How to Reserve Domain Names
Over 348.7 million domain names were registered since 2018.
The top four top-level domains are .com, .org, .ru, and .net. Over half of all domains use the .com extension and .site is the fast-growing type.
Yet many requested domains are unavailable so what do you do if the one you want is taken?
This article looks at how to reserve domain names.
You’ll learn how much it costs to secure domain names and how to find the perfect extension. Discover why domain name parking doesn’t have to be an issue. And see how to backorder domain names to grab your #1 choice.
Read on to find out how to reserve your domain regardless if it’s currently unavailable.
Contents
What Are Domain Names?
Domain names act as the address of your website that users can type into their browser to visit your site.
Every hosted website has its own address like a house would have. Unfortunately, they’re not human-friendly and look something like 67.123.456.7. Also, if the site gets transferred that address changes, just as yours would if you moved home.
Domain names help combat these problems by providing a simple way to navigate to a website no matter where it is.
A URL — another term for a domain/web address — looks like www.yoursite.com.
When a user enters the URL or Google sends them there, the Internet infrastructure knows what host it points to. The user’s browser follows those directions to retrieve the content of the page.
Types of Website Domains and Extensions
As of April 2nd, 2021, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) states there are 1,503 domain extensions.
But what is an extension? And what is a top-level domain or TLD?
A domain extension is the last part of the web address that starts with a period. The most common example is .com although other well-known forms exist like:
- .net – normally used for website hosts and related businesses
- .org – non-profit organizations
- .co & .biz – online companies
- .edu – educational web sites
Visiting yoursite.com is different from visiting yoursite.biz unless the same person owns both domains. If they do, they can then ‘point’ both domain names to the same website.
TLDs are the same as domain names but you can’t always register every extension.
Some country-specific types are restricted. You have to prove that you do business within that region or they aren’t available at all.
How to Register Domain Names
You don’t actually own a domain name, you rent it.
Registering domain names takes place through a third-party website. There are hundreds to choose from but not all carry the full list of extensions.
The process goes like this:
- Enter the domain you want and click ‘Search’
- A list of results appears showing each extension and whether it’s available
- If it is, you add your payment details to register it for x1-10 years
- If it’s already taken, the site will offer alternatives to choose from
The best sites provide extra services like hiding your contact details from public view.
You can also edit your domain names in a control panel. From there, you can change the nameservers to point them to your website host.
How Much Does It Cost to Secure Domain Names?
Prices vary depending on the TLD and the registration company you use.
Some offer free domains as part of a hosting package. Some reduce the price if you buy in bulk. However, always check year 2+ as the costs can rise dramatically and you need to pay because you’re locked in.
As an approximate average, don’t spend more than $20 per year for a .com domain.
Reserve Domain Names That Are Already Taken
What if your dream domain is gone and you don’t want another extension?
Sadly, this happens all too frequently. Another person or company registers the domain and does one of three things:
- Uses the domain name
- Parks it
- Tries to sell it
Domain name parking is another term for not utilizing a domain name for the time being. Some business start-ups do this because they have a company name in mind. They want to ensure they own the domain and activate it later when they’re ready.
On the other hand, some individuals see the value in a good TLD and wish to capitalize on it.
They register domain names with the hope that someone will offer to buy them at an inflated price. This used to be more prevalent when there were fewer extensions but still occurs in 2021.
But what if you don’t want to pay a ridiculous sum for a domain? Is there a way to snap yours up even if it’s registered?
Backorder Domain Names
The ability to backorder domain names helps you reclaim the TLD you deserve.
The service enables you to add a list of names you want to purchase. It then checks to see when the renewal period is due.
When the domain becomes available, the backorder site rushes in to claim it within milliseconds.
The Renewal Period
As mentioned above, domains are rented for a limited time. Near the end of that period, the registered owner receives an email asking if they want to renew.
If they ignore the email the domain expires. From there, a 40 day grace period is issued giving them one last chance to change their mind. After that delay, the window opens for anyone to register it, including you!
You can backorder a domain for a low cost of only $20.99 per year. That includes the price of the domain so you have nothing to lose.
Domain Names Advice and More
With over 1,500 domain name extensions, you might think that the one you want is only a few clicks away. When you discover that it’s already registered you might be tempted to choose something else. Even though your heart is already set.
Thankfully, you can reserve domain names by using a backorder service.
These specialist sites track your chosen domain and register it on your behalf when it becomes available. You can secure domain names without having to check ICANN every day and finally get your first choice.
Learn more about website domains in our Tech section.
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