If you want to set up a website, one of the first things you’ll need to do is to register a domain name. This is simply the name of your website, such as freelancerkenya.com or wikipedia.org. It is the number one thing that people will be referring to when talking about your site and will also be your online identity.
Where can you register your domain name?
There are many sites that will help you register your domain name. These sites are referred to as domain registrars. You can always search for reviews of the top domain registrars at any particular time.
I use Namecheap for my domains. You don’t have to use this. You can try out others like GoDaddy and 1and1. In case you want a .ke domain e.g. example.co.ke or example.or.ke, you can check out Kenic. Those reading this outside Kenya can always research to see where to buy those country specific domain names.
In this post, I will show you step by step how to register a domain name using Namecheap. The process is pretty much the same regardless of the registrar you’ll choose with minor differences.
Factors to consider before registering a domain
Before you register your domain, consider the following factors:
- Is the name copyrighted? You may be sued if you use a copyrighted name such as nestle.co.ke which belongs to Nestle. Don’t use names of existing brands or companies.
- Nowadays it is advisable not to use dashes. If you are selling women’s shoes, it’s better to use womenshoes.com instead of womens-shoes.com.
- Use a name that people can easily remember.
- Exact match domains (EMDs) no longer help much in search engine optimization. For example, if you’re registering a weight loss website, you don’t necessarily have to call it weightloss.com since that is no longer a big ranking factor as it used to be before 2012. However, we still have exact match sites that rank well and make profits.
- You can consider creating your own abstract name for branding purposes. Note that when Google, Facebook and iPhone were registering their domains, they used names that weren’t in existence. So if you hear someone saying “Google”, you clearly know what they’re talking about. That’s a strategy you can consider using.
- Did you know that you are a brand? Yes. Consider branding yourself by registering your name e.g. if your name is Alaine Wafula, you can register alainewafula.com.
- Come up with multiple domain name ideas. There are high chances that most of the domain names you’ll think of are already registered. Write them down then go down to the domain name registration process below for further instructions.
- As for TLDs (i.e the .com, .org, .gov, .edu etc), the most common are .com, .org and .net. Most people use their target audience to select one of these. E.g. .com can have a worldwide audience but .co.ke can be strictly for a Kenyan audience e.g. ghafla.co.ke. Institutions also have their TLDs e.g. .edu for educational institutions and .gov for government sites.
My new domain name
Considering all the above. I settled on internetmarketinginafrica.com. This is a site that I’m building that will challenge people all over Africa to get their businesses online and use internet marketing as a way of getting more leads and sales.
I chose to still use an exact match domain (exact match domain) for this one. First as part of a test on EMD rankings and second since it will be easy for people to remember. I will still do a non-EMD site soon and let you know when it’s out if you’re part of my mailing list.
As usual, I will market this via search engines optimization (especially for Google search), social media marketing (especially through Facebook) and email marketing using AWeber. I am also considering YouTube video marketing and forum posting.
At the time of posting this article, that site is not yet up but if you’re reading this later, you may see it up and filled with content. If so, note that this is where the whole process began!
The domain registration process
Step 1: Name search
You start with a name search. Like I said above, most domain names are already taken so you’ll need to have a list of potential domain names.
Go to your preferred registrar and enter your preferred name on the search box. Once you get a name that is available, add it to cart as shown below. Note that the price below is $10.69 per year and see below how I’ll reduce it.
Step 2: Look for a coupon code
Some domain registrars, such as Namecheap have different offers running at any one time. These can get you a percentage off the amount you would have paid for the domain. So, to reduce the above price, do a Google search to see whether you can get a coupon code.
I searched for “Namecheap coupons” and this is what I got.
I then clicked on the site indicated above and copied the coupon code and pasted it to the “promo code” section shown in the next image below.
Step 3: Review your shopping cart and apply the coupon
It’s always good to review anything that needs to be paid for before making the actual payment. In the review window, you can:
- Determine the number of years you want to pay for
- Select “auto-renew” if you want it to automatically be paid for and renewed when it expires
- Choose whether you want other additional services such as WhoisGuard
- Enter and apply the coupon (or promo) code
Step 4: Confirm the order and make the payment
Once you’ve done all the above, it’s time to confirm the order and make the payment. As you see below, the price is now $9.84 after I applied the coupon. Down from $10.87. Once you pay, your domain will be ready for use. You’ll later need to set up your hosting so that you can make your site live. Click here to get an eBook that will give you more details on hosting, setting up a blog, etc.
Conclusion
There you have it friends. That’s the easy way to register a domain. Once registered, the next step will be hosting. Look out for my next post where I’ll write more about web hosting and show you step by step how I will host this brand new website.
This is part of the internet marketing challenge where we will do more action than talk. Take action too and register your domain today.
Feel free to add any questions, comments, tips and suggestions on the comments section below so that we can keep this conversation going.
