- Rebecca Tomasis
- Nov 17
- 9 min read
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain→
Your perfect domain is out there—but so is a sea of taken names, hidden fees and confusing registrars. One wrong step and you could lose your brand, waste money or spend weeks hunting for a name no one remembers. Let’s cut through the noise and get your domain right from the start.
TL;DR: I want to buy a domain name
This guide helps you choose a domain name that fits your brand, secure it with a trusted registrar, connect it to your website and email and keep it safe for the future.
Here's what you'll learn:
How to set your domain goals.
How to pick a reliable registrar and TLD.
Tips for brainstorming and choosing a memorable domain name.
How to register your domain securely.
How to link it to your website, email and social media.
Strategies to protect your domain long-term.
Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place—custom website, business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free.
I want to buy a domain. What should I do first?
01. Decide your domain goals
Before you jump to buy a domain name, think about its purpose. Your goals will define the domain type you pick, the extension you choose, how you brand it and build a website.
For example:
Business website: If you're opening a boutique or consultancy, your domain should reflect your brand name, be easy to spell and feel professional—like LunaDesigns.com or BrightPathConsulting.com.
Blog or personal project: You might get more creative with a fun memorable name—like CoffeeAndCode.com or WanderWithMe.net.
E-commerce store: Think about keywords that describe your products so people can find you easily—like EcoGearShop.com or TinyTotsToys.com.
Portfolio or side hustle: Short memorable domains work best—like AlexWrites.com or PixelBloom.com.
Knowing your goal also helps you decide if you need multiple domains. For instance you might register yourbrand.com for the main site and a few variations like yourbrand.store or common misspellings to protect your brand.
02. Choose a domain registrar
Choosing the right domain registrar means considering its reputation, pricing and included features. Go for a well-established ICANN-accredited domain registrar like Wix. Look for value-added services such as WHOIS lookup, privacy protection (free with Wix) DNS management and email forwarding.
You'll want to make sure your registrar offers an intuitive dashboard for managing domains and supports your desired top-level domain TLD. Depending on your type of brand and business you might also want to check your registrar offers a variety of TLD's.
Learn more: What is a domain registrar (and why do you need one)
Comparison of free vs paid domain services
When buying a domain name you might notice some registrars offer free domains often bundled with website builders or hosting plans. Free domains can be appealing if you’re starting small or testing an idea but they usually come with limitations. You might have restricted DNS control limited privacy protection or subtle branding from the provider on your domain.
Paid domain services give you more control and flexibility. You can fully manage DNS settings enable privacy protection and retain complete ownership of your domain name. Paid domains often look more professional and make it easier to transfer your domain if you ever switch registrars.
Learn more: Best domain name registrars
Customer support reliability for your domain
When you're managing a domain name, reliable support is crucial. Technical issues can pop up, like registration errors, DNS misconfigurations or transfer delays. With responsive support, these problems get sorted fast, saving you time and preventing website downtime. Look for registrars offering live chat, phone support and email support, plus detailed help centers or tutorials.
Always check reviews to gauge support quality. Some registrars offer 24/7 help, while others operate only during limited hours. Picking a registrar with dependable support means if your domain hits a snag, you can fix it quickly.
Learn more: Is Wix a domain registrar?
Hidden costs to watch for when buying a domain name
While the initial price for a domain name might seem low watch out for hidden costs that can pop up later. Renewal fees are often higher than the first-year price and services like privacy protection email or domain transfers can add to the bill. Some registrars also sneak in extra charges like ICANN fees or setup costs that can surprise you.
To avoid these unexpected expenses compare the total cost over several years not just the introductory price. Always read the fine print to understand what’s included.
If you’re planning to bundle with hosting or email, choose a registrar that offers reliable integration with these services — with Wix, for example, web hosting comes with every website you create.
Learn more: Does Wix have email too?
03. Choose your domain name
Your domain name is the first thing people see, so it needs to be clear, memorable and a good fit for your brand. A few basic tips for doing this:
Your name should be simple and memorable
Make sure it can reflect your brand long term
It should be short, where possible
Remember to avoid cultural sensitivities
Start by listing words that describe your business, products or style. Try combining words, using rhymes or keeping it short and catchy.
Learn more: How to buy a domain name
When choosing a domain, prioritize one that aligns with your brand and is easy for customers to remember. A domain should reflect your business and make it simple for people to find you online. Einat Shafir, product manager at Wix
When your ideal domain is taken
Check if your domain name is available using a domain name search tool. If your first pick is already taken, don’t sweat it. Say you sell eco-friendly bags and GreenCarry.com is gone. You could add a word like get, shop or my (GetGreenCarry.com), try a different extension like .store or .co or even tweak the spelling so it's still easy to type (EkoTote.com).
You could also see if the current owner is willing to sell it. Lots of domains are owned but not used, and some people are happy to negotiate a price. Find their contact info with a WHOIS lookup or domain broker service. Be aware that some domains, especially short or popular ones, can be pricey. But it's worth a shot if the name is perfect for your brand. Even if you don't buy it, just reaching out might spark new ideas for similar names or other available options.
You can also learn more in our guide to how to choose a domain name, or see what 23 business owners consider their worst domain naming mistakes.
