The Do’s and Don’ts of Domain Name Registration: A Guide to Getting It Right

Registering a domain name seems simple enough, but there are plenty of ways to make it unnecessarily complicated. Whether you’re a web developer or designer, getting your domain right can save you a lot of headaches down the road. Let’s break it down with some practical advice—and just a hint of irreverence to keep things interesting.

DO: Choose a Reputable Registrar

Not all domain registrars are the same. Some are straightforward and reliable, while others are… not. For a smooth experience, stick to these three trusted domain registrars (that always get recommended when this is asked about on Reddit): Cloudflare, Namecheap, or Porkbun. These registrars offer the most competitive prices, solid customer support, and are popular among web professionals.

DON’T: Buy Your Domain from Your Hosting Provider

If you take away nothing else from this article, just remember this:

DO NOT REGISTER YOUR DOMAIN NAME WITH YOUR WEB HOST.

It might seem convenient to bundle your domain and hosting, but it’s not a good idea. Hosting providers often charge more for domains and make transferring them later a hassle. For example, say there was an issue with your web hosting provider, such as a billing error or dispute. You decide to move your website to a better web hosting company. But the previous web host also controls your domain name, and could potentially stop you from transferring your domain name registration to a different provider. Keeping your domain and hosting separate is a smarter move—think of it as not keeping your eggs in a single basket.

DO: Keep It Short and Memorable

Your domain name should be easy to remember and simple to type. Long, complicated names with hyphens or unusual spellings are a recipe for confusion. Aim for something short, clear, and intuitive. If someone can spell it correctly after hearing it once, you’re on the right track.

DON’T: Get Carried Away with Exotic TLDs

Sure, there are countless new TLDs (top-level domains) like .pizza, .ninja, or .guru. But just because they exist doesn’t mean they’re the best choice. Stick to classics like .com, .org, or .net, unless a niche TLD is truly relevant to your brand. For most projects, the tried-and-true options are the safest bet.

DO: Use Privacy Protection

WHOIS privacy protection is a must. Without it, your personal information could be publicly available, leading to spam, scams, and other annoyances. The good news is that reputable registrars like Namecheap and Porkbun often include privacy protection for free. If your registrar charges extra for it, you might want to look elsewhere.

DON’T: Let Your Domain Expire

Nothing says “unprofessional” like letting your domain expire and losing it to someone else. Set your domain to auto-renew, and make sure your payment details are up to date. It’s a small step that can save you a lot of trouble.

DO: Check the Domain’s History

Before committing to a domain, take a moment to research its past. Tools like the Wayback Machine or Google’s Safe Browsing site status can reveal if the domain was previously used for anything shady. You don’t want to inherit a domain with a questionable reputation.

DON’T: Overthink It

Yes, your domain name is important, but it’s not worth losing sleep over. If your first choice isn’t available, pick the next best option and move on. A great website with valuable content will matter far more than whether you went with .com or .org.

Final Thoughts

Registering a domain doesn’t have to be a complicated ordeal. Follow these tips to avoid common pitfalls and set yourself up for success. And remember, even if things don’t go perfectly, it’s all part of the learning process. Now go forth and secure that perfect domain!