how_to_buy_a_web_nameStarting a business online doesn’t have to be difficult.

There are plenty of tools available that make it easier than ever to setup a website, even if you don’t know the first thing about HTML, CSS, or how the whole internet thing works.

In this post I’ll talk about how to buy a web name and get setup with your online business in just a few simple steps.

Quick Guide to How to Buy a Web Name

Step 1: Use a Registrar

There are two basic components of buying a domain and getting your site setup. The first is the actual domain purchase.

When we talk about “buying a domain,” what we’re really talking about is registering ownership of a domain with ICANN, an international organization that monitors and controls domain activity.

As an individual, you can’t go through this process directly (there are way too many hurdles to jump through, legal mumbo jumbo, etc), so you need to use a third party company, also known as a web registrar.

Registrars are your gateway to buying a web name. Two of the leading options are GoDaddy and NameCheap. The truth is it doesn’t really matter which you use, because all registrars will be able to give you access to all available domains.

You’re not buying the domain from the company, you’re registering it through them, so all options should have the same available domains for purchase.

Read more about what beginning marketers need to know about buying a domain.

Step 2: Get a Hosting Plan

Once you have your domain, you’re going to need to get a hosting plan. These are inexpensive (as low as $3-4 a month) and often offer one-click setup options for common platforms like WordPress.

If you don’t know what “hosting” means, the best way to think about it is as a place to store your website. It’s like placing a file (your website) into a filing cabinet (the hosting provider) so that you can access it whenever you want to. When you “point” a domain to a hosting provider, it’s like writing down where you’re storing your file, so that you can get to it anytime.

You can read more about domains and hosting options here. My best recommendation for easy setup is either Dreamhost or Arvixe.

An Alternate Option

The two steps above are the basic process you need to go through to get a site setup.

There is, however, one good alternative option available if all you need is to setup a WordPress account on a unique domain. Wealthy Affiliate provides free hosting for all of their members, on up to 2 sites for the free basic membership, or unlimited domains for the premium membership.

If you’re going to be starting an online business that revolves around content, like an internet marketing business, that’s probably the best and easiest way to go.