Registering a domain - How does it work?

By registering your own domain, you create a personal address on the internet. But what is the right approach to registering a domain? We'll explain what you need to consider when registering a domain and how to find the best domain provider through comparison.

Having your own domain is practical in many ways. It doesn’t matter whether your internet address is for a private or business website or just for email communication. A personal address on the internet exudes professionalism and credibility, making it appealing to both private users and business owners.

Especially today, where having your own website can be a plus, for example, in job applications, many users face the problem of their web address being difficult to remember, as it often includes the provider’s name. If this is undesirable, an individual top-level domain (TLD) can be registered. This type of domain is characterized by a memorable context (e.g., hans-mustermann.de) and typically ends with “.de” for German users. Those active in the international market might prefer the “.com” extension instead. Additionally, numerous other domain extensions are available, each offering its own unique advantages and disadvantages.

No matter which extension you choose when registering your domain, comparing different domain providers always makes sense, as this can save you a lot of money over the years. Here are the most important tips for domain registration. Save costs! With this guide, anyone can become a domain owner while protecting their wallet. It provides answers to the most critical questions about registering your own domain for a website, blog, online shop, or email traffic.

How does domain registration work?

From the initial idea to a fully functional website with a domain, there are essentially three steps:

• **Domain Check** – Over 1,500 domain extensions are available worldwide to help you find your desired domain.
• **Domain Registration** – After ordering the domain name, it is registered with the domain registry.
• **Connection** – Once the domain is registered, it is linked to your web space via DNS (Domain Name System).

After selecting the domain name and extension (also known as Top-Level Domain, TLD) and placing the order, the technical implementation is handled by the domain provider. They take care of the registration and connection. Before the renewal deadline, they are also responsible for notifying the customer or automatically renewing the domain, if agreed upon. Domain registration is not just for professionals.

What are the costs for domain registration?

The cost of domain registration depends on the chosen Top-Level Domain. One of the most affordable options is the .DE domain for Germany, starting at €0.49 per month. The popular .COM domain is available starting at €0.99 per month. New domains like .BERLIN and .COOL are slightly more expensive. For cheaper domains, many desired names are often already taken, whereas newer Top-Level Domains offer more options.

How does domain registration technically work?

The technical requirements for domain allocation are the same for all Top-Level Domains. Two name servers must be available. These DNS servers connect the domain to the web server. The domain provider provides the DNS servers and enters the domain information. You can verify and modify these DNS entries through a web interface.

URL or Domain? What’s the difference?

The first part of the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the domain, followed by the directory path and document. You cannot register a free URL, but registering a domain allows you to use all URLs (e.g., http://domain/path and http://domain/path2) under that domain.

What are the alternatives to domain registration?

Many web hosting providers offer a free second-level domain. This option is useful if you haven’t decided on the right domain name yet. With web hosting packages, you can later easily add your own Top-Level Domain. Many hosting plans even include one or more domains, helping you save on registration costs. If you want to start your blog without spending money monthly on a domain or hosting, you can use a blogging platform. These platforms offer a free second-level domain with their free blog package. If you later need your own Top-Level Domain, you can secure and use it at any time.

How can you save costs on domain registration?

The best way to save money on domain registration is to choose an affordable domain provider. With our Domain Comparison, you can easily compare prices for different domain extensions across providers. Select the right Top-Level Domain and the best provider for your domain.