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Top 7 Cheap Domain Registrars To Kickstart The Creation Of Your Dream Website

Hey there, if you’re one of those people thinking about starting their own website or a personal blog, you must have come across terms like domains, the world wide web (WWW), URLs, webpage, web hosting, and many similar terms. These terms are something that every aspiring blogger, the amateur person in business, or online store owner should know. Setting up a website or blog requires domain registration, and it’s better to have your own and cheap domain name rather than using a web hosting service that charges hefty rent from your end.

If you are serious about starting a blog or an online business, you need to know everything about domain names and web hosting. This technical jargon might scare you, but trust me, it’s easy once you get the basics. In this article, we’ll be talking about domain names, how it works, what’s web hosting and the different types of domain extensions available. In the end, we’ll be listing out some tips on how you can easily design your first website and choose a cheap domain that will help you in creating that online presence you dream of.

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Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

What Is A Domain Name?

First of all, we need to understand what a Domain name is, as beginners tend to confuse domain names with different terms like URLs and websites.

A domain name is basically a term given to a specific website that is fairly easy to remember. It acts as an address for your website. In the vast universe, also known as the Internet, a domain name works as an address to your home or website where people can find or visit you.

Every webpage has a unique address, and that is called its IP address which is just a unique string of numbers. Now, these IP addresses are difficult to remember, and those who want to find you can’t do that if they forget your IP address. To solve that problem, domain names are used.

Domain names make it much easier for people to look up your website that would otherwise be very difficult if people had to remember the IP address of your website. You can imagine people looking up Apple.com by typing a random string of numbers, which is really hard to remember. Thanks to technology, we are spared from the hard work.

How Do Domain Names Work?

When you search for a website by typing its domain name, the computer sends the search request to a giant network of servers known as DNS or Domain Name System. This DNS is the mega-hub of domain names where millions of domain names are registered.

The DNS, after getting your search request, searches for a nameserver; these are names managed by hosting companies that provide you hosting services. After getting the search request, the nameserver associates your computer with the IP address of the website that you’re looking for. It might seem like a lot of complicated steps, but all of it happens within milliseconds.

Here’s a video that will provide a better insight into what domain names are and how they work:

Are Domain Names And Web Hosting Services The Same Thing?

Simply put, domain names and web hosting are two different things that people confuse a lot. Domain names act as the address for your website, whereas web hosting is the area where your website is actually set up. Hosting packages provide you with an area to set up your website.

A domain name and a web host are mostly purchased separately, but you can get yourself a web hosting provider who lets you purchase a domain name from them. Domain names are generally purchased from a set of registrars called Domain Registrars.

A domain registrar is where you can find all the domain extensions. There are a lot of domain registration services that can help you in purchasing your first domain.

Purchasing a domain name and web hosting service from the same provider is a great deal for you as it becomes a lot easier to organize and manage both at the same place.

Some hosts even provide free domain names or cheap domains when you subscribe to their hosting plan. Their plan consists of free domain registration with free SSL certificates, also known as Secure Sockets Layer certification. A free SSL certificate is necessary for keeping your data secure from attackers. A free SSL certificate is the symbol of trust for your users and clients.

What Type Of Domain Registration Do You Need?

While registering for a domain name, you need to be clear with what domain name suits you the best and how many options are available to you while you go for a domain name registration.

Here Are The Different Types of Domain Names That You Should Be Familiar With

  1. TLD and gTLD: TLD is also known as Top Level Domains, and gTLD represents generic Top-Level Domain. You are well aware that most reputed websites have .com extensions at the end of their primary domain names. This extension is known as the Top-Level Domain. There are different types of TLD, namely, .net or .biz. On the other hand, gTLD or generic Top-Level Domains is used for any general-purpose; the most common gTLDs are .com, .info, .org.
  2. ccTLD (Country Code Top Level Domain): It is a domain name generated especially for specific countries. For example, you have heard of .uk for United Kingdoms and .in for India. There are domain extensions available for many countries worldwide.
  3. Second Level Domain: an SLD is the primary name of the business or company setting up the domain extension. SLD is often named keeping in mind the company’s brand, or it is often named something related to the company’s niche.
  4. Premium Domain: A premium domain is a domain name that has been bought by people already. These domain names are not accessible to you unless the owner is willing to sell you the domain extension for a good deal.

