How to buy a domain and what to pay attention to

Buying a domain can be a crucial step in building an online presence, but it can also cause a number of dilemmas. Understanding the basic terms and procedures of purchasing can make the entire process significantly easier. 

After the domain is purchased, it is important to know what to do next to ensure the functionality and success of the site.

Ilustracija osobe koja sedi za stolom ispred velikog monitora, okružena ikonama i šarenim elementima dizajna

Key points

  • Understanding the basic concepts is key to understanding the domain
  • The process of buying a domain can be easily followed.
  • Important information is available for post-purchase activities.

Basic terms

Understanding the basic terms related to domains can make the buying and management process much easier. domain types and the importance of choosing the right domain name.

What is a domain?

A domain is a unique network address which identifies a web page on the Internet. domain name and extension.

A domain allows users to easily find specific content, rather than having to remember numeric IP addresses.

Types of domains

There are several types, the most famous of which are:

Domain level Description An example
Top-level domains (TLD) Extensions at the top of the domain hierarchy usually include generic and national extensions. .com, .org, .net, .rs
Second level domain The domain under the TLD. "domain" in "domain.com"
Subdomain Part of the main domain, often used for specific sections of the site. "blog.domain.com"

Each type of domain has specific purposes and uses.

The importance of choosing the right name

Choosing a domain name can affect brand recognition and SEO.

The domain should contain relevant keywords that reflect the purpose of the site.

Likewise, for the Serbian market, it is always better to choose one of national domains, like “.rs”;

Purchase procedure

Ilustracija osobe koja sedi za stolom ispred velikog ekrana sa kontrolnom listom zadataka na monitoru
When registering a domain, it is important to check its availability and choose the right extension to make your site recognizable and professional

Buying a domain is the first step in the process of creating a website.

Register selection

The first step in the buying process is choosing the right register.

It is recommended to check:

  • Price registrations and renewed prices
  • Support to users - availability and reactions
  • Additional services like hosting

Popular registrars include GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Doola.

Check availability

After selecting the registry, the next step is to check the availability of the desired name.

It is important to consider:

Ilustracija osobe koja stoji između dva stepeništa, jedno označeno kao „Varijacije imena“, a drugo kao „TLD opcije“, simbolizujući načine za odabir dostupnog domena.
If the desired domain name is taken, try similar variations or explore different TLD extensions like .com, .net or local ones like .rs or .ba

By checking the availability, the user can ensure the uniqueness and relevance of the name.

Registration

When an available name is found, the user proceeds to the registration itself.

The basic steps include:

  • Information entry about the registrant
  • Choosing the length of the registration (most often 1 to 10 years)
  • Payment through a certain method

After successful registration, the registrant receives confirmation and access to the domain settings.

What after the purchase?

Muškarac sedi za radnim stolom i radi na računaru, gledajući planine na ekranu u kućnom okruženju.
After registering the domain, the next step is to connect the domain and hosting, as well as the creation of the site, which enables its visibility on the Internet

It is important to get all the necessary aspects right to ensure its effective use.

Setting up DNS records

Setting up DNS records is key to traffic routing to the site.

In order for the user to be able to find the site, it is necessary to set MX records in order to enable email communication. servers about where to deliver emails directed to that domain.

All these entries can be configured in the registry control panel.

Privacy protection

Many registries offer a privacy protection service to hide domain owner information from the public.

Deciding to use privacy protection can prevent spam and junk mail.

Depending on the registry, this option may be free or charged as an additional service.

Ilustracija radnog stola sa računarom i simbolom katanca na ekranu, koji simbolizuje sigurnost i zaštitu podataka
Domain privacy protection prevents your personal information from appearing in public domain registries and keeps you safe online

Basic privacy protection

Includes:

  • Hiding the name of the owner.
  • Replacement of personal contact data with generic registrar data.
  • Basic spam and spam protection.
  • Availability: In some cases it is free and comes as part of the basic domain registration.

Additional privacy protection

Includes:

  • Protection against targeted selling or misuse of data by third parties.
  • Additional data encryption or domain activity hiding service.
  • Additional options, such as anonymous domain registration or protection against domain theft (Domain Locking).
  • Availability: It is usually charged as an additional service, and the price may vary depending on the registrar.

Maintenance and renewal

Domains are usually purchased, that is

Users can set renewal reminders.

Apart from renewal, regularly checking the domain's search engine performance is also important.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic steps for buying an internet domain?

The first step in purchasing a domain name involves researching the availability of the desired name.

What should you pay attention to when choosing the right domain name?

When choosing a domain name it is important to keep it short, easy to remember and relevant to the content offered.

How to properly evaluate the value of a domain before buying?

The value of a domain can be assessed based on several factors, including the length of the name, keyword popularity, age and its past usage.

What are the most important factors that affect the price of a domain?

The price may depend on the extension (.com, .net, etc.), market interest, earlier registration and its usage.

What are the pros and cons of registering a domain with different registrars?

Some registries offer lower prices, while others provide additional services such as privacy or support.

How to protect your domain after you register it?

For protection after registration, it is recommended to use the private registration option, activate two-factor authentication and renew registration regularly.