Step 2. Pick a Name Registration Service
The purpose of most name search websites is to get you to use their name registration service. It can cost up to $35 a year to register/own a name. If you pay for more than one year it is usually cheaper.
Read the information in the next step (Pick a Host Company) before you use a registration service to register/purchase a name. When you purchase a website hosting package the host company may register your name for free. Also, if you register a name before you buy a hosting package you will have to go through extra trouble to transfer the name to the hosting company.
If you don't plan on creating the website for some time you can search for a low-cost registration service (see Links page) to register the name so no one else can use the name. If you do plan to create the website soon the best approach is usually to purchase a hosting package that includes the registration.
NOTE - You have to pay the registration fee for every year you want to own the name. If you don't the name can be bought by someone else. The company you used for registration should send you a renewal notice.
Register the Website Name