If you’re looking to start an online venture, securing a domain name is ground zero. Whether or not you already have an established business, you can’t make a stand on the internet without a domain. But how much does a domain name cost? How much time should you spend looking for one? What are your options? Fortunately, we’ve got some answers to help steer you in the right direction.
Related: What is a domain name?
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How much does a domain name cost?
Generally speaking, a domain name can cost you anywhere from $2 to $20 per year, depending on specials or discounts. Newer domain extensions, such as .app, might be on the higher end of that scale (or above it), as they’ve only recently gone on the market.
The most expensive domain names will be the ones available on auction houses, through aftermarket services or private sellers.
There are no definitive prices for domain names in these avenues. The business of buying and selling domains means that prices vary widely. The only way to know is to visit sites like Afternic or GoDaddy Auctions to get a feel for the cost.
Pro tip: If you’re looking to purchase a domain that someone else already owns, check out GoDaddy’s Domain Broker Service. Let the brokers handle the nitty-gritty of negotiating so you can own the domain your business deserves.
Are there any hidden costs of a domain name?
Domain names require an annual renewal. Most domain names have an annual fee, along with a small ICANN fee (although not all domain extensions will include that fee). Privacy is an additional feature that can be used with many domain extensions, which is meant to keep your registrant information out of WHOIS searches.
Related: Tips for improving domain name security
What affects the cost of a domain name?
There are multiple factors that can impact the overall price of the domain name that you choose:
- The domain extension (i.e., .com vs. .shop vs. .ai)
- Where you purchase the domain name from (i.e., a reputable registrar, an aftermarket service, a private seller, etc.)
- The term length or add-ons you select (i.e., registering for multiple years, electing to include domain privacy, etc.)
How much does a premium domain name cost?
Premium domain names are domains that are already registered and are up for sale on a domain aftermarket service. The price for premium domain names can vary widely, depending on the current demand. As such, the pricing can range from a 3-figure number up to a 7-figure number.
Related: The top 25 most expensive domain names
How do I pick a domain name?
When it comes to choosing a domain name, there are a few things to consider:
Incorporate keywords
What’s your business about? Are you selling T-shirts online or do you make handmade jewelry? Maybe you sell services instead of goods — that’s OK, too. You might try something like:
- SmithsButtonShop.com
- LightWeightShirts.shop
- UniqueWeb.design
Whatever you do, research keywords by using a tool like Google Keyword Planner and see what your target audience is searching for. Then, if you can, incorporate one into your domain name.
Avoid hyphens or odd spellings
How often do you use punctuation when searching for something online? My guess is rarely. The last thing you want is a domain name that requires extra effort from your visitors. Using something like, the-best-shirts-youll-ever-wear.com — no matter how compelling — won’t do you any favors.
Stay away from domains with hyphenations or odd spellings to make it easier for people to find you.
When possible, avoid using uncommon spellings or numbers. Is that a 4 or a four? What about 2, to, two or too? You catch my drift. If anyone ever shares your domain via word-of-mouth, your name could get lost in translation.
Make it memorable
There are nearly 1.7 billion websites live on the internet right now. How are you going to make yours stand out?
For starters, you’ll need a domain name that’s memorable. Use something that speaks to your brand or the services and products you offer. Make sure it rolls off the tongue nicely, and definitely run your ideas by friends and family. Once you decide on a domain, you’ll need a website, you can’t have one without the other, and since we’ve been talking about costs, building a website is not the pricey endeavor some people image it is, we’ve broken down how much it costs to build a website in this short guide.
If you're looking to learn what a domain extension is, our resources can guide you through the essentials while you explore domain options. For help in choosing a great domain, try out our AI domain name generator; it will provide you with a list of excellent domain names in just minutes. Your new domain will also include GoDaddy Airo ,our AI-powered solution that instantly creates your website, logo, email, and more.
Do I need more than one domain?
Short answer, yes. Even if you only plan to launch one website, the answer is still yes. Let me tell you why — brand protection.
Owning multiple variations of your domain name accounts for accidental misspellings and encroaching competitors.
Remember the odd spelling examples we mentioned above? Even if you decided to opt with an easier version of your name, the true domain could still get misinterpreted. If you secure common errors, you can cover all your bases and still point each domain name to the primary site. Now, traffic that wants to find you will actually make it to your site, regardless of errant typos.
And, perhaps on a grander scheme, owning multiple domain names protects your business from mooching competitors. If you own BestCookies.com and are widely known for your grandmother’s chocolate chip recipe, you might find competitors eager to snag BestChocolateCookies.com. Now, when foodies everywhere take to the internet in search of your goods, they could end up on someone else’s site.
If you have it in the budget, consider purchasing domain names pertinent to your brand (even if they’re not immediately recognizable as your business’s name) to keep competitors off your traffic.
Are you asking the right questions?
Instead of asking yourself, “how much does a domain name cost,” you should be asking, “how much would it cost my business not to have a domain that matches my brand?”
It isn’t always easy to find an available domain name that aligns with your company. But the cost of sacrificing immediate recognition, traffic and sales could easily outweigh the price of a domain. Whether you’ve found an extension that fits or you’re in need of a broker, don’t wait to register your domain.
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