Hi Walter,
I’ve noticed something – when I click the link to get the ebook, I will get an option to subscribe to your email list. I’ve been part of your email list for a while and I wonder if it’s possible to customize Aweber so that if it recognizes the email input is already in the list, it can skip sending the confirmation mail again.
I’m glad for this info. I recall there was a time I didn’t even know how or what hosting entails.
Hi Dennis,
Thanks for your feedback. Well noted.
I appreciate your kind words as well!
All the very best!
This was helpful, i tried and now i have a domain ..thanks Walter
Most welcome, Ruth. Congrats!
Hi Walter,
Thank you for this sharing. I have implemented it and am glad on the progress.
Thank you my Coach.
Shem
Mr Walter Akolo I’m really inspired by your work…I hope one day I will have the same skills that you have acquired
Thanks Johnson! And yes, keep doing your best to get there and beyond!
Great Information , eeh learning will never cease.
Thanks Joyce. Keep learning!
Wow , Thank you so much . I am more than inspired to start and get on. The content is easy to understand and to the point. I am currently employed but I thank God for coming across this information. Thank you Walter and as they say Knowledge is Power but I believed we can only experience that power to change the world when we share what we have gained. God bless
You’re most welcome Judith. I’m always happy to help ?. God bless you too immensely.
Walter you have no idea how inspired I am by your work. Stay blessed and I am looking foward to working with you.
Thanks Stacey. God bless you too.
Straight to the point such that an average talented newbie can easily understand. Thanks, Walter.
Just a quick one. The HostGator comments that ‘after the initial 1-year offer of hosting expires, renewal terms will be full price for another further same period”. Does it mean if it was initially $36, it reverts to $120?
Hi Dan,
Thanks for your kind words.
Yes, this is an offer for the first year only. In the second year, it will increase to around that amount.
Great man, you inspire
Thank you Jackson.
I am a new trainee and find this impressive
Thank you Thomas.
Great man, you inspire
Thank you Robert.
Do you have a way of helping someone who has no experience in programming?
Hi Augustine,
Sure, you just follow the above guide and you should be able to do it. I also have no experience in programming. Try it. It works!
This was quite interesting and educative. Thanks Walter
That’s great. Thanks Rachel!
Dear Walter,
I’m very excited to be your student. You are a great trainer. I’m in the process of creating my own website and get going with my business.
Hi Bea,
Thank you so much for your kind words. Sure, get the website done, it will boost your credibility and authority. Never hesitate to ask when stuck.
Hi Walter,
Thank you for the detailed explanation. I am excited that it enabled me create my own website. Am now looking forward to creating content.
Hi Rebecca,
I’m so happy to know that!
Hello Walter,
Thanks for the insightful piece been brainstorming where to start when my boss gave me a task to research on how to set up a domain name in Africa,Am informed now…
Be blessed.
Hi Koech,
Glad you’ve learnt.
Be blessed, too.
Hi Walter,
Landed here from the training portal. Insightful!!
Thanks Betty.
…and I HAVE A DOMAIN! YAAAY! Thanks Walter…..yet another achievement gained from your training in the comfort of my house!
Kudos Diana. So happy for you! Keep taking action.
Hi Akolo this is a very informative article, I am looking forward to working with you.
Thanks Anthony.
Joel Karanja
Hi Walter, thanks for your kind words of encouragement even when those new like me ask issues so obvious to you. Am looking forward to registering my domain name and start serious blogging. Keep up man.
Kajoel
kajoel247@gmail.com
Most welcome, Joel!
I must state that freelancerkenya is a site where there is always something new to learn.
Many thanks to Walter and your team.
Every day I read something you wrote, or have recently written. Timeless information Walter, ready to apply when I get there…..
Many thanks.
Thank you so much Walter for the insights you have given on blogging.I would wish to ask that when doing payment for registration of domain name,how do you go about it? Can it be done by mpesa? If not so through which means?
Hi Daniel. Many thanks. You can pay using your ATM card.
Great training Walter, be blessed.
Thanks Manei. God bless you too.
This is awesome.Thanks for sharing
Most welcome Cloy 🙂
hey walter you have great stuff on your website. idk how to contact you but i was wondering how i can deposit money to skrillex. should i use my bank atm? or their is another way? Thank you in advance. Also advice me which bank is good for doing online business.
Hi Arthur. You can deposit using your card. I recommend Equity Bank.
Can you pay through mpesa?
No.
Hi Walter,
Thanks Walter for your article. Your posts are always informative and easy to understand.
Am i correct to say that the process involved is: Name cheap (Name registration) + Hosting (Hostgator) + WordPress = Website/Blog
Hi Sylvia,
Yes, you’re right.
