Should I buy my domain before I design the site?
When an early purchase makes sense
A domain is the address people type, so a name you like is worth reserving before someone else takes it. Buying early also lets you set up email on that domain while you build. Most people only need to pick the name and confirm it is available.
Keep the registration in an account you control, and use a strong password with two-step sign-in if it is offered. Losing access to a registrar account can be a real headache later.
Waiting can be smarter sometimes
If the project name may change after testing, hold off on buying until you settle on one. Design work does not depend on the exact domain, since you can use a temporary address during development. Buying too early can leave you with a name you no longer want.
Check that the name is easy to spell out loud. A simple name is easier to remember than a clever one with unusual spelling.
Protecting the account
Add a backup email address that you check regularly, so renewal notices and security alerts reach you. These steps prevent a small mistake from becoming a lost domain.
Turn on auto-renew if you want to avoid lapses, and set a calendar reminder to review the billing details. Knowing when renewal happens keeps you in control.
Common mistakes
- Registering a name in a confusing spelling to save money
- Keeping the registrar login on a shared device
- Letting the domain expire because the renewal email went to an old address
