How much does it cost to buy a domain name?

Launching an online business starts with securing the right domain name. Whether you’re building a brand from scratch or expanding an existing business, a domain is essential for your online presence. But how much does it cost? How long should you spend searching? What are your best options?

We’ve done the research to guide you through pricing, selection, and top providers—helping you make the best choice for your website.

How much can a domain name cost?

Domain name prices typically range from £0.01 to £20 for the first year, with optional extras like business email adding to the cost. While a quick search reveals many providers, true costs go beyond the initial price. Keep reading to uncover hidden fees and find the best provider for your domain name. However, it’s not just hidden fees that can newer domain extensions like .ai tend to be more expensive, often exceeding standard pricing, due to their recent launch and high demand. Learn why the .ai domain name extension is in demand here.

Domain name prices in resale markets vary widely, with no fixed rates. Buying and selling domains is a dynamic business, and the best way to gauge costs is by exploring platforms like Afternic

Pro Tip: Want a domain that’s already owned? Elite’s Domain Backorder Service is the best way to secure your desired domain as soon as it becomes available. Elite’s Domain Backorder Service monitors the domain and attempts to register it the moment it expires, giving you the best chance to claim it before others do.

With backordering, you can avoid bidding wars, increase your chances of success, and secure high-value domains without the hassle.

Is the price of a domain name always the full price?

When purchasing a domain name, thorough research is essential to avoid unexpected costs. While most domains come with an annual fee, some also include additional charges, such as an ICANN fee.

Be cautious of providers offering extremely low first-year prices—some as low as $0.01—as they may require a minimum two-year contract with significantly higher renewal fees. Always check the full pricing details to ensure you’re getting a fair deal and not overpaying in the long run.

What impacts the cost of a domain name?

Several key factors influence the cost of a domain name:

• Domain Extension – Popular options like .com are often more affordable, while niche extensions like .app or .shop may cost more.
• Where You Buy It – Prices vary between domain registrars, aftermarket services, and private sellers, each with different pricing models.
• Registration Term & Add-Ons – Choosing a longer term or extras like domain privacy can increase the total cost.

Understanding these factors helps you find the best domain at the right price.

What are premium domain names, and how much do they cost to register?

Premium domain names are pre-registered domains listed for sale on aftermarket platforms. Their prices vary based on demand, keyword value, and market trends, ranging anywhere from hundreds to millions of dollars. Investing in a premium domain can boost brand credibility and SEO visibility, making it a valuable asset for businesses.

How do I choose the perfect domain name?

Here’s some of the most important things to consider, to ensure you pick the right one!

Incorporate Keywords for SEO & Branding

Your domain name should clearly represent your business and include keywords that resonate with your target audience. Whether you’re selling clothing, accessories, or offering consulting services, including a keyword in your domain name can improve SEO and help customers find you more easily.

Examples:

• FreshStyleClothing.com (Fashion e-commerce)
• EcoFriendlyAccessories.store (Sustainable products)
• TechSavvyConsulting.com (Consulting services)

Research trending keywords using tools like Google Keyword Planner to understand what potential customers are searching for. If possible, incorporate one into your domain to enhance visibility and attract more targeted traffic.

Avoid Hyphens and Unusual Spellings

When was the last time you used punctuation in a search online? Probably not often. You want your domain name to be easy to remember and type. Avoid using hyphens or odd spellings, like the-best-shirts-youll-ever-wear.com. While it may sound catchy, it can create unnecessary friction for visitors and hurt your site’s credibility. Keep it simple and straightforward for the best results.

Avoid Uncommon Spellings and Numbers

Whenever possible, steer clear of using numbers or unusual spellings. For example, is it a “4” or “four”? Or “2,” “to,” “two,” or “too”? These variations can confuse potential visitors. If someone shares your domain by word-of-mouth, there’s a risk your name could get miscommunicated or lost in translation. Keep your domain simple and easy to remember.

Make your domain name memorable

With nearly 1.7 billion websites online, how will yours stand out?

Start with a memorable domain name that reflects your brand or what you offer. Make sure it’s easy to say and spell—don’t forget to get feedback from friends and family. Once you’ve chosen your domain, you’ll need a website to match. While building a site might seem expensive, it’s more affordable than you think. Check out our guide on how much it really costs to build a website.

If you’re new to domain extensions, our resources can help you understand the basics as you explore your options. Need inspiration for the perfect domain? Check out our article highlighting some expert tips on choosing a good domain name.

Should you buy more than one domain name?

The short answer is yes. Even if you’re only planning to launch one website, it’s still important. Why? Brand protection. Here’s why it matters.

Remember those tricky spelling examples we discussed earlier? Even if you choose an easier version of your domain name, the original one might still get misinterpreted. By securing common misspellings or variations, you can cover all your bases and redirect traffic to your main site. This ensures that visitors will find you, even with small typos.

On a larger scale, owning multiple domain names can protect your brand from competitors. For instance, if you’re known for your homemade smoothies and own greatsmoothies.com, competitors might try to claim similar domains like greatfruitsmoothies.com. Without those additional domains, smoothie lovers might end up on someone else’s site.

If your budget allows, consider purchasing related domain names—especially those tied to your brand or industry. This helps keep your competitors at bay and ensures all traffic is directed to your site.

Where should I buy my domain name from?

If you’re looking to buy a domain name but aren’t sure where to start, Elite Web Co. is a top choice. As one of the fastest-growing domain registrars in 2025, they offer more than just affordable domains. Their services include Website Hosting, Email, Security, Marketing, and Website Builders—all at highly competitive rates. Elite Web Co. stands out with the lowest domain prices, free WHOIS protection, domain parking, extended expiration protection, and multiple levels of privacy. Plus, they send renewal reminders if auto-renew isn’t enabled.

Conclusion

Instead of asking, “How much does a domain name cost?” you should be asking, “How much would it cost my business to not have a domain that reflects my brand?”

Finding a domain name that perfectly matches your company can be challenging, but the potential loss in recognition, traffic, and sales far outweighs the cost of securing the right domain. Whether you’ve found the ideal extension or need a broker’s help, don’t wait—register your domain now to protect your brand.