Have you ever wondered what gives a website its unique address? It’s a domain name! In this guide, we’ll break down the basics of domain names: what they are, why they matter, and how to choose the perfect one for your brand.
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What is a Website Domain?
A website domain is the unique name people type into their browser to visit your website. Think of it as your online address. Google.com, Facebook.com, and DomainKing.ng are all examples of domain names. But is a domain name the only way to access a website? No.
Every website also has a numerical address called an IP address. It’s like a complex code that identifies the specific computer where the website’s files are stored. For example, 204.177.20.30 is an IP address. While these IP addresses play a fundamental role in making the internet work, they are nearly impossible to remember. Imagine trying to recall a string of numbers every time you wanted to visit your favorite site!
This is why domain names are so important. They act as an easy-to-remember shortcut to reach a website. Instead of typing 204.177.20.30, you can simply type DomainKing.ng into your browser, and you’re there.
Domains are made up of two main parts:
- The name: This is the unique part chosen by you, like “MyBusiness” in MyBusiness.com.
- The extension: This comes after the name, like .com, .ng, or .org. Extensions are also called TLDs (Top-Level Domains).
Important terms to know
Here are some important domain-related terms you should know:
- Domain registrar: A company like DomainKing.ng that helps you search for, register, and manage domain names.
- Subdomain: A prefix added to your main domain, like blog.MyBusiness.com. It is often used to separate sections of a website.
- WHOIS: A database that stores information about registered domains.
- Domain privacy: A service that hides your personal information in the WHOIS database.
Why You Need a Domain Name
Still not certain why you need a domain name? Here are some compelling reasons:
It’s the first step to building an online presence
Your domain name is the foundation of your online identity. It’s the starting point for creating a website, whether you’re building it for a business, personal brand, or community project. Without a domain, it would be very hard for people to find you on the internet.
A good domain is easy to remember and share
A good domain name is easy to remember and spell. It also helps in word-of-mouth marketing as people can easily share your website’s address with others.
Build trust with the right extension
The extension you choose can impact how people perceive your website. For example, using .ng shows your connection to Nigeria and builds trust among local users.
It helps you show up on search engines
Search engines like Google rank websites with custom domain names (e.g. www.mybusiness.com) higher than those using free subdomains (e.g. www.mybusiness.freeblogbuilder.com). A domain can also include keywords related to your business, making it easier for people to find you.
It makes you look professional
A custom domain name gives your website credibility. Compare www.freshfruits.ng to www.freshfruits.freeblogbuilder.com—which one seems more professional? A custom domain, registered on your own name, shows visitors that you’re serious about what you do.
Your domain stays yours
Once you register a domain, it belongs to you as long as you keep renewing it. This gives you complete control over your online identity and protects your brand name from being used by others.
You can use it for branded emails
A domain name allows you to create professional email addresses like info@MyBusiness.ng. This makes your communication look more trustworthy and official compared to free email addresses.
It opens doors to growth
Your domain isn’t just for a website—it’s a long-term asset. You can expand to add an online store, blog, or other features without changing your address.
Steps to Register a Website Domain
Here’s a detailed guide on how to register a website domain for your business:
Step 1 – Choose a fitting domain name
Your domain name represents your brand, so choose wisely. Here are some tips:
- Avoid long or hard-to-spell names. Short domains are easier to remember.
- Include words related to your business, like LagosBakery.ng for a bakery in Lagos.
- Avoid numbers and special characters as they can confuse visitors trying to type your domain.
- Check for trademarks; make sure the name doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks.
- Choose a name that will still work if your business grows or expands.
A well-chosen domain name can set your brand apart, so take the time to get it right! So I would encourage you to check out our detailed guide on how to choose a domain name. It’s packed with actionable tips to help you get it right the first time!
Step 2 – Select a domain registrar
The second step is to select a domain registrar. As we touched upon above, this is the company that helps you buy, register, and manage a domain name. Reliable registrars offer good customer support, reasonable pricing, and extra features like domain privacy. Some worth-mentioning Nigerian registrars are:
- DomainKing.ng: The most affordable option with the most extensive feature set. Free .com.ng domain, SSL certificates, 24/7 customer support, and unlimited bandwidth are some highlights.
Offers affordable pricing, local support, and free extras like DNS management.
- GO54 (previously Whogohost): Another popular Nigerian registrar, offering a range of hosting and domain services. Compared to DomainKing, it’s very pricey.
- Smart Web: Provides different types of domain, hosting, and website builder features for Nigerian customers. Also quite pricey compared to DomainKing.
