This guide walks you through buying a domain name from Namecheap.com. We use Namecheap for all of our domain registration and encourage our clients to create and manage their domain accounts themselves. This guide will help if you would like to register your domain. The process is very similar to other registrars as well. If you need more guidance, please let us know!
If you are working with RetroDev Studio, there are a few places where you should stop and let us handle the technical bits.
Before You Start
You will need:
- An email address you check regularly
- A credit card or PayPal
- A short list of domain name ideas in case your first choice is taken
Step 1: Go to Namecheap
Open your browser and go to namecheap.com.
This is where you will search for and purchase your domain.
Step 2: Search for Your Domain Name
Enter the domain name you want, for example:yourbusinessname.ca or yourbusinessname.com
Click Search.
If your first choice is not available, Namecheap will suggest alternatives. Keep it simple. Easy to spell beats clever every time.
Step 3: Choose a Domain Extension
Common options:
- .ca for Canadian businesses or individuals
- .com for general or international use
You can buy more than one version if you want to protect your name, but this is optional.
Click Add to Cart next to the domain you want.
If you would like another domain. Simply search again and Add to Cart.
Step 4: Review Your Cart
Click View Cart.
Double-check:
- The domain name spelling
- triple check this! Get someone else to make sure if possible.
- You CANNOT change it later you would have to buy a new domain if you spelled something incorrectly!
- The registration length, 1 year is usually fine
You can toggle on or off the Auto Renew
Note to RetroDev Studio clients: You do not need hosting or any of the addons as these are provided if you are hosting your website with us. We will update setting for your domain to make sure it is pointing to the right place. See the last step for more information
Click Confirm Order
Step 5: Create or Log In to Your Account
Log in if you already have a Namecheap account.
If you are creating one:
- Use your real name
- Use a real email address
- Choose a strong password
This account controls your domain. Do not rush this step.
Step 6: Enter Contact Information
You will be asked for contact details. This is required for domain registration.
Even with privacy enabled, this information must be accurate behind the scenes.
Step 7: Complete Payment
Choose your payment method and complete checkout.
Once payment goes through, your domain is officially registered.
Step 8: Confirm Your Email
You will receive a verification email from Namecheap to confirm your account.
Open it and click the confirmation link.
If you skip this step, your domain can be suspended later. This one matters.
Step 9: Find Your Domain Dashboard
Log back into Namecheap and go to:
Account Dashboard > Domain List
You should see your new domain listed.
Stop Here If You Are Working With RetroDev Studio
If RetroDev Studio is hosting or building your site, do not change DNS settings yet.
DNS controls where your domain points. One wrong click can take email or websites offline.
At this point, send us:
- The domain name you purchased
- The email address used for your Namecheap account
We will tell you exactly what to do next or handle DNS setup for you.
If You Are Asked About DNS
You may see options like:
- Nameservers
- Advanced DNS
- Custom DNS
Do not change these unless you have been given specific instructions.
If RetroDev Studio is hosting your site, we will provide the correct nameservers and walk you through it step by step, or make the changes for you.
What This Does and Does Not Do
Registering a domain:
- Secures your website address
- Does not create a website by itself
- Does not automatically set up email
Those come next.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to verify your email
- Turning off Whois privacy
- Buying unnecessary add-ons
- Changing DNS without guidance
- Misspelling the domain name
Next Steps
Depending on your project, the next step will be one of the following:
- Connecting the domain to RetroDev Studio hosting
- Connecting it to existing hosting
- Setting up email addresses
We will guide you through the correct next move so nothing breaks along the way.
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