Understanding Domain Names For Beginners

If you've never tried looking for a domain before, you might be wondering if there's a way to find one for free - and in fact there usually is, if you know where to look and if you're prepared to make a few compromises.

Consider Using A Subdomain Instead

It might be the case that all you need is a subdomain - meaning that your website's URL would be more like yoursitename.theirsitename.com as opposed to the more traditional form of yoursitename.com.

The upside of this is that you'll have a free domain, a place to store things on the web without too many restrictions or needing to pay any money. The downside is that you'll never be able to take that domain with you to another host - or the site associated with it, usually - and you'll be subject to the restrictions of the server you're using and the service you've chosen. You'll also have a URL that looks unprofessional, and that won't give you access to a domain email address.

Paying for a domain name is usually the only way to get a professional URL with all the benefits of owning a domain outright, but there are sometimes ways to get one like that for free.

Choose Your Domain Host Wisely

There are some hosts who are able to offer free domains, usually in exchange for running ads on your website or some other points based system of their choosing. You might have to hunt around for a while to find one of them, but you'll be able to in the end if you're prepared to put the work in.

Other Things to Watch Out For

Of course, there are always things to think about - and it's important to bear in mind some of the usual caveats about sensible domain hosting before you sign on the virtual dotted line. There are some bits of advice that anyone looking at getting their own domain, by any means, should remember to bear in mind:

  • Even if it's free, you want to be sure that the domain you're getting is in your own name with you down as the sole owner. Anything else is running the risk of your being done out of your own website at some future point, which you don't want.
  • Make sure you're getting a reasonable top level domain - something like .com, .net or .org. The more unusual ones do have some good and valid uses, but unless yuou specifically want them they might end up penalising your website unnecessarily.
  • Don't forget to pick something for your domain name that's easy to spell and easy to remember. This way, people will be able to get to your site without too much hassle.
  • Spend a little time finding out who your domain's registrar is, and make sure you familiarise yourself with their terms and conditions before you commit yourself to anything.