A domain name is like your website’s street address—it’s how people find you online. Whether you’re launching a brand-new website or rebranding an existing one, registering the perfect domain is a big first step. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through it!
Here’s everything you need to know to nail your domain name registration, from choosing the right name to what to do after you’ve hit “register.”
Before You Register Your Domain: Things to Consider
1. Brainstorm Your Domain Name
Your domain name should be simple, memorable, and reflective of your business. Keep it short and avoid tricky spellings that could confuse potential visitors. If possible, include keywords that match what your business does—for example, if you’re a florist in Auckland, something like “AucklandBlooms.co.nz” works a treat.
💡 Pro Tip: Check if your domain name is available on social media platforms too. Consistency across all platforms makes your brand easier to recognise.
2. Choose the Right Domain Extension
The most common extensions are .com, .co.nz, and .nz, but there are plenty of options like .shop, .online, or .photography. The right extension depends on your business type and where your audience is based. If you’re targeting a local audience, a .co.nz or .nz domain is a great choice.
3. Check Domain Availability
Once you’ve got a name in mind, you’ll need to check if it’s available. Don’t stress if your first choice is taken—you can try slight variations, like adding your location or another relevant word.
4. Plan Ahead for Growth
Think about the long game. If you’re planning to expand your business, consider registering similar domain names or alternative extensions to protect your brand. For example, if you register “AucklandBlooms.co.nz,” you might also snap up “AucklandBlooms.nz” to cover all bases.
How to Register Your Domain Name
Now that you’ve done the prep, here’s how to officially lock in your domain:
1. Find a Reliable Domain Registrar
A domain registrar is simply a company that helps you register your domain. Here’s a little insider tip: registering your domain with your website platform (such as Rocketspark) can save you heaps of hassle. When everything—your website, domain, and even business email—is in one place, life gets a whole lot easier.
2. Register Your Chosen Domain Name
Once you’ve picked your registrar, enter your desired domain name to check availability. If it’s available, great! Simply follow the registration prompts. Be prepared to provide basic contact information and select how many years you’d like to register the domain for (one year is standard, but you can go longer for peace of mind).
3. Pay and Confirm
Complete the payment process, and that’s it—you’re the proud owner of your domain name! Make sure you keep a record of any login details and renewal dates.
After Registering Your Domain
Congratulations! 🎉 You’ve cleared a big hurdle. But the work doesn’t stop there—here’s what to do next:
1. Connect Your Domain to Your Website
If you’ve registered your domain with your website platform, connecting your domain to your site is super simple. If not, you’ll need to manually link it—your registrar or your website platform should have step-by-step instructions to help.
2. Set Up a Professional Email Address
A business email address using your domain (like hello@AucklandBlooms.co.nz) looks professional and builds trust with your customers. If you’ve registered your domain through your website platform, setting up email is usually just a few clicks away. Why not tick this off while you’re at it?
3. Keep an Eye on Renewals
Domain names need to be renewed to stay active. Most registrars offer auto-renewal options so you won’t accidentally lose your domain.
4. Get Started on Your Website
If you haven’t already, it’s time to start building your website. With Rocketspark, you can create a beautiful, easy-to-manage site in no time. And with your domain and email sorted, you’re all set to take your business online.
Ready to Register Your Domain?
By getting your domain name registered, you are laying the digital foundation for your business. By keeping everything—your website, domain, and email—in one place, you’ll save time and avoid unnecessary headaches.
With Rocketspark, you can sort it all in one go. Easy, right? Let’s get your domain name locked in and your website live. 🚀
