possible. Even if you're still planning your business, secure the domain before someone else does. Good domains go fast, especially short, brandable ones.

Here's what we see happen all the time: someone names their business, gets excited, and then discovers the domain is already taken. Naming your business is a crucial step, and domain availability needs to be part of that process from the beginning. Check out our business naming guide for more on this.

Choosing the Right Domain Name

The best domain is your exact business name with the right extension (concreteandpalm.com).

When that's not available, your domain should be:

• Short and simple – Avoid long, complicated names that are hard to spell

• Relevant to your business – It should reflect your brand or industry

• Easy to remember – Skip the numbers, hyphens, or uncommon words

• SEO-friendly (optional) – Include keywords that describe what you do if it makes sense (www.jacksonvillebakery.com)

• Future-proof – Avoid trends that won't age well

You can also purchase multiple domains and redirect them to your primary site. For example:

Business Name: Kathy's Bakery

Primary Domain: kathysbakery.com

Secondary Domain: jacksonvillebakery.com

What Domain Extensions Should You Consider?

The .com extension is still the most widely recognized and trusted, but other options are worth considering:

• .co – Popular alternative when .com isn't available

• .org – Primarily used for educational and nonprofit organizations

• .net – Often used by tech and networking companies, though it feels a bit dated

• .shop, .store – Great for eCommerce businesses

• .ai – Popular with AI and tech-related businesses

Where to Buy a Domain Name

You can purchase a domain from a registrar, which is just a company that sells and manages domain names. Some popular options include:

• GoDaddy

• Google Domains (now under Squarespace Domains)

• Bluehost (often bundled with hosting services)

You can also buy your domain directly through the platform where you're building your website:

• Wix

• Squarespace

There are pros and cons to buying through a registrar versus a website platform, but for most small business owners in the early stages, we recommend keeping it simple. Purchasing through your website host keeps everything in one place, and you can always transfer the domain later if needed.

Prices vary depending on the registrar, the extension (.com is typically more expensive), and whether the domain is already owned by someone else.

Purchasing a Domain That's Already Taken

If someone else already owns your ideal domain, you have a few options:

• Check if it's for sale – Many domains sit unused but are available for purchase if the price works for your budget

• Negotiate a purchase – Reach out to the owner and make an offer. Domains that have been listed for a while often sell below the asking price

• Choose a different name or extension – If buying isn't realistic, consider modifying your name slightly or using a different extension

Transferring a Domain Name

If you need to move a domain to a different registrar, the process is usually straightforward. Every registrar has slightly different steps (a quick Google search will pull up specific instructions), but the general process is:

1. Unlock the domain in your current registrar's settings

2. Request an authorization code (EPP code) from your registrar

3. Initiate the transfer with your new registrar using that code

4. Confirm the transfer via email

Transfers typically take 5 to 7 days to complete.

Additional Tips for Domain Ownership

• Renew annually or set up auto-renewal – Domains must be renewed every year. Set up auto-renewal so you don't accidentally lose ownership

• Consider domain privacy protection – Most registrars offer privacy protection to keep your personal information hidden from public WHOIS records

• Register multiple variations – If budget allows, buy common misspellings and different extensions to prevent competitors from snagging them

Final Thoughts

Securing the right domain is one of the first real steps in establishing your online presence. Whether you're buying a brand-new domain, negotiating a purchase, or transferring to a new registrar, understanding these basics will help you make smarter decisions.

Check out a client success story here: Case Study: How We Saved Our Client Thousands on Their Domain Name

Need help choosing a name or domain for your business? We'd love to help you set up for success. Book your free consultation here.