One of the first things you need for your business is a domain name. It can feel like a small detail, but it is actually a foundational piece of your future website.

Your domain name is the web address someone types in to reach your website. For example, my domain is ArtisanKind.com, and I purchased it through Google Domains (now owned by Squarespace). You may buy yours through a domain provider (technically a registrar) like GoDaddy, Namecheap, Squarespace, or another registrar. When you purchase a domain name, you are essentially choosing the address of your online home.

And here is something many people do not realize. Your domain and your website are two separate things. Your domain is simply the address. Your website is the home that lives at that address. You can point your domain to any website you build, no matter what platform it is on. That means if you start on Wix and later move to Showit, your same domain moves with you. This flexibility is one of the reasons choosing a good domain name matters.

Where to buy your domain

Most domain providers work in a similar way. You choose a provider, search for the name you want, check availability, and purchase it for a yearly fee (usually less than $20 a year). A few popular options include:

• GoDaddy
• Squarespace Domains (formerly Google Domains – it’s confusing, I know)
• Namecheap
• Many others you will find with a quick search

Choose whichever feels most comfortable for you, though I typically recommend GoDaddy or Squarespace Domains because they tend to be user more friendly and have great customer support.

Here is something important to know. All domain providers pull from the same pool of available domain names. A name does not “belong” to GoDaddy or Squarespace. If a domain is available, you can purchase it from any provider. So choose the registrar that feels simple, trustworthy, and easy to manage for you. They all serve the same purpose.

Best practices when choosing a domain

Your domain name should support your business, feel easy to remember, and make your website simple to find. One important thing to remember is that domain names are unique. Only one person can own a specific domain at a time. Once it is taken, it is taken. This is why choosing well (and choosing early) matters.

Match your business name as closely as possible.
If your business is called Wild Sage Wellness, aim for WildSageWellness.com or as close as you can reasonably get.

Choose .com whenever you can.
It is still the most trusted and widely recognized extension. If it is not available, we can explore alternatives, but .com is always the first choice.

Keep it simple and easy to spell.
Avoid hyphens, unusual spellings, or anything you would need to explain out loud. A domain should feel like an invitation, not a puzzle.

When to buy a new domain name
You should consider buying a domain name if:

• You are starting a brand new business
• You do not already have one
• You are rebranding and your current domain no longer fits
• Your existing domain is overly complicated or confusing
• The .com version of your business name becomes available

If you know you will be rebranding in the next six to twelve months, it is perfectly okay to purchase your domain early. Sometimes it is the smartest move to make sure you secure the name you want.

Do you need more than one domain name?

Most people only need one domain. But there are situations where owning more than one can be helpful.

You may want more than one domain if:

• You want to secure common misspellings
• You want to prevent competitors from buying similar names
• You want to own both the long and short version of your business name
• You want to redirect multiple names to a single website

All domains can point to the same site. You do not need multiple websites to own multiple domains.

Why you should consider adding a business email

When checking out with your new domain, you may be given the option to add a professional email address, like hello@yourbusinessname.com. It is not required, but it is a very smart choice when it fits your budget.

A business email helps you:

• Look more professional
• Build trust with clients
• Separate personal and business communication
• Increase your email deliverability

That last point is important. A custom business email is far less likely to end up in someone’s junk folder. Paid business email accounts are generally treated as more legitimate than free email addresses, which are commonly associated with spam. That small monthly investment helps ensure your messages actually arrive where they are meant to.

You can create a business email at any time, but it is much simpler (technically speaking) to set it up at the same time you purchase your domain.

Keeping your domain safe and secure

Do not let your domain expire. 

When you don’t renew a domain name, or forget to make the payment when the time comes to renew and you lose ownership of your domain. It can become significantly more expensive to re-buy, and there are people who monitor expiring domains and purchase them the moment they become available. They then try to sell them back to the original owner, often for hundreds or thousands of dollars. Renewing your domain on time protects you from that headache and keeps your online home securely yours.

Please keep track of your domain login

Your domain is the root of your online presence and if you lose access, things can get complicated quickly. The easiest solution is a simple password book where you store your provider name, username, and password. Here is the one I recommend. Your future self will be so glad you have it.

A final note

Buying a domain name is a small moment that carries a lot of significance for your business. Choose something clear, simple, and aligned with your brand. Keep your login accessible. Add a business email if it feels right for you. And know that this decision only needs to be made once. The domain you choose will follow you as your business grows and your website evolves.

And when you’re ready to connect your new domain to your website, this guide on what website launch day really looks like will help you feel prepared and supported from start to finish.