Now that you’re well aware of the basics of Domain name, hosting, and the different options available while finding the right domain extension for you, the next step is to find a cheap domain for building a great website that too with low registration costs.

Steps To Get Yourself A Cheap Or Free Domain

There are a plethora of options available to you when it comes to buying a cheap domain. A cheap domain is the demand of people as the prices offered as per the hosting plans of companies are very high and unaffordable.

That is why a few points need to be kept in mind while deciding your domain provider. Since domain and web hosting are two different things, it is unnecessary to host your website from the same place where you bought your domain.

To make the work easier for you, here are a few tips that will help you find a cheap domain for your website:

1. The Don’ts Of Buying A Domain Name

People make some key mistakes while buying their domain names or finding cheap domain names. Everyone wants to get their hands on a .com TLD, but the availability of such domain extension is highly unlikely, so people settle for bad and low-priced domain extensions instead. It would be best if you tried to avoid these mistakes:

  1. Adding Hyphens To Your Domain Name: Adding hyphens to your domain names is a bad idea as people won’t remember the multiple hyphens and their position on the URL. Hyphens make your website or profile look very amateur, making a bad impression on clients and users. Since people easily forget domains with hyphens. If your competitor gets the same domain name as yours just without the hyphen, they will generate more traffic on their website as your clients will get directed to their website by mistake. It is definitely better to invest some time into brainstorming and finding a better domain name to help you in the long run.
  2. Settling For Domain Extensions Like .biz and.org: Most of us are unfamiliar with domains other than .com, .net, and .org. While the internet is filled with many other domains, it is rare and hard to find a good .com extension. Out of desperation, people choose to settle for domain extensions like .biz and .org. Taking a hasty decision might cost you a lot in these scenarios. Since most people are unaware of the plethora of domains other than the very old .com extension, those who settle for extensions like .biz and .org are prone to indirectly advertising their competitors if they have the same domain name with a .com extension. Your competitors will easily generate traffic on their websites as people don’t always remember the extension other than .com.

2. Buying Cheap Domain From A Recognised Registrar

There’s an ocean of domain registrars out there, small and large. But what is best for you? When buying a domain name or a cheap domain, you should always opt for a reputed domain name registrar. Registering from a small company is an unnecessary risk you should avoid as there are low chances of good customer support after providing the services. Many small hosting services run out of business in the long run, so going for a prominent domain registrar is the best choice. Some of the best registrars out there are:

  • GoDaddy.com
  • BlueHost.com
  • HostGator.com
  • Namecheap.com

3. Consider Registering Your Domain Name For More Than 2 Years

Most people commit the mistake of registering the domain name for only one year; we’ll be listing out 3 reasons why it is a bad idea to buy domains for less than 2 years.

  • Search Engine Optimisation (SEO): If you have managed to register a domain name for at least 2 years or more, google sees your commitment towards your website and provides you with a high rank in search results.
  • Hassle-Free Process: Renewing your domain name regularly within short spans of time can be quite daunting. Getting yourself a domain name for more than 2 years can save you all the trouble of domain renewals now and then.
  • Low Cost: In the era of inflation, registrars offer discounts if you get the plan for a longer duration; that way, you can save up the costs and save yourself from the current inflation.

4. Brainstorm Before You Search

Before you begin searching for memorable domain names, it is very important to keep in mind that investing more time in coming up with a good and unique domain name is better for your business as building an online presence or brand is something you are going to invest a lot of your time in. So feel free to use programs and services like domainwheel.com or domain checker.

Programs like domain checker will provide you with ideas that you have to mix and match, and eventually, you will be able to come up with a good domain name. Domain checker also helps to identify similar names along with their extensions. There are alternate websites to a domain checker which can be found online. Tools like the thesaurus can also help you get the right word for your domain name.

To get a better understanding of How To Buy a Cheap Domain, watch this video:

The Best And Cheap Domain Registrars You Should Know About

Now you need to have a look at the options available for buying a cheap domain. Everybody wants to get their hands on a cheap domain; the cheaper, the better. But going for the cheapest product isn’t always the right thing to do, as cheap service is not sustainable in the long run. The same thing applies in the case of a hosting provider when going for cheap domain registration. Most prominent brands and the best domain registrars offer low prices with discounted rates if you choose their services.

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It is hard to believe, but there are reputed companies that provide free domain for new businesses.

