Where can I register a domain name?
A domain name is your website’s address, like example.com. It’s what people type to find you online.
This guide explains where to register one, how to pick a safe registrar, and how to avoid common mistakes. The goal is clarity—simple enough that even a 12-year-old can follow it.
What does “registering” mean?
Registering means you reserve an address on the internet so nobody else can take it. You don’t “buy it forever”—you pay for it for a period (often 1 year), then renew it.
Where can I register a new domain name?
You register through a company called a domain registrar. A registrar is approved to sell website addresses and connect them to the global domain system.
Safe options (start here)
- Use an ICANN-accredited registrar (this is the global standard). You can confirm the official list here: ICANN Accredited Registrars.
- You can also check any registered address using: ICANN Lookup.
Registrar vs hosting (simple explanation)
These are different things:
- Registrar: where you reserve the web address.
- Hosting: where your website files live.
- DNS: settings that connect the address to the hosting.
It’s normal to register the address in one place and host the website somewhere else.
How to register (step by step)
- Pick a name that’s short and easy to spell.
- Choose an extension like .com, .org, .net, or one that matches your country or industry.
- Search availability on the registrar’s site.
- Pay and register.
- Turn on security: 2FA (two-step login) and domain lock.
- Connect DNS to your hosting and email service.
How to choose a good domain name
A strong web address is easy to remember and easy to type—no guessing.
- Keep it short (avoid long phrases).
- Avoid hyphens and numbers if possible.
- Use words people can spell after hearing once.
- Try to match your brand name.
Video (Kiswahili): jinsi ya kuchagua jina la website lililo rahisi kukumbuka na kuaminika.
Want help registering + setting everything up?
If you prefer a package that includes setup (registration + connection to website/email), these website design packages include domain registration:
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting renewals: set auto-renew if you can.
- Skipping security: turn on 2FA and domain lock.
- Using confusing spelling: people will type it wrong and miss your site.
- Only checking first-year price: renewals matter more long-term.