Buying a domain name: step-by-step plan and tips
Buying a domain name gives you a unique identity on the internet. Whether you are starting a blog, opening a web shop or putting your business online, it all begins with the right domain name. Read more about a .ch domain name.
Why buy a domain name?
Your own domain name offers important advantages:
- Professional image: info@yourcompany.nl instead of yourcompany@gmail.com
- Findability: customers find you more easily through your own domain
- Ownership: you are not dependent on social media platforms
- Branding: build your own brand and online identity
- Email: use professional email addresses on your own domain
What does a domain name cost?
The price of a domain name depends on the extension you choose:
| Extension | Price at Theory7 | Popular for |
|---|---|---|
| .nl | €0.45/year | Dutch websites |
| .com | €9.99/year | International websites |
| .eu | €4.99/year | European organizations |
| .net | €12.99/year | Tech & networks |
| .org | €12.99/year | Nonprofits, organizations |
| .online | €14.99/year | Modern websites |
Tip: Always look at the renewal price, not just the first-year price. Some providers charge much more after the first year. Read more about a .cloud domain name.
How do you choose the perfect domain name?
Keep it short and strong
A short domain name is easier to remember and type. Aim for a maximum of 15 characters. Compare: janssenwaterandlightinstallations.nl vs janssenwl.nl.
Avoid confusion
Be careful with:
- Numbers: Is it "4u" or "foryou"?
- Hyphens: People often forget them
- Double letters: "suitcase-trip.nl" can be confusing
- Difficult spelling: Choose recognizable words
Think about SEO
A domain name with a relevant keyword can help with findability. But do not force it: cheap-laptops-buy-netherlands.nl looks spammy. A brand name often works better in the long term.
Check availability broadly
Check not only .nl, but also .com and .eu. You want to prevent a competitor or cybersquatter from claiming a variant of your name.
Where can you buy a domain name?
You buy a domain name from a domain registrar or hosting provider. When making your choice, pay attention to:
- Price transparency: What does registration and renewal cost?
- DNS management: Can you adjust DNS records yourself?
- WHOIS privacy: Is your data shielded?
- Transfer option: Can you move to another provider later?
- Support: Is there good customer service?
At Theory7 you get all of this as standard, plus the option to add web hosting right away. Want to move your domain later? Then take a look at our domain name transfer service.
Step-by-step: buying a domain name
- Brainstorm names: Write down 5-10 options
- Check availability: Use a domain checker
- Choose your extension: .nl for the Netherlands, .com for international
- Select a provider: Compare prices and features
- Complete the purchase: Enter your details and pay
- Configure DNS: Link your domain to your hosting
What if your desired domain is taken?
Is your dream name already registered? You have a few options:
Choose a variant
- Different extension: .com instead of .nl
- Addition: "get", "my", "shop" + name
- Abbreviation or synonym
Try to buy it
Through WHOIS you can often find out the owner. You can make an offer, but be prepared for high prices for sought-after names.
Wait until it becomes available
Domains have to be renewed annually. Sometimes the owner forgets to do this. You can place a backorder to register automatically as soon as it becomes available.
Frequently asked questions
Is a domain name the same as a website?
No. A domain name is only the address (e.g. example.nl). For a working website you also need web hosting where your files are stored.
Can I buy multiple domain names?
Yes, you can register as many domain names as you want. Many companies register multiple variants and extensions to protect their brand.
How long is a domain name valid?
You usually register a domain for 1 year, but you can also register for several years at once. Do not forget to renew!
What happens if I do not renew?
After your registration period ends, the domain goes into a "redemption" phase during which you can still recover it (often at extra cost). After that it is released and anyone can register it.
In short
Buying a domain name is easy and affordable. The most important thing is that you choose a name that fits you, is easy to remember and is available in the extension you want. With prices from €0.45 per year for a .nl domain, it is a small investment with a big impact on your online presence.
Buying a domain name as an investment
Some people buy domain names as an investment to resell them later. This is called domain flipping. A good domain name can be worth a lot of money. Short, generic names like car.nl or vacation.nl, for example, are worth thousands of euros.
Is domain flipping for you?
For most people, a domain name is not an investment but a practical purchase for a website. Domain flipping requires knowledge of the market and patience, because most domain names are never resold. Rather focus on choosing the perfect name for your project than on speculation.
