ESDomain editorial team · Reviewed 2 November 2026
Distinguish the two WordPress setups
First establish where the website will run. WordPress.com is a hosted service with its own plans and connection options. A self-hosted WordPress installation follows the setup instructions of its hosting provider. In either case, domain registration can remain separate. Check that your selected service supports a custom address before purchasing a plan.
Choose who manages DNS
WordPress.com documents nameserver connection and an alternative using DNS records. If you already use domain email, plan how to preserve it before moving DNS. For independent hosting, obtain the root and www settings from the host. Use the current instructions for your account rather than copying values from a different website.
Check the connected site
After the provider confirms connection, check HTTPS and the primary address shown in WordPress. Open a post, an image and an older link to find references to a temporary domain. Back up an existing installation before changing its internal site addresses. If enquiries use domain email, test sending and replying as part of the launch.
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.