Getting your own domain name is often the first step to establishing an online presence. But between registration fees, renewals, and premium domains, how much does a domain really cost?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the full costs of purchasing a domain name so you can make an informed decision.
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How Much Does a New Domain Name Cost?
If you’re registering a new domain name that hasn’t been purchased before, you can typically expect to pay between $9-$15 per year. However, pricing varies based on factors like:
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Domain extension – The letters after the dot (
.com,.net,.org, etc)..comand.nettend to be the most expensive. -
Domain registrar – The company you purchase your domain from. Popular registrars include GoDaddy, Bluehost, Namecheap, Domain.com.
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Promotions – Many registrars offer deep discounts or even free domains for the first year to attract new customers. Renewal pricing is usually much higher.
Here’s a breakdown of how much various registrars charge for a .com domain:
- GoDaddy – $12.99/year
- Bluehost – Free with hosting plans (regularly $15.99/year)
- Namecheap – $8.88 for first year, $15/year after
- Domain.com – $7.99 first year with coupon, $9.99/year after
- HostGator – Free with hosting plans (regularly $12.95/year)
As you can see, bundling a domain with web hosting plans is usually the most affordable long-term route.
Hidden Domain Costs to Watch For
While the domain registration fee seems straightforward, there are some hidden costs to be aware of:
Domain Renewals
Domain registrations need to be renewed yearly to maintain ownership. This generally costs the regular registration fee (i.e. $15) but can be higher at some registrars.
Set up auto-renewal to get the lowest renewal rates and avoid any lapses.
Domain Privacy
Your contact information is publicly listed in the WHOIS database by default. You can pay extra (usually $9.99/year) for domain privacy to hide this info.
Many registrars now offer free private registration, so read the small print.
Email Forwarding
For professional email addresses like [email protected], most registrars charge extra or try to upsell you to more expensive packages. You can get email forwarding for free through your web host.
Pre-Paying for Multiple Years
Some registrars offer big discounts for registering your domain for 2-10 years upfront. This saves money long-term but locks you into that registrar.
How Much Do Premium Domains Cost?
Premium domains are more desirable names that investors or businesses have already registered to resell at higher prices. A short, brandable .com domain could run you anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.
For example:
- Investing.com sold for $2.45 million
- AsSeenOnTV.com sold for $1.9 million
- Fly.com sold for $1.9 million
You can browse premium domains for sale on marketplaces like Sedo, Afternic, and Flippa. But how do you know what’s a fair price to pay?
Tips for Valuing a Premium Domain
Premium domain values largely come down to maximum willingness to pay versus lowest willingness to accept. But here are some tips for making an informed offer:
- Search domain sales archives – View average sales prices for similar keywords and domain extensions.
- Check Google Keyword Planner – See search volume and competition for the premium domain keyword.
- Evaluate potential value – How much could this domain be worth for your business vs selling it?
- Make a reasonable offer – Start around 60-75% of asking price for negotiation room.
At the end of the day, a domain is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. So have a maximum budget in mind and don’t overpay.
What’s the Cost of an Expired Domain Name?
When a domain registration lapses, it enters a 40-day grace period before becoming available for anyone to register again. You can find these recently expired domains on sites like ExpiredDomains.net.
Expired domains are attractive because they may have existing traffic and history. You can register an expired domain during general availability for the same typical cost (i.e. $15/year).
Or you can use a domain backordering service to place a pre-order if you want an expiring domain. These services charge a small fee (around $25) if you successfully secure the name.
Keep in mind expired domains may come with baggage. Make sure to evaluate the domain‘s history before purchasing.
Buying Domains That Aren‘t Listed For Sale
What if you want a domain that‘s already registered to someone else but not actually for sale? You still have options:
1. Make an offer to the owner – Contact them through the website or use WHOIS info to reach out. Many inactive domain owners are willing to sell.
2. Use a domain broker service – Companies like Sedo and Afternic can broker a deal for non-listed domains for a commission.
3. Wait for it to expire – Add it to your watchlist in case the owner ever lets it lapse.
Most inactive domain owners are sitting on the name without concrete plans. A reasonable offer could convince them to hand it over. But also respect their wishes if they decline.
Domain Name Safety Checklist
When registering a previously-owned domain, it’s smart to do some due diligence:
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Trademark search – Ensure it doesn‘t violate trademarks or copyrights.
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Domain history – Use Wayback Machine to see how it was used in the past.
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WHOIS records – Check registration dates and owners over time.
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Domain health check – Verify it‘s not associated with spam or malice.
Following these steps reduces the risk of legal issues or problems down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a free domain name?
Many web hosting companies offer free domains for the first year with their plans. But you’ll still need to pay annual renewals.
A few organizations also offer free domains like .tk or .ml to establish an online presence.
Should I buy the .com version of my domain?
Owning the .com version of your brand name or business is ideal whenever possible. .com sites are the most recognizable and valuable.
If budget is a factor, start with another extension until you can afford the .com.
How much does a domain cost on website builders?
Platforms like Wix and Squarespace include free domains for a year with certain annual plans. Their renewal pricing is close to the normal rate (~$15/year).
WordPress.com domains are $18/year but free with their $96/year plan.
Can I buy a domain name forever?
No, domain registrations must be renewed yearly. But you can pre-pay renewals up to 10 years in advance to secure a domain name for that period.
Should I buy domain privacy protection?
If you want to hide your contact info from the public WHOIS listing, domain privacy is worthwhile for about $10/year. Many registrars now offer this for free.
Expensive premium domains only make sense if they closely match your brand name or stand to bring significant business value. Otherwise, a regular domain works just fine.
Finding the Right Domain Name
With so many options for domains ranging from $0 to millions of dollars, how do you choose the right one?
Here are a few best practices:
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Search new availability – Find unused domain names that match your brand or business.
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Consider alternatives – Try different extensions like .net when .com is taken.
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Evaluate premium domains – Only splurge if it aligns closely with your business goals.
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Mind renewal costs – Avoid first year deals with excessive renewal pricing.
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Bundle with web hosting – Take advantage of free domain offers from top web hosts.
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Do due diligence on existing domains – Vet any pre-owned domains for issues before buying.
Armed with the info in this guide, you can now shop confidently for a domain name tailored to your budget and needs. Just be sure to account for all the potential expenses beyond just registration.
With a little research, you can find available domains for as low as $8.99/year or even free. But premium domains can soar into the millions! Ultimately domain costs come down to how much that name is worth to you versus the seller.
