{"id":3779,"date":"2018-10-12T16:51:07","date_gmt":"2018-10-12T16:51:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sitebeginner.com\/?p=3779"},"modified":"2024-04-18T12:18:21","modified_gmt":"2024-04-18T12:18:21","slug":"cheap-domains","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sitebeginner.com\/domains\/cheap-domains\/","title":{"rendered":"Cheap Domain Names – How And Where to Find Them – 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

Creating a website<\/a> isn\u2019t tough \u2014 getting it noticed among more than a quarter of a billion other sites is the challenge. Like brick and mortar stores whose success hinges on location, location, location; your domain name is your online address and if it\u2019s too far off the beaten path, you may be out of business before getting off the ground.<\/p>\n

The problem is that a prime spot on the information superhighway can cost as much as retail space on a real highway and if you\u2019re like most new bloggers or startups, your budget for a prime domain name isn\u2019t high.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The good news is that it\u2019s possible to get a good, if not perfect name without breaking the bank if you know where to look and who to trust. Before biting on an offer that seems too good to be true, keep reading to learn more about the importance of domain names and the companies that sell them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Building an Online Presence<\/h3>\n

The purpose of building a blog or website is for people to find you. To do this, you need three things:<\/p>\n

\u2022 A great idea
\n\u2022 A memorable, user-friendly domain name
\n\u2022 A lot of expensive technology and expertise<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re reading this, chances are you already have the idea and thankfully, todays web hosting companies can help you achieve a high-profile online presence without an IT department and a warehouse full of servers, but getting a great domain name \u2014 that\u2019s where it gets tricky.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What\u2019s in a domain name?<\/h3>\n

Your domain name is the part of your online address that starts after the www. and ends with a domain suffix like .com, .net, .biz, or .org<\/strong> among many others. The first part of your name should reflect something about your blog or business. The suffix reflects the larger online space \u2014 or domain \u2014 where your site lives.<\/p>\n

Some domains are limited to specific types of businesses or organizations. To use .museum, your entity must be a legitimate museum. That\u2019s known as a closed top-level domain.<\/p>\n

Anyone, however, can register in an open top-level domain like .com and .net, but there are two important rules \u2014 you have to pay for it and it can\u2019t be the same as anyone else\u2019s. Like addresses in any popular neighbourhood, space in the .com and .net domains is getting both limited and expensive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How to Buy a Domain Name<\/h3>\n

Domain names<\/a> are purchased and registered with services called domain registrars<\/a>. All registrars are accredited by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers); a non-profit institution responsible for managing the directory of web addresses.<\/p>\n

The line between dedicated registrars who deal only with domain names and web hosting companies is a little blurry. Registrars have the perfect platform on which to offer web hosting services to help them make a profit, and web hosts like to offer domain name management for their clients. Since some level of web hosting is necessary to get your page online, dedicated registrars are increasingly rare.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do I need a web host?<\/h3>\n

If you want to be searchable online, you need a web host. Web hosts create the link between your website and the internet. Without that link, your page would have an audience of one \u2014 you.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s possible to register a name with a dedicated registrar and buy hosting services separately. In fact, some pros recommend it, but using separate companies requires some know-how, and beginners can benefit by buying a cheap domain name with a web host that offers scalable services for a burgeoning business.<\/p>\n

As a carrot to entice you to purchase their hosting services, domain name registrars<\/a> like Namecheap<\/a> and Bluehost<\/a> offer cheap domain names. Bluehost and Hostgator will give you a free domain and free email when you buy hosting.<\/p>\n

Bluehost <\/a>offers web hosting & a free domain for as little as $2.95 per month.<\/p>\n

Hostgator<\/a>\u00a0gives you high quality web hosting, free domain, free email accounts + access to their web builder for just $3 p\/m .<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What qualifies as a cheap domain name?<\/h3>\n

Cheap domain names start at $0.99 and on average, top out at $12.99 annually for the first year. Renewal fees range from $9.99 to $29.99, but there\u2019s no guarantee those won\u2019t change. Prices vary with the purchase of a web hosting plan, but tend to be lower, especially if you want to snag a .com or .net suffix.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Choosing a Domain Name<\/h3>\n

Domain names are about simplicity. Names that are awkward to spell, difficult to remember, don\u2019t make sense, or don\u2019t end in a popular, recognizable suffix like .com or .net make you almost invisible to general online traffic. It\u2019s like having a small business twenty blocks removed from Main Street. People who know you\u2019re there will visit, but you won\u2019t gain new customers by attracting passers-by.<\/p>\n

