ESDomain editorial team · Reviewed 2 November 2026
Your name or your service
For an independent professional, choose between your professional name and a service brand. A personal address suits a practice, portfolio or consultancy built around your reputation. A service brand can accommodate collaborators as the business grows. Write both candidates as email addresses and say them aloud to someone who has not seen the spelling.
Use the correct registrant
Keep the registration in the name of the person or organisation that should retain it. If a designer builds the website, share the relevant setup instructions while keeping control of your account. Review your legal name, identification and contact email at checkout. Use a contact inbox that will remain accessible if your new website or domain email stops working.
Launch the essentials
You can register the name while the website is still being built. Prepare a service overview, examples of your work and a way to receive enquiries. Connect your chosen hosting service and, if needed, an email provider afterwards. Website hosting and mailboxes are purchased separately. Keep the domain renewal date with your other business maintenance tasks.
From name to account
- Search for the name and check availability.
- Choose one or three years and complete the registrant details.
- Review payment and wait for registration confirmation in your account.
A search does not reserve the name. If an order needs review, its status appears in your account and support can help.