Steps to Buying a Domain Name
Let’s say you have a list of attractive, memorable, branded, and short domain names, and you’re ready to buy. These are the steps to buy and register your domain name.
1. Choose a Reputable Domain Registrar
To get a domain name, you must first find a registrar that is accredited with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the nonprofit organization responsible for coordinating all the digital spaces on the internet. Mailchimp offers domains governed by ICANN.
2. Find a Domain Availability Checker Tool
The next step in your journey is a domain name search and you should include a domain availability checker tool. This will tell you if the domain you want, like tinysgarage.com, is available or not.
Mailchimp’s domain availability check tool can be found on the domains page.
3. Choose the best domain name option
When you search for available domain names, you’ll often find that your first, second, and tenth options are already taken. Some of the different approaches you can take when this happens are:
- Keep looking. Let your creativity flow and keep looking until you find something you love: or at less like.
- Choose another extension. If .com is not available and is set to a certain name, consider .net or .org if you think it will work.
- Contact the owner. You may already own the domain, but it’s not getting much use. You could contact the owner with an offer.
4. Buy your domain name and complete your registration
Once you’ve decided on a domain name, it’s time to buy it. When you shop through Mailchimp, we’ll let you know the annual cost of the domain name, as well as any discounts available.
During checkout, you will be asked to enter your contact information, including an email address, to register the domain.
5. Verify ownership of your new domain
Paying for your domain may seem like the last step in the process, but you also need to verify ownership. This step allows you to send email using the domain (myname@topnotchsales.com, for example) and prevents others from using it without your permission.
If you purchase your domain through Mailchimp, this process is simple. You will receive a verification email after completing your purchase. Just click the Verify Domain button in the email and follow the instructions on the next page, and you can start using your domain to build your brand. You’ll only need to complete this step once.
Buying a domain from someone else
If the domain name you want is already owned by you, it might still be available. Assuming you find a name that you simply must have, here are the steps to complete a purchase:
1. Find the owner’s contact information
Locate the domain owner by looking up their contact information through the WHOIS directory. If it’s not listed, you may be able to contact them based on the information you find on the domain’s website.
2. Negotiate a fair price
Once you establish contact, offer a fair price for the domain. If you’re not sure about a price, do some research. You can even hire a broker to facilitate the deal on your behalf if you want the domain bad enough.
3. Complete the sale using escrow
Avoid transferring money to a stranger online. It’s just a bad idea. Instead, use an escrow service to ensure both parties are satisfied and your sale is as risk-free as possible.
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