Because .com and .net are the domains most people remember, entrepreneurs saw the value in registering millions of potentially popular addresses years ago and today, if you want an easy-to-recognize, brandable name in a top-level domain, you\u2019ll have to ante up what the market says its worth. One well-known website that features classified ads for cars paid over 800 million dollars for their .com domain name in 2017.<\/p>\n

So is any registrar or web host going to give you a premium domain name for cheap? No, but there are surprisingly good options still available. For the price, however, many cheap domain names come with a few catches and it\u2019s worth knowing who you\u2019re dealing with to avoid nasty surprises.<\/p>\n

Let's look at five popular companies offering cheap domain names.<\/p>\n

#1 – netart.com<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

netart.com<\/a> is part of the NetArt group which operates in over 100 countries worldwide. Price wise they are one of the cheapest on the market, as well as offering exceptional customer service and support. Domain registration is fast and simple, ideal for those who are first time bloggers or website owners.<\/p>\n

They have over 300 different domain extensions to choose from, which means that you\u2019ll have a good chance of securing your brand, business or personal name in some form of domain name.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

#2 – Namecheap<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Namecheap<\/a> is a registrar and web host. Hosting packages come with a free .website domain name or you can forego hosting and buy just a name with suffixes like .site, .space, .press or .host for as little as $0.88 for the first year. You\u2019ll pay $8.88 yearly and up for a .com and while they promise reasonable renewal rates, fees aren\u2019t clear.<\/p>\n

Value-added features include limited free e-mail and complementary WhoisGuard privacy protection that keeps your information in WHOIS \u2014 an ICANN-required website identification database \u2014 private. Like other bargain registrars, Namecheap is guilty of aggressive upselling and its hosting features are limited, but current customers and industry gurus are satisfied you get what you pay for.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

#3 – Hostinger<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hostinger<\/a><\/strong> is another ICANN-accredited registrar and web host. Their .com domain name starts at a highly competitive $8.99 and up annually, but lesser known suffixes like .xyz, .store and .tech can be had for just $0.99. You\u2019ll get a free domain name for a year with hosting and packages cost as little as $.80 per month, but beware \u2014 important features like online storage space and bandwidth are very limited at lower tiers.<\/p>\n

Comprehensive package pricing is on the better side of competitive and hosting services are a bump up from Namecheap, but if you\u2019re just getting started, the differences are negligible. Hostinger\u2019s website isn\u2019t quite as user-friendly as others, but they have an excellent reputation for customer service.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

#4 – Bluehost<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking to get online with a bang, Bluehost<\/a> <\/strong>is both a registrar and web host that offers high-quality, user-friendly hosting services for the same price as lesser options from their competitors. Their .com sites are the most expensive starting at $12.99 per year, but bargain suffixes suitable for blogs and less commercial ventures can be had for $9.99.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll get one free domain name annually with a hosting package<\/a> and at higher levels, subdomains are unlimited. Toss in a host of perks from WHOIS privacy protection and unmetered bandwidth to top-notch customer support and a free SSL certificate and if you can swing the extra cost, it\u2019s great value for a growing business.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

#5 – Hover<\/h3>\n

Hover is a dedicated registrar, so it\u2019s not a one-stop solution for both a domain name and web hosting, but there\u2019s something to be said for sticking to what you do best and doing it well. If this is the first time you\u2019ve searched for a domain name, Hover\u2019s user interface is remarkably simple and intuitive.<\/p>\n

They offer a full gamut of top-level domain names as well as generic and country code level domains, and when you\u2019re ready to integrate your choice into a separate web hosting platform, Hover\u2019s apps make it easy. Their pricing is clearly defined and unlike other sites, renewal fees are clearly disclosed.<\/p>\n

The downside is that since all of their profit comes solely from the sale of domain names, their prices are significantly higher. Value-added features include free e-mail and exceptional privacy protection.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

#6 – GoDaddy<\/h3>\n

At GoDaddy \u2014 a registrar and web host \u2014 domain names run from $0.99 annually for generic or country code level suffixes up to a list price of $29.99 for .coms and .nets. If you\u2019re feeling lucky, you can bid on valuable domain names on their auction page and if you want a name that\u2019s already taken, they\u2019ll even negotiate with the owner on your behalf \u2014 for a fee \u2014 to get it for you.<\/p>\n

Hosting services are available by the package and include a domain name discount, but while GoDaddy has a strong business presence and has help millions of customers register domain names, they\u2019ve overstayed their welcome with a few who resent their aggressive upselling and spotty customer support.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What to Look for in a Registrar or Web Host<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

