Domain Name Registration Checklist

Domain name registration checklist. The first step towards establishing your online presence and website is to find the right domain name and register it.

This domain name registration checklist gives you the process to get your own new business website domain name registered.

What is a Domain name?

Domain names are the address of your website that people type into their browser to visit your website. Think of it like this: if your website were a house, the domain name would be its address.

Once you have registered your domain, you need to start thinking about web hosting services.

Domain Name Registration Checklist

This domain name registration checklist gives you the process to get your own new business website domain name registered.

Name Idea

List ideas for names. Think easy to pronounce, spell, memorable, and as short as possible.

Use your keywords and brand name in the domain name search but avoid names that are similar to your competition.

List keywords related to your business, niche, or purpose.

Consider brandability: easy to say, spell, and remember.

Check if the name conveys what your website offers.

Think long-term to avoid limiting future growth or pivots.

Check Trademarks and Existing Brands

Ensure the name doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks.

Use national trademark databases (e.g. UK IPO) to check.

Avoid legal issues that could force rebranding later.

Registration Company​

A company that lets you register and purchase domain names.

Example Godaddy.com, 123-reg.co.uk

Choose an ICANN-accredited registrar with good support.

Compare prices, renewal fees, and extra features like WHOIS privacy.

Check Availability

Enter the domain name you want to register in the search box.

It will check the name you suggested and often give you similar suggestions if the one you request is not available

Choose Domain Name Extension

Domain Name Extension or domain suffix is the last part of a domain name, for example, .com

.com – most common, global recognition.

.co.uk / .uk – ideal for UK-based businesses.

.org – for non-profits or community projects.

.net – alternative if .com is taken.

.io, .app, .tech – popular with startups and tech projects.

Consider your target audience, region, and brand positioning when selecting extensions.

Hosting

Where is your website run from? Website Hosting Checklist.

Check Social Media Availability

Search major social platforms to see if your domain name (or close variations) are available as usernames or handles.

Consistency across your website and social media boosts brand recognition.

Enable Domain Privacy Protection (WHOIS Privacy)

Protects your personal details (name, address, email) from public WHOIS records.

Reduces spam and potential data misuse.

Set Auto-Renewal

Prevents accidental loss of your domain if you forget to renew manually.

Secure Common Variations

Register common misspellings or plural forms to protect your brand.

Consider defensive registrations to prevent competitors or impersonators acquiring them.

Get an SSL Certificate

Many registrars offer free SSL certificates (e.g. Let’s Encrypt).

Essential for security, SEO ranking, and user trust.

Connect Your Domain to Hosting

Update DNS records to point to your web hosting or website builder.

Test to ensure the domain resolves correctly.

Why Registering a Domain is Important

Your domain name is your website’s unique address on the internet. Think of it as the digital equivalent of a physical street address – it’s how people find you online. Without a domain, customers can’t easily reach your website, emails can’t carry your branding, and your online presence remains incomplete.

A professional domain name:

• Builds credibility and trust with your audience.
• Strengthens your brand identity and memorability.
• Makes your website easy to share and promote.
• Gives you full ownership and control over your online identity.

Domain, Hosting, and Website – What’s the Difference?

Many beginners find these terms confusing, so here’s a simple breakdown:

• Domain Name: Your website’s address (e.g. checkify.com) that people type into their browser to reach you.
• Web Hosting: The space on a server where your website’s files, images, and content are stored. It’s like renting a shop to store and showcase your products.
• Website: The actual pages, design, and content that visitors see when they go to your domain name.

In short:
Your domain name points to your hosting, which displays your website to visitors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When registering a domain name, avoid these common pitfalls to protect your brand and ensure a smooth experience:

• Registering only one variation
  Many businesses register their main domain but often overlook securing common misspellings, plural forms, or other relevant extensions (.net, .co.uk, .org). This leaves your brand vulnerable to impersonators or competitors.
• Not enabling auto-renewal
  Forgetting to renew your domain could result in losing it altogether. Always enable auto-renewal to keep your domain active without worrying about expiry dates.
• Choosing a name too similar to competitors
  A domain that is too close to another brand can confuse customers and potentially lead to legal disputes. Ensure your name is distinctive and accurately represents your business.
• Ignoring trademark conflicts
  Failing to check existing trademarks can result in costly rebranding or legal action. Always research trademarks before finalising your domain choice.

Domain Name Registration

Once you have hosted your website and started creating content, you need to think about verifying your website with Google search console verification. This makes them aware that you own the website / domain and will start the process of getting listed on Google and other search engines. 

Registering a domain is more than ticking a box – it’s a strategic decision shaping your online presence for years to come. Use this checklist to make sure your name is memorable, protected, and ready to support your goals.

Domain Name Registration Glossary Terms

Domain Registrar
A company authorised to sell and manage domain names. They allow you to search for available domains, register them, and manage renewals. Examples include GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Google Domains.

DNS (Domain Name System)
The system translates human-friendly domain names (like checkify.com) into IP addresses that computers use to locate each other on the internet. Think of it as the internet’s phonebook.

WHOIS
A public database that shows information about who owns a domain name, including contact details, registration dates, and expiry. Domain privacy protection hides your personal details from WHOIS records.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)
A security protocol that encrypts data between a user’s browser and your website, keeping information private and secure. Websites with SSL certificates show “https://” and a padlock icon in the browser, which also improves SEO and trust.

ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers)
The non-profit organisation that coordinates and manages the global domain name system to ensure the internet remains stable and secure. They oversee domain registrars and set policies for domain name management.