The cost of a domain name depends on the type you choose. For instance, at BigRock, a .com domain could cost around ₹900 for one year to around ₹1200 for two years. The cost also varies on offers and discounts. However, your focus should primarily be on which one suits you or your business well.
Read on to know more.
Building an online business starts with choosing the perfect domain name. People planning to create a website often dedicate considerable time and effort to finding a domain that accurately reflects their digital identity.
A perfect domain name is essential for establishing a robust online presence. Fortunately, obtaining one doesn’t have to be expensive. On average, a domain name’s price can vary depending on several factors, such as the chosen registrar, the registration period, and any additional features or services you might select.
When registering a domain name, it’s crucial to consider these variables to make an informed decision. Some registrars may give discounts for the first year, while others may include bundled services like privacy protection, email hosting, or website builders, which can impact the overall cost. Furthermore, the demand for specific domain extensions (such as .com, .net, or .org) can also influence pricing.
Let’s begin with understanding the factors affecting the domain name cost in detail.
Factors affecting the domain name cost
Here are a few of the many key factors affecting domain price are:
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Domain extensions
Domain extensions, also known as top-level domains (TLDs), significantly influence the cost of a domain name. Common extensions like .com, .net, and .org are typically more expensive due to their popularity and high demand. Newer or niche extensions such as .tech, .blog, or .shop can sometimes be cheaper, but they may also carry premium prices depending on their perceived value and demand. Specialized TLDs like .luxury or .cars are usually priced much higher. When choosing an extension, consider both your budget and the relevance of the TLD to your brand or business.
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Domain renewal and contract length
The length of the registration period and renewal rates are crucial factors in the overall cost of a domain name. While the initial registration fee might be affordable, renewal fees can be higher, especially after the first year if a discounted introductory rate was offered. Some registrars provide discounts for multi-year registrations, which can lock in a lower rate for an extended period. It’s essential to review the domain cost per year, renewal terms and fees before committing to a domain name to avoid unexpected costs and ensure long-term affordability.
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Domain registrar
The choice of domain registrar can also impact the cost of your domain name. Different registrars offer varying pricing structures, discounts, and additional services. Some registrars might have lower initial registration fees but higher renewal rates, while others might include value-added services like privacy protection, website builders, or email hosting in their packages. It’s important to compare the offerings and pricing of multiple registrars to find the best deal that meets your needs. Consider the reputation and customer service of the registrar as well, as these can affect your overall experience.
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Premium domains
Premium domains are highly sought-after names that often consist of short, memorable, and keyword-rich terms. The domain charges are typically higher for such domains because they offer greater branding potential and SEO benefits. Premium domains can command prices ranging from hundreds to thousands of rupees, or even more, depending on their perceived value and market demand.
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Custom email accounts
Having a custom email account associated with your domain name adds a professional touch to your business communications. Many domain registrars offer email hosting services as part of their packages, either included in the domain registration cost or for an additional fee. The cost for custom email accounts can vary based on the number of accounts needed and the storage capacity required. While some registrars provide basic email services for free or at a low cost, more advanced features and higher storage limits might come with a premium price tag.
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Transferring domains
Transferring a domain from one registrar to another can incur additional costs. While the transfer process itself might have a fee, often equivalent to a one-year renewal cost, some registrars offer promotions or discounts to attract new customers. It’s important to check the terms and conditions of both the current and new registrars before initiating a transfer. Additionally, transferring a domain can sometimes involve downtime or technical challenges, so it’s crucial to plan the transfer carefully to minimize any disruptions to your online presence.
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Domain privacy and protection costs
Domain privacy and protection services are essential for safeguarding your personal information. When you register a domain, your contact details are publicly available in the WHOIS database. To protect your privacy, many registrars offer domain privacy services that replace your personal information with proxy details. This service usually comes at an additional cost, which can vary depending on the registrar. Investing in domain privacy is worthwhile to prevent spam, identity theft, and unwanted solicitations, ensuring your personal information remains confidential and secure.
ALSO READ– Difference between domain, website and email hosting
How much does a domain cost?
As mentioned in the previous section, the cost of a web domain name depends on several factors, including TLDs, which can cause website domain prices to fluctuate.
Here’s an idea of domain name costs for different TLDs offered by BigRock.
Domain Name | 1 Year (₹) | 2 Years (₹) |
.com | 909 | 1718 |
.net | 1085 | 2170 |
.in | 579 | 798 |
You can visit our domain name price page for updated information on all domain extensions.
ALSO READ: What is a TLD? Top Level Domains and its Types Explained
How to find cheap domain names?
Finding a cheap domain name is possible with the right approach. Here are some key strategies to help you secure an affordable domain name without compromising on quality:
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Compare domain registrars
One of the most effective ways to find a cheap domain name is by comparing different domain registrars. Each registrar offers different pricing structures, promotional deals, and packages. Using domain comparison tools, you can quickly see which registrar offers the best deal for your desired domain name. Make sure to also compare renewal fees, as some registrars might offer a low initial cost but have higher renewal rates.
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Evaluate free add-ons
When searching for a cheap domain name, it’s essential to consider the value of free add-ons offered by registrars. Some registrars include free features such as WHOIS privacy protection, email forwarding, and basic website builders with their domain registration. These add-ons can save you money in the long run and add value to your purchase.
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Look for promotions and discounts
Many domain registrars offer special promotions and discounts, especially for new customers. These deals can significantly reduce the initial cost of registering a domain. Signing up for newsletters or following registrars on social media can help you stay informed about upcoming sales and promotional events. Additionally, using coupon codes found on discount websites can further lower the price at checkout.
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Purchase multi-year registrations
Many registrars offer discounts for multi-year registrations. Committing to a longer registration period can help you secure a lower annual rate and protect yourself from potential price increases in subsequent years. This method can result in considerable savings in the long run.
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Check out expired domains
Explore expired domains that are available for purchase. Websites like ExpiredDomains.net list domains that were previously registered but have not been renewed. These domains can sometimes be acquired at a lower cost and may already have some built-in SEO value, providing an added benefit for your website.
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Bundle services
Some registrars offer bundle deals that include web hosting, email services, and domain registration at a discounted rate. Bundling services can provide overall savings compared to purchasing each service separately. This approach is especially useful if you’re looking to build a complete online presence.
Conclusion
Various factors, including the choice of TLD, registrar pricing, registration period, and additional features, influence the cost of a domain name. It is important to compare different registrars and consider potential hidden costs such as renewal fees and privacy protection services. Understanding these variables will help you make a more informed decision and secure a domain name that fits your budget and meets your needs.
Domain Name Cost – FAQs
Are there additional expenses linked to owning a domain name?
Yes, owning a domain name can come with additional expenses beyond the initial purchase price. These can include renewal fees, privacy protection services, and costs for premium features. The total expenses vary depending on the registrar and the specific domain type.
Is it possible to permanently buy a domain name?
Domain names cannot be bought for permanent ownership. Instead, they are leased for a set period, typically one year or more. Domain owners must pay a renewal fee to maintain their rights to the domain name for the chosen duration.
How can I obtain a domain name for free?
While some providers offer free domain names, these are often not secure or reliable. A better way to get a free domain is by signing up with a website builder or hosting provider that includes a free domain for new users, usually for the first year. Be sure to check the terms and conditions as the free period is typically limited.