It's possible to have a bad experience with even the best registrar or web host and there's a lot to consider, but looking at these criteria is a good place to start.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ICANN Accreditation<\/strong><\/p>\n

In addition to paying fees, accredited ICANN registrars must sign responsibility agreements and demonstrate they have the resources and technical expertise to offer the services they promise. Individual accreditations can be verified on the ICANN website and copies of service agreements can be reviewed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Data Privacy<\/strong><\/p>\n

ICANN requires that all domain name owners be identified in the WHOIS database. In some ways, that\u2019s a reassuring level of transparency, but it also leaves your personal data vulnerable to hackers and thieves. As a bonus, some registrars will make your personal information invisible as part of the price you pay for a domain name. Others charge for that protection.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reputation<\/strong><\/p>\n

ICANN monitors registrar performance to some extent, but they can\u2019t save you from an unscrupulous or subpar operator. Before establishing a relationship with any registrar, check out reviews from prominent industry insiders and current users \u2014 don\u2019t depend on old data. Call their customer support number and ask questions. How you are treated by a live representative reflects what you can expect for support after the sale.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Scalability<\/strong><\/p>\n

Registering a domain name is just the first step in what could grow into a much larger venture. If your registrar or web host doesn\u2019t offer enough options for growing your business, additional services can be had elsewhere, but it can be confusing and time-consuming. If you\u2019re more comfortable with a one-stop option, register your name with a company that offers scalable services to match your needs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Customer Support<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some bargain registrars save money by offering limited contact options and bare bones support. This is important because if your site depends on their DNS interface and it goes down, so does your page. Before registering your name, look at contact information. If it\u2019s limited to chat or e-mail support for eight hours daily on weekdays only, think twice before trusting them with a business website. If you are paying for web hosting, expect twenty-four hour service.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pros of Cheap Domain Names<\/h3>\n

Cheap domain names let anyone with a near-zero budget get online. If you blog just for fun or need a temporary website for an event, it\u2019s the least expensive way to get a name without paying for things you don\u2019t need.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also the perfect way to register more than one domain name for a future business or to buy cheap sound-alike names that could send more web traffic your way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Potential Downsides<\/h3>\n

In general, you get what you pay for. Registrars pay for ICANN accreditation and for the equipment, staff and expertise needed to offer the cheap domain names you want. They have to recoup costs and if they can\u2019t do it by upselling services, some will do it by cutting customer support or engaging in shady practices.<\/p>\n

Registrar misdeeds to watch for include:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Not verifying name eligibility on WHOIS \u2014 possibly resulting in copyright infringement
\n\u2022 Tacking on unauthorized charges for unwanted extras
\n\u2022 Compromising on security measures
\n\u2022 Selling your personal data
\n\u2022 Raising the prices on popular names at renewal
\n\u2022 Making domain name transfers difficult
\n\u2022 Changing the terms of your agreement without notice
\n\u2022 Buying the domain names people check via their search bars and selling them for a higher price
\n\u2022 Selling your domain name if you fail to renew your contract on time<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Verdict<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re a beginner looking for the least expensive option to get started, but feel like you need support through the process, pay a little extra and go with Hostinger. For a few dollars more, you get exceptionally responsive customer support and if your site is a big hit, they offer web hosting services to take you to the next level.<\/p>\n

If you have a rock-bottom budget and want a domain name for temporary use, expect to get limited value from your site, or just want to buy up sound-alike names, Namecheap<\/a> is the least expensive, but you\u2019ll need to be knowledgeable and take charge of the process.<\/p>\n

For business start-ups in search of both a domain name and scalable web hosting, Bluehost gives you the most bang for your buck. Domain names are cheap with the purchase of a basic hosting package and their reputation is unparalleled for above-board service and fee transparency without annoying upselling.<\/p>\n

Just because a domain name is cheap, doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s the best value and since it\u2019s the biggest driver of traffic to your website, a good one is worth the investment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Creating a website isn\u2019t tough \u2014 getting it noticed among more than a quarter of a billion other sites is the challenge. Like brick and mortar stores whose success hinges on location, location, location; your domain name is your online address and if it\u2019s too far off the beaten path, you may be out of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sitebeginner.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3779"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sitebeginner.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sitebeginner.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sitebeginner.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sitebeginner.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3779"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/sitebeginner.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3779\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4350,"href":"https:\/\/sitebeginner.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3779\/revisions\/4350"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sitebeginner.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3779"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sitebeginner.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3779"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sitebeginner.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3779"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}