What is a domain registrar?

A domain registrar is a company that lets you register and manage your own domain names. Registering a domain of your own always starts with picking a registrar, checking whether the name you want is still free and reserving it for a fixed period.

How do I register my own domain?

To register a domain of your own you first pick a domain registrar. There are plenty to choose from, among them large companies such as GoDaddy and Namecheap as well as smaller ones such as Hover and Gandi. Once you have settled on a registrar, you can search for the domain name you want and see whether it is still available.

If the name is available, it can be reserved for a set period, normally one year or several years. You also have to supply contact details, which are used during the registration process. As soon as the registration goes through, you are the owner of the domain.

How can I use my own domain for websites or email addresses?

There are several ways to put your own domain to work. One of the most common is hosting a website with it. You pick a hosting service that stores the website files on a server, and that server is tied to your domain. You can also create email addresses on the domain so that you write from a professional address. Another use for a domain name is as a link on social media or on a business card.

A domain registrar is therefore an important company: it is what allows you to register and manage your own domain names. Registering a domain and putting it to use is straightforward, and there are many ways to use it, among them websites, email and the links you hand out. More terms of this kind are collected in our SEO glossary.