I Bought a Domain – Now What?

Acquiring a domain is just the first step in creating the perfect online platform. There are several other steps involved in creating your new website.

But it can be difficult to know exactly what to do next – or in what order.

That’s why the hosting and website experts at KnownHost have outlined the essential steps for effectively configuring, securing, and optimizing your new domain in this guide, to help you successfully grow your online presence.

Acquiring Your Domain 

If you’re reading this guide, you’ve likely already secured your perfect website domain. But just in case, we’ll cover the key steps involved in acquiring a website domain, before we explain what to do next.

This process involves the following straightforward steps:

• Choose a Domain Name: Select a unique and memorable name that reflects a specific brand or purpose. Keep it short and easy to spell.
• Check Availability: Use a domain name registrar, like KnownHost, to see if the desired domain is available. Consider variations on your keywords if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for.
• Select a Domain Extension: Decide on a suitable domain extension based on the target audience and purpose. Common options include .com, .net, and country-specific extensions like .uk.
• Register the Domain: Once an available name is found, register it through a domain registrar. A user may need to provide their contact information and create an account.
• Choose Registration Period: Domains can be registered for up to one year, with options for multi-year registrations. Consider selecting a longer term for convenience.
• Add Domain Privacy Protection: To keep personal information private, consider adding domain privacy protection, which hides details from public WHOIS databases.
• Complete Payment: Follow the prompts to complete the purchase. Payment methods usually include credit/debit cards and PayPal.
• Configure DNS Settings: After registration, users can set up a domain’s DNS settings to point to their web hosting provider, allowing it to be accessed online.
• Renew the Domain: Keep track of the registration period and renew the domain before it expires to avoid losing it.

Domain Registration with Knownhost

Register your domain with KnownHost and enjoy hassle-free management, FREE WHOIS privacy, and 24/7 expert support.

Start building your online presence now—search for your domain name and claim it for just $15.50/year.

REGISTER YOUR DOMAIN NOW

Web Hosting Plans 

Once you’ve secured your dream domain name, you’ll need a hosting platform for your new website.

There are various hosting plans and options available, with some of the most common and desirable options including:

Shared Hosting

Multiple websites share a single server and its resources.

• Best For: Small websites or blogs with low to moderate traffic.
• Pros: Cost-effective and easy to manage.
• Cons: Limited resources and performance can be affected by other sites.

GET STARTED WITH SHARED HOSTING

VPS Hosting (Virtual Private Server)

A single physical server is divided into multiple virtual servers, providing dedicated resources.

• Best For: Growing websites or businesses needing more control and resources.
• Pros: More reliable performance and greater customization.
• Cons: More expensive than shared hosting and requires some technical knowledge.

GET STARTED WITH VPS HOSTING

Dedicated Hosting

Users have an entire server dedicated to hosting their website.

• Best For: Large websites with high traffic and specific resource needs.
• Pros: Complete control over server configuration and resources.
• Cons: High cost and requires technical expertise to manage.

GET STARTED WITH DEDICATED HOSTING

Cloud Hosting

Websites are hosted on a network of virtual servers in the cloud, providing flexibility and scalability.

• Best For: Businesses experiencing fluctuating traffic levels.
• Pros: High reliability, scalability, and pay-as-you-go pricing.
• Cons: Can be more complex to manage and costs can vary.

GET STARTED WITH CLOUD HOSTING

Managed WordPress Hosting

A hosting environment specifically optimized for WordPress sites, with automated updates and security features.

• Best For: WordPress users who want a hassle-free experience.
• Pros: Optimized performance and enhanced security features.
• Cons: Generally more expensive than standard shared hosting.

GET STARTED WITH WORDPRESS HOSTING

What Can You Do With a Domain Name?