Protect your brand
What is wise: register variations of your company name to prevent competitors or cybersquatters from doing so. The small extra cost is worth it for long-term brand protection.
Whether you are starting a new business or want to bring your existing company online, a good domain name is the foundation. The small investment of €5-15 per year gives you a professional address that is entirely yours.
Get started right away? Check here whether your ideal domain name is still available.
Buying a domain name step by step
The process of buying a domain name is fast and easy these days. Still, there are a number of steps you have to go through to make the right choice when you want to buy a domain name.
1. Come up with the perfect domain name
Before you buy a domain name, you first have to think about which name best fits your brand or project. A good domain name is short, easy to remember and preferably contains a relevant keyword. Use our domain name checker to check whether your desired name is still available.
2. Choose the right extension
When buying a domain name you also have to choose an extension. The most popular options are .nl, .com, .eu and .be. For Dutch companies, a .nl extension is often the best choice because it builds trust with Dutch visitors. Also consider registering multiple extensions to protect your brand.
3. Compare providers
Not all registrars use the same prices when you want to buy a domain name. Pay attention not only to the purchase price, but also to the renewal costs, the customer service and the available extra services such as privacy protection and DNS management.
4. Register and configure
After you have decided where to buy the domain name, you go through the registration process. Enter your details correctly, because they are recorded in the WHOIS database. Then link your domain name to your web hosting by configuring the correct DNS settings.
How much does it cost to buy a domain name?
The costs of buying a domain name vary per extension and registrar. A .nl domain costs on average between 5 and 15 euros per year. Popular extensions like .com are usually a bit more expensive. Some hosting providers offer a free domain name when you take out a hosting plan, which can be an attractive option if you are just starting. Also look at the options for domain name registration with associated extra services such as email and SSL.
Whether you want to buy a domain name for a personal project or a business website, take the time to make the right decision. A well-chosen domain name is the foundation of your online presence and can last for years.
Frequently asked questions about buying a domain name
Buying a domain name always raises questions. Can I buy a domain name that is already taken? In some cases you can make an offer on an already registered domain name through the current owner or a domain marketplace. The prices for this vary enormously, from a few tens of euros to thousands of euros.
Can I move my domain name later?
Yes, after you have bought a domain name, you can always move it to another registrar. You are never tied to the party where you originally bought your domain name. The transfer procedure is simple and usually takes a few days. When buying a domain name, do make sure you choose a reliable registrar that is transparent about costs and terms, so you do not run into surprises later. Protect your business email address by renewing your domain in time after the first year.
Buying a domain name as an investment
Buying a domain name can also be a smart investment. Many entrepreneurs buy up domain names that can rise in value later, for example through trends or new industries. Buying short, memorable names with popular extensions can produce a significant return over time. Be aware, however, that not every speculative purchase is successful. Always research the potential value before you decide to buy a domain name purely as an investment. When buying a domain name, focus on names that are relevant to growing markets and avoid names that infringe on existing trademarks.
Buying a domain name and privacy
When buying a domain name, your personal data is stored by default in the public WHOIS database. This means anyone can look up your name, address and phone number. Many registrars offer a privacy protection service when you buy a domain name that shields your data. This is certainly recommended if you buy a domain name in a personal capacity.
In summary, buying a domain name is a simple but important process. By taking the time to choose the right name, extension and registrar, you lay the foundation for a successful online presence. Start buying a domain name for your project today.
Buying a Domain Name: Strategic Considerations
The process of buying a domain name goes beyond just registering a name. A strategic approach ensures that your domain contributes to your online success in the long term.
Brand name versus keyword domain
There are two main strategies when choosing a domain name. A branded domain builds brand recognition and is unique, while a keyword domain contains the keyword you want to rank for. These days, search engines give less weight to exact-match keyword domains than they used to. Still, a descriptive name can help with recognizability. The best approach is often a combination: a short, unique name that still gives hints about your activities and services.
Registering multiple extensions
Consider registering your domain name with multiple extensions to protect your brand against misuse. If your primary domain is yourname.nl, then also register yourname.com, yourname.eu and possibly yourname.be if you are also active in Belgium. Redirect these extra domains to your main domain. This prevents competitors or cybersquatters from claiming your brand name under a different extension and protects your customers against confusion.