Right now, HostGator are running an excellent promotion though. You can register a domain name and get hosting for one year at only $36. Click here to take advantage of this offer http://stfi.re/yxoedko
Walter,this is amazing.If I had known all this by the beginning of the year,I would be at the same level as Akolo,believe me#jokes#Hahahaha.Ever since I thought about blogging,this is the best place I am getting the very best of my expectations….From here,I am going to be a witness of this good work that is going on here.You are just a blessing Walter.I’ll forever be greatful for all this lessons I have got from my interaction and association with you…. You are really kind even in the way you have been answering my querries at a personal level.Thanks again.
Would you be of help. Trying to get a domain name whose site will b about anything and everything.. Life, r/ships, daily happenings, ad all.. Whoever will develop the site says what i had in mind “ginabits & pieces is so technical. Wld you mind to help me get a domain name with or without featuring my name.. Any example?
Hi Georgina. It’s better if you come up with a few then I advise. However, sites about anything and everything mostly don’t do well. I always encourage innovation but if it’s your first site, I would advise you make it all about a specific niche e.g relationships. The one you’re most passionate about but still do some market research to make sure it’s profitable. There are niches which are generally not profitable. I hope this helps.
Walter this is quite comprehensive rest assured we taking it a step at a time,once again thanks for the jewel of info as always
Thanks Edgar. Sure, keep learning and taking action. Great things are going to come out of this.
Thanks for enlightening is on us on internet marketing. Clues taken here are really usable.. Only that you are not doing EBAY AMAZON stuff. Those things are hard to follow without a little help from somebody who is used to them.
Thanks Mahindu. I’m not doing those for now but I’ll be learning and implementing them in future.
Walter,
I really looked for people like you when I started out. Unfortunately, there were none. Not even abroad. Guys, if you are new to this, take advantage of the free advice Walter offers. We appreciate you Walter. And if you are using any affiliate links I will always buy from them and nowhere else.
Hi Felix,
Thanks a lot for your kind words.
I am always happy to help and good to know I’m appreciated. It means a lot.
Thanks too for using my affiliate links whenever I recommend products. You’re a star!
Stay blessed.
Stay blessed!
Walter you’re one of a kind, this is intellectual innovation. Glad you realized early enough that the best way to connect Africa is through the net. Thumbs up for the info. “My site coming up right away.
Thanks for the kind words Fred. Yes this is a great way of helping us unite. I’m glad your site is coming up! All the very best with that.
Hi Walter,
Say for example you would like to change a domain name that you’ve already registered with a co.ke, how can you go about it?
Hi Wanjiku
You can’t change. You can create a new one then redirect to it if you want.
Some great tips here Walter for guys and gals that want to register new domain names.
Namesilo.com is also another great service for registering domain names and comes with free WHOIS privacy protection even after the first year lapses (and a .com domain goes for US$ 8.99 or 7.99 dollars – that is less than KSH 800 a year – if you apply the coupon code BUCKSAVER).
Thanks a lot Philos for the information. That’s a great offer!
wonderful.this is the entrepreneurial spirit needed. how do you then develop the content and ensure that the site has a friendly user interface
Thanks James. I’m glad this is what you needed. I’ll expound more on building content, promoting your blog and getting a great targeted audience in future posts. You can also download my ebook for tips on that. Here is a link to the download again https://freelancerkenya.com/go/list
Thanks so much Walter.I have liked the idea.The moment i am set i will create my website.
Kudos again for the awesome sacrifice you are making for those interested in internet marketing to reach their destination.
Thanks Ajobe for your great comment. It’s my dream to see many people making it BIG online. In my mind, this is the start of something big and awesome.
Great post as always Walter. I just want to correct you kidogo. Weightloss.com is not exactly an EMDs, because its not topic specific. It could work like as a brand too. With that domain you could go right, left and center with it. Do a wide range of review on it and still talk about supplements. EMDs are the thin spammy domain that are mostly coined from a specific product or just a small niche, like sumsangearphonesreviews.com. Noticed the domain is about just a single Sumsang accessory. I hope that helps. Thanks
Thanks Martin for the correction.
When looking for examples of exact match domains, I got multiple sites stating that a domain name such as weightloss.com is an exact match. See another list of EMDs here http://www.domainsherpa.com/exact-match-domains/
As usual, feel free to let me know if there is anything I’m missing on this.
Thanks.
This is a great post. I recently created my website and I must say that it is not as complicated as it sounds. With good guides like this one, creating a website has never been this easy. Thanks Walter for a great post.
Thanks Dennis. Yes, it’s not as complicated as many think it is. Congrats! I’m glad you’ve created your website! How’s the going?
It’s great Walter. Just reaching out to prospects and at times landing great clients. Having a websites does rock! It beats content mills by far.
That’s wonderful news Dennis. Yes it beats content mills, bidding sites, job boards etc and sets you apart as a professional.
Thanks for sharing this. Looking forward to more.
Hi Sarah. Thanks for your comment. More great stuff coming.