04. Choose your domain extension (TLD)
A domain extension, or TLD (like .com domain, .net or .store), might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference. The trusty .com is familiar and trusted by most visitors, making it often the safest choice for a business or professional website.
But don't count out newer or niche extensions. They can work really well, especially if they clearly describe what your site is all about. For instance, a store could use .shop, a tech startup might try .io and a creative portfolio could go for .design.
TLDs can also have subtle SEO and branding effects. While search engines treat all TLDs similarly, people are more likely to trust and remember certain extensions, which can improve clicks and recognition. Niche or country-specific extensions, like .co.uk or .ca, can signal your focus area to your audience.
Learn more:
05. Register your domain name
Once you find an available domain with your chosen domain registrar, add it to your cart. During the checkout process, you’ll be prompted to enter your contact information, which is needed for WHOIS registration.
Learn more: How to register a domain name
Choose your registration term, the standard is usually one year, though multi-year options are available and you should consider turning on auto-renewal to avoid accidental expiration of your domain. Submit your payment securely and confirm your registration. If you have a paid Wix account, your domain name will be free and there's no payment necessary.
After purchasing, you’ll receive an email confirmation and you may need to verify your contact email. Once verified, the domain is yours and can be connected to your website or reserved for future use.
If you build a website with Wix connection to your website is automatic once your domain name is registered.
Learn more: What's the easiest way to get a domain?
06. What to do after buying your domain
Buying your domain is just the first step—now it’s time to put it to work. Start by connecting it to your website so visitors can find you. If you’re using a website builder like Wix it usually happens automatically. If not, you’ll need to update your DNS settings—don’t worry, most registrars have step-by-step guides. Set up a professional email with your domain and link your domain to your social media.
Once everything's connected, think about protecting your domain long-term. Turn on auto-renewal so you don't lose it by accident and enable WHOIS privacy to keep your contact info safe.
Consider buying common misspellings or alternative extensions to stop competitors from snatching them. Keep your login info secure and update passwords regularly.
New domain checkup:
Get connected: Point your domain to your website.
Professional email: Set up emails like you@yourbrand.com.
Social media links: Update your profiles with your new domain.
Auto-renew: Turn this on. You don't want to accidentally lose your domain simply because you forgot to renew.
Privacy protection: Use WHOIS protection to keep your personal details private.
Secure alternatives: Register common misspellings or other domain extensions.
Protect your login: Use strong passwords and update them regularly.
How do I buy a domain name from Wix?
Buying and managing your domain is a breeze with Wix. Right from the start, you get instant domain name search results and an AI-powered generator to help you find names that suit your brand industry or style. Once you’ve found a winner, Wix offers quick domain registration with a wide range of domain extensions for any industry or geo.
To buy a domain name from Wix, follow these steps:
Go to Domains in your Wix account, or start here
Click on 'Get a New Domain'
Enter your chosen domain name and extension in the search field, then click 'Search'
If the domain is available, confirm you want it
Select your registration period (1-3 years)
Enter your contact information
If necessary, choose your privacy and security options
Select your payment method and submit your purchase. If you have a paid Wix account, your domain name will be free.
When you build your site on Wix, your domain connects automatically to secure scalable web hosting. No extra setup needed. You can also create a professional inbox with Google Workspace business email, all tied directly to your domain. Everything stays in one place, saving you time reducing typical domain confusion and making getting online feel a lot simpler.
I want to buy a domain name FAQ
Which is the best site to buy a domain?
The best place is a registrar that’s ICANN-accredited, transparent with pricing and easy to manage. Platforms like Wix are popular because they bundle privacy, support and simple dashboards. Choose the one that fits how you plan to build and manage your site.
Do I need an LLC for a domain?
No, you don’t need an LLC to buy a domain name. Anyone can register one with basic contact details. But if you already run a business, registering under your LLC keeps your brand ownership cleaner and avoids mixing personal and business info.
How do I permanently buy a domain name?
You cant buy a domain permanently but you can keep it as long as you renew it. Most registrars let you register for up to 10 years at a time and offer auto-renewal so you never lose it. Owning the domain long-term is simply about staying on top of renewals.
How to get a 100% free domain name?
Some website builders or hosting plans offer a free domain for the first year. But you'll still have to pay for the service itself. Completely free domains with standard extensions like .com don't really exist and "free" TLDs can look unprofessional.
How long does it take to register a domain?
Domain registration is almost instant. You search, choose your name, pay and it’s yours within minutes. DNS changes might take a little longer to update but the domain is activated right away.
Can I change my domain later?
You can buy a new domain anytime and connect it to your website. Just remember you'll need to update links, emails and SEO settings, so it's smart to choose carefully upfront. You don’t "edit" a domain — you replace it with a new one.
What happens if I forget to renew my domain?
Typically, your domain enters a grace period where you can still restore it. If you wait too long it can enter auction or be released back to the public. Turning on auto-renew is the easiest way to avoid losing it.
Can I buy a domain anonymously?
Yes, if your registrar provides WHOIS privacy. This feature keeps your personal details out of public databases and many registrars offer it for free. You'll still share your real information privately for verification.
Are premium domains worth buying?
Premium domains can be worth it if the name has strong branding power, trust or search value. They’re often short, recognizable and easier for customers to remember. Just weigh the cost against how important that exact name is to your brand’s growth.