Understanding domain valuation
The value of a domain name is determined by various factors: length (shorter is more valuable), recognizability, search volume of the keyword, extension (.com is the most valuable), and whether the domain has been used before. Premium domains that are already registered and for sale can cost thousands to millions of euros. For most businesses it is wiser to find an available name that fits your budget and business strategy.
Buying a Domain Name: Legal and Administrative Aspects
When buying a domain name, there are also legal and administrative matters involved that you should not ignore for a safe registration.
Avoiding trademark conflicts
Before registration, check whether your desired domain name does not infringe on existing trademarks. Search the Benelux trademark register (BOIP) and the EU trademark register (EUIPO) to see whether the name is already registered as a trademark. Registering a domain that is identical to an existing trademark can lead to a dispute procedure at SIDN for .nl domains and the loss of your domain. If your own brand name is unique, consider registering it as a trademark for extra protection.
Organizing domain management
Ensure good domain management by registering all domains centrally with the same registrar. Use a business email address as the contact address, not a personal Gmail or Hotmail address. Set reminders for renewals, even if automatic renewal is enabled. Keep your login details and authorization codes in a safe place. If you have a company, make sure the domains are registered in the name of the company, not in the name of an individual employee or web developer who could leave the company.
Want to know more about the different domain extensions? Then read our extensive article about domain extensions explained for a complete overview.
Buying a Domain Name: Frequently Asked Questions
The process of buying a domain name raises many of the same questions. Below we answer the most frequently asked questions to help you with the registration process.
How long does it take to register a domain name?
Registering a domain name is usually completed within a few minutes. As soon as you have finished the registration and the payment has been processed, the domain is put in your name right away. It can then take a few hours to a maximum of 24 hours before the domain is reachable worldwide due to DNS propagation. For .nl domains, registration through SIDN is usually active within an hour.
Can I change my domain name later?
A registered domain name cannot be changed. If you want a different name, you have to register a new domain and redirect the old domain to the new one with a 301 redirect. This is important for SEO, because a 301 redirect transfers most of the built-up authority to the new domain. So take the time to choose the right name before you register.
What does a domain name cost per year?
The costs for a domain name vary per extension. A .nl domain costs on average 5 to 15 euros per year. A .com domain costs 10 to 20 euros per year. New extensions such as .shop or .tech are often a bit more expensive, around 15 to 40 euros per year. Note that some registrars use a low introductory price that rises considerably after the first year. Always check the renewal price before you register.
Tips for choosing the perfect domain name
- Choose a name that reflects your business or activities
- Keep it short and easy to remember, preferably a maximum of 15 characters
- Avoid dashes and numbers that cause confusion
- Check that the name does not resemble existing trademarks too closely
- Register multiple extensions to protect your brand against misuse
- Choose a .nl extension if you are targeting the Dutch market
Theory7 is an official SIDN registrar, official EURid registrar and official DNS.BE registrar. As an accredited registrar with multiple registries, you register domain names directly, without an intermediary. This means faster processing times, lower costs and full control over your domain management.
Buying a Domain Name: Getting Started with Your New Domain
After buying a domain name, it is time to put your new domain to productive use. Here are the first steps you should take after registration.
Configuring DNS
The first step after registration is configuring your DNS records. Set the nameservers with your registrar to point to your hosting provider. Then configure an A record for your main domain and a CNAME record for www. If you want to use email on your domain, also set the MX records. Add SPF, DKIM and DMARC records for reliable email delivery. Most hosting providers offer documentation about the exact DNS configuration you need.
Building your online presence
With your domain and hosting in order, you can start building your online presence. Install a CMS such as WordPress for easy content management. Create a professional website with your business information, contact details and services. Set up professional email addresses on your new domain. Start publishing quality content and optimize your pages for search engines. Register your website with Google Search Console to monitor and improve your findability from day one.
Buying a Domain Name: Legal Considerations
When buying a domain name, there are important legal aspects to take into account. Check in advance whether the desired domain name does not infringe on existing trademarks. A trademark registration with the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property gives the trademark holder the right to claim domain names that cause confusion through a dispute procedure. Always register your domain name in the name of your company or yourself, never in the name of a web designer or third party, to prevent legal complications during a possible switch.