If you are confused and don’t know a lot about these highly reputed and cost-effective registrars out there, here’s a list of the best and cheap domain registrars which can help you create your dream website.

1. BlueHost.in

BlueHost is a cost-effective host that is the main attraction of people starting with their businesses. It has a special perk for new bloggers and businesses.

If you are a new user here and get yourself a hosting account with BlueHost, you’ll be eligible to avail of their services free of cost for the first year! Which means that you get a free domain name.

Those familiar with the WordPress site will be glad to know that BlueHost also provides WordPress hosting as a service. Bloggers who seek a WordPress hosting solution can opt for BlueHost without a doubt.

All you need to do to avail the free service is get yourself an entry-level package provided by them for $6.65 every month.

It provides both the services of a registrar and a host.

There’s always room for upgrades as your business keeps growing.

2. GoDaddy

GoDaddy is considered one of the most popular companies that do the job of hosting domains out there. It also comes around to be a bit more expensive than you’d expect.

It has numerous add-ons which you need to skip to get your hand on the real and cheap deal. Just buying a regular domain and skipping all the other essentials which only make the purchase costlier.

GoDaddy offers an annual fee of approximately $9 for the first year, and with every passing year, it charges around $14.99.

The website provides services of a registrar, and people can also buy hosting if they wish. It also includes many promotions, additional services, and discounts.

3.NameCheap.com

If you are one of those people who want to register domains at one place and host elsewhere, Namecheap.com is the right place for you. Most people register a domain name from here and host their website somewhere else. This helps make a better online presence as you can get the most out of the two different services.

With NameCheap, you’ve to deal with an annual fee of almost $10.7, excluding the discounts. This website also provides a hosting service and cheap domain names.

This website covers an exclusive deal for new users; it provides free private registration for new users, which otherwise costs $2.88 every year.

4.HostGator

HostGator comes in the list of popular host services among the new users who enter the world of online marketing. HostGator has cost-effective prices for users, which is comparatively higher than some of the other services. Still, their prices make them a one-stop destination for buying cheap domain names and making your hosting accounts.

Most people who choose HostGator as their web hosting partner decide to get their domain purchase done from somewhere else.

It covers the annual fees of $15, which is higher than that of NameCheap and GoDaddy

HostGator offers private registration for $10

5. Domain.com

Domain.com is a website that sells domains, and that is the main service offered by them.

Domain.com also provides a hosting service from their side, but most people don’t opt for these services like hosting and a website builder from their end. A website builder is not necessary for everyone, and people like to get their website hosted from somewhere else even if they choose Domain.com for their primary services.

The customer support from their side is quite good to register cheap domain names, but as the reviews say, they are a bit slow on the side of web hosting.

6. Network Solutions

Network Solutions don’t have a lot of brand value, to be fair, but being one of the oldest companies that provided the service of Domain registering, it has its fair share of goodwill. So if you plan on registering your domain from this company, be calm as it is probably the right choice made by your side. Some of these companies also provide SSL certificates for better security.

The Annual fee charged by Network Solutions is $34.99

The company also acts as a host for the users. Many deals can be availed of with purchasing the yearly package for the hosting service they provide.

7. Hover.com

Hover.com is a name that most of you are not familiar with. This is because it is comparatively new in the market. They claim themselves to be full of new and fresh ideas for naming your domain. They are very good at selling domains and offer many other services like providing a professional email address with their domains. They have managed to create a name for themselves in this niche of the market. They have managed to create a name for themselves in this niche of the market.

The customer support or the additional services provided by Hover.com are really customer-friendly, where the support can be reached via phone or email.

Hover’s pricing range comes in a lot of variety if you register a domain name from Hover.

The price differs with opting for a different domain extension. The .com extension is charged $12.99 and the .org extension is priced at $13.99. The .net extension is even higher at $15.49.

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Photo by Christopher Gower on Unsplash

This article covered all the basics about domains, their types, and how you can find a cheap domain for creating your dream website. This article has also covered how you can get a cheap domain extension for your website. The websites and domain service providers are listed above. Make sure you check it out and get a better insight on what to go for and what to avoid while choosing a domain name or a registrar. I hope you learned something new from this article, and it helped you choose the best and cheap domain for your website.

You may also want to check out some other articles from our side: Squarespace Templates: 15 Popular Themes To Build An Attractive Website

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