A domain name offers various opportunities for individuals and businesses. Here are some key uses:

• Create a Website: Host a personal, professional, or e-commerce website to establish an online presence.
• Email Hosting: Set up custom email addresses (e.g., info@yourdomain.com) to enhance professionalism.
• Redirect Traffic: The domain redirects visitors to another website or social media page.
• Branding: Strengthen brand identity using a memorable domain that reflects a business or personal brand.
• SEO Benefits: Improve search engine optimization by incorporating relevant keywords to a domain name.
• Sell or Lease: Monetize the domain by selling it to interested buyers or leasing it to businesses.
• Develop Web Applications: Create web-based applications or services that use the domain for functionality.
• Online Portfolio: Showcase any work or projects through a dedicated portfolio website.
• Blogging: Start a blog to share insights, expertise, or personal experiences with a wider audience.
• Community Building: Create forums or community sites to engage with like-minded individuals.
  How to Build a Website after Buying a Domain

Building a website after purchasing a domain involves several steps. Below is a simple guide to get users started:

Step 1: Choose a Hosting Provider

• Select a Hosting Plan: Choose a reputable web hosting service, like KnownHost.
• Sign Up: Register for an account and choose a suitable hosting plan.

Step 2: Connect the Domain and Hosting

• Update DNS Settings: Go to the domain registrar’s website and update the DNS records to point to the chosen hosting provider.
• Propagation Time: It may take a few hours for changes to take effect worldwide.

Step 3: Install a Content Management System (CMS)

• Popular CMS Options: Consider using WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal for ease of use.
• One-Click Install: Many hosting providers offer one-click installation for these platforms.

Step 4: Choose a Theme or Template

• Free or Premium Themes: Browse theme directories (like WordPress Theme Repository or ThemeForest) to find a design that suits the site.
• Customization: Install and customize the theme to align with the brand.

Step 5: Add Content

• Pages: Create essential pages (Home, About, Contact, Blog, etc.).
• Media: Upload images, videos, and other media to enhance content.
• SEO: Optimize the content for search engines using keywords, meta descriptions, and alt tags for images.

Step 6: Install Plugins (if using a CMS)

• Essential Plugins: Consider adding plugins for SEO (Yoast SEO), security (Wordfence), and performance (W3 Total Cache).
• Functionality: Add any additional plugins for specific features (e.g., contact forms, social media integration).

Step 7: Test The Website

• Browsers and Devices: Check the website on different browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) and devices (mobile, tablet, desktop).
• Links and Functions: Make sure all links work and forms are functional.

Step 8: Launch The Website

• Final Review: Do a final review of the content and design.
• Go Live: Remove any “Coming Soon” pages and officially launch the site.

Step 9: Promote The Website

• Social Media: Share the website on social media platforms.
• Email Marketing: Build an email list and send newsletters.
• SEO: Continue working on search engine optimization to improve visibility.

Step 10: Maintain The Website

• Regular Updates: Keep CMS, themes, and plugins updated.
• Backup: Regularly back up the website to prevent data loss.

Installing a Website Builder 

To install a website builder, start by choosing a platform like Wix, Squarespace, or Weebly. Sign up for an account and select a suitable template to match the website vision.

Use the intuitive drag-and-drop interface to customize the site by adding text, images, and features. Once satisfied with the design, publish the website to make it live.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I sell my domain instantly? 

A: Users can sell their domain instantly, especially if they are using a domain marketplace like Sedo, Flippa, or GoDaddy Auctions. Simply list the domain for sale, set a price and potential buyers can purchase it immediately. Make sure the domain is attractive and in demand to facilitate a quick sale.

Q: What happens if you don’t renew a domain? 

A: If users don’t renew a domain, it will expire after the registration period ends. Once expired, they may lose ownership, and the domain could become available for others to register. Some registrars offer a grace period for renewal, but fees may apply to reclaim an expired domain.

Q: How do I use email after buying a domain? 

A: After buying a domain, set up email by using a hosting provider or an email service like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365. Create email accounts with a domain (e.g., info@yourdomain.com), configure DNS settings to point to an email provider, and access the email through their platform or client.