How to Register Your Own Website

• Step 1

  Come up with a name. True, many of the best names are taken, but you can still come up with a great name by putting a bit of creative thought behind it. Just remember, don't make your name too long. You can register a name up to 63 characters, but generally people don't want to have to type that much to get to your website. Make the name short and easy to remember.

• Step 2

  Choose a registrar with whom you will register your domain name. Many web hosting providers will register a name for you, and some will even do this for free if you choose them to host your website. If your hosting provider does not provide registration services, you can go to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) for an accredited registrar. While there are hundreds of ICANN-accredited registrars on the list, you should choose one that is in your home country to make customer support easier.

• Step 3

  Check to see if the domain name you want is already taken. In order to register a domain name, it has to be unique. Most registrars have a section on their website where you can check the availability of a domain name. Many of them will also suggest similar names if your first choice is taken. You can also use SamSpade.org to check domain name eligibility. Using the link in the resources section will take you to a basic-looking site that provides a text box called "Whois." Entering the domain name in this box and clicking the button will tell you who, if anyone, owns the domain name in question. If all the names you have decided on are taken, you need to go back to the drawing board.

• Step 4

  Register your name. Unless you have a deal with your hosting provider, registering your name will cost you a few dollars per year, usually around $9.95 as of 2009. You can save money by extending the registration for up to 10 years. You will need to provide the registrar with contact information during this step as well. While this is used primarily to contact you with important information regarding your domain, the information is published. It is tempting to use false information here, but that is not a good idea since you may not be able to be contacted or may not be able to prove ownership in a legal dispute. The next step offers a way to protect this information.

• Step 5

  Before you pay for your registration, you can add on different options for additional fees. You can make your registration private so your name, address, phone number and email address is not published when someone searches for your domain name. Other options can be to register .net, .org, .biz and other extensions at this time. This can help prevent others from using your established name and stealing your traffic.

• Step 6

  Wait for the registration to happen. Usually, it takes between 24 and 48 hours for the registration to complete and your website name to point to the IP address assigned to it. Once this is complete, you will be able to start uploading files to your website.

• 2
• Opt for private registration even though it costs a bit extra. Use your hosting provider's registration service if it has one.
• Opt for private registration even though it costs a bit extra.
• Use your hosting provider's registration service if it has one.
• Watch for expiration dates. Once your domain name expires, someone else can register it. Make sure your registrar is ICANN-accredited.
• Watch for expiration dates. Once your domain name expires, someone else can register it.
• Make sure your registrar is ICANN-accredited.

References & Resources

• ICANN
• Sam Spade