If you're building a website, buying a domain name is a must. So where do you go if you want to buy a domain name and how do you go about doing it?

I want to buy a domain, what first?

01. Choose a domain registrar

Choosing a domain registrar should be your first step in buying a domain. To choose the right domain registrar you need to consider its reputation, pricing and any included features.

Learn more: What is a domain registrar (and why do you need one)

You must select a well-established, ICANN-accredited domain registrar like Wix. Compare prices not just for the initial domain registration but also for renewals and domain transfers. Look also for value-added services such as WHOIS lookup, privacy protection (free with Wix) DNS management and email forwarding.

Learn more: Best domain name registrars

You'll want to make sure your registrar offers an intuitive dashboard for managing domains and supports your desired top-level domain TLD, like .com,.org and .net. Depending on your type of brand and business you might also want to check your registrar offers a variety of TLD's.

Learn more: Is Wix a domain registrar?

Not sure if you've got the right domain registrar? You can read online reviews to assess how good their customer support it. Make sure to check for hidden fees, especially around renewals.

If you’re planning to bundle with hosting or email, choose a registrar that offers reliable integration with these services — with Wix, for example, web hosting comes with every website you create.

Learn more: Does Wix have email too?

02. Choose your available domain name

Want to know how to buy a domain name? You'll first want to choose the right one for your business.

A few basic tips for doing this:

• Your name should be simple and memorable

• Make sure it can reflect your brand long term

• It should be short, where possible

• Remember to avoid cultural sensitivities

When choosing a domain, prioritize one that aligns with your brand and is easy for customers to remember. A domain should reflect your business and make it simple for people to find you online. Einat Shafir, product manager at Wix

You can also learn more in our guide to how to choose a domain name, or see what 23 business owners consider their worst domain naming mistakes.

It's crucial that you check your domain name's availability. For this you'll need a domain name search tool.

03. Register your domain name

Once you find an available domain with your chosen domain registrar, add it to your cart. During the checkout process, you’ll be prompted to enter your contact information, which is needed for WHOIS registration.

Learn more: How to register a domain name

Choose your registration term, the standard is usually one year, though multi-year options are available and you should consider turning on auto-renewal to avoid accidental expiration of your domain. Submit your payment securely and confirm your registration. If you have a paid Wix account, your domain name will be free and there's no payment necessary.

After purchasing, you’ll receive an email confirmation and you may need to verify your contact email. Once verified, the domain is yours and can be connected to your website or reserved for future use.

If you build a website with Wix connection to your website is automatic once your domain name is registered.

Learn more: What's the easiest way to get a domain?

How do I buy a domain name from Wix?

To buy a domain name from Wix, follow these steps:

1. Go to Domains in your Wix account, or start here

2. Click on 'Get a New Domain'

3. Enter your chosen domain name and extension in the search field, then click 'Search'

4. If the domain is available, confirm you want it

5. Select your registration period (1-3 years)

6. Enter your contact information

7. If necessary, choose your privacy and security options

8. Select your payment method and submit your purchase. If you have a paid Wix account, your domain name will be free.