When making the final call, compare:
- Pricing: Look for upfront costs and renewal rates.
- Support: The registrar should be offering local support for Nigerian customers.
- Features: Check for extras like email hosting or domain privacy and free add-ons like SSL certificates.
Step 3 – Pick the right domain extension
A domain extension, also known as a top-level domain (TLD), is the suffix at the end of a domain name (e.g., .com, .net, .org).
For Nigerian businesses, a .ng domain extension is ideal because:
- It shows your business is based in Nigeria.
- It can improve your search engine ranking for local searches.
Step 4 – Check availability and register
After choosing your domain name and extension, check if it’s available. Here’s how to do it:
- Use the search tool on the registrar’s website to see if the name is free. For example, here’s how DomainKing’s search page looks like:
- You will see available options:
- If the domain is already taken and you don’t see any viable options in the results, try these options:
- Change the extension (e.g., fruitsandveggies.com to fruitsandveggies.net).
- Modify the name slightly (e.g., FruitsAndVeggies to FruitsAndVegetables).
- Once you’ve found an available domain, add it to your cart and fill in the registration details.
Step 5 – Finalize with payment
Complete the process by paying for your domain. Most registrars in Nigeria accept:
- Local payment gateways: Paystack or Flutterwave.
- Bank transfers: Common and straightforward.
- Cards: Debit or credit cards.
Wondering how much is it to register a domain name? Well, depending on the extension and the registrar, the cost of registration may vary. For example, .com extensions typically cost more than other extensions. Moreover, you should also check renewal costs, as these can differ from the initial registration fee.
Tips for Registering a Domain Name in Nigeria
Next, here are some valuable tips to help you secure the perfect domain name for your Nigerian business:
Focus on .ng domains for local benefits
If your target audience is in Nigeria, using a .ng domain makes sense. It shows that your business is local, builds trust with Nigerian customers, and can even help with better rankings on search engines for Nigerian-specific searches.
Act quickly to secure high-demand domains
The best domain names get taken fast. If you’ve found a name that fits your business, don’t delay its registration. Waiting too long could give someone else a chance to claim it.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many Nigerian registrars, including DomainKing.ng, offer special deals on domain names. Keep an eye out for promotions, especially during events like Black Friday, festive seasons, or when registrars run anniversary sales. These can save you money.
Register your domain for multiple years
Many registrars allow you to register domains for several years at once, sometimes at lower-than-usual price. It’s recommended to do this to ensure that you don’t accidentally lose your domain due to a missed renewal.
Use a trusted registrar with local support
Pick a registrar that understands the Nigerian market. DomainKing.ng, for example, offers local payment options, helpful customer support, and a 7-day money-back guarantee.
Add domain privacy for extra security
If you’re registering a domain that doesn’t come with free privacy, consider purchasing it anyway. It will hide your personal details in the WHOIS database, which in turn reduces spam and protects your information.
Secure related variations of your domain
To protect your brand, and if your budget allows, consider registering similar names or extensions. For example, if you register MyBusiness.ng, you may also want MyBusiness.com.ng or MyBusiness.net.ng to avoid competitors or scammers using them.
FAQs about domain registration
Finally, here are some domain registration FAQs:
Can I register a domain without technical knowledge?
Yes, registering a domain is simple and doesn’t require any technical expertise. Still, if you get stuck, customer support is always available to help.
How do I renew a domain after registration?
Domain renewal is typically an easy process. Most registrars will send you reminders before your domain expires. You can log in to your account, select the domain, and pay the renewal fee. Many registrars also offer auto-renewal, which prevents you from accidentally losing your domain.
How much is it to register a domain name in Nigeria?
The cost depends on the domain extension and the registrar. For example: At DomainKing.ng, .com domains start from ₦28,300/year, whereas .ng domains start from ₦9,200/year.
Can I transfer my domain to another registrar?
Yes, domains can usually be transferred between registrars. To do it, you have to unlock your domain and provide an authorization code. There’s one caveat though: domains must be at least 60 days old before they can be transferred.
What happens if my domain expires?
If your domain expires, it enters a grace period where you can still renew it, though extra fees may apply. If you don’t renew it during this time, the domain becomes available for others to claim.
Conclusion
Securing the right domain name for your business is a key first step in building your online presence. We hope this guide has given you the knowledge you need to make the best choice. If you already have the perfect name and extension in mind, don’t wait—head over to our domain registration page and claim your domain before someone else does!