Registering a Domain Name
How to Register a Domain Name
To register a domain name we will need to use a domain register so for this tutorial we are going to be using 20i. There are many other domain registrar's available to choose from, a short list of some of them is available below.
We are using 20i as part of this tutorial firstly because we really like the services and support they offer. Plus we know the control panel and features very well as we have been using their services daily for a number of years with very little problems over that time.
So lets get started registering our domain name. To follow along and do this yourself, you will need a credit card, email address and your address details.
We first need to head to 20i.com/domain-names
On this page we will find a search text field that allows us to enter our preferred domain name idea.
lets enter your chosen website name like this example yournamehere.uk then if you click the 
magnifying glass icon the website will return a list of domains available and their status.
If the domain you have chosen returns the status Available along with price/per year details and an option to ADD TO BASKET, it means that the domain is not currently registered. But if the domain extension is red and the button says TRANSFER the domain is registered by someone else already.
Don't worry if the TLD you chose isn't available with your website name, as you may find an alternative you'd like in the returned list. So instead of yournamehere.uk you may be able to buy yournamehere.cloud .
Or you could try a variation of your website name for example yournamehere.uk could become addyournamehere.uk to find a more unique and less used domain name.
So lets say we want to go ahead and register this chosen domain name we click ADD TO BASKET
The button will than change to say Added to basket
If we now click the blue basket link or the basket image at the top of the page.
We will be taken to a new page where we can Create an Account on 20i.
You will see your domain order details are on the righthand side of the page, if you wish to you can change the number of years you want to register the domain for in a pull down selection box.
Next we need to enter an Email Address and password, plus confirm the password and select that I agree to 20i's Terms and Conditions.
Now click the green continue button
This will take us to a section to enter the details for registering the domain name
Here you enter your details such as, email address and address details, then continue on to pay for the domain by following the wizards steps.
At the end of the sales basket wizard you will have registered and paid for your domain name, for the number of years of your choosing.
So now we own a Domain Name lets link it into our GitHub pages website.
With a 20i account if you register a domain name you can use the free hosting option which is very generous with the features set it offers, all with No Adverts or Pop-Ups. Not only that the account permits commercial use. So a free web hosting package is a great choice for any small charities or businesses, as well as personal websites to start and learn from.
20i.com/web-hosting/free-hosting
This could then be linked to your GitHub repository to pull in your website content which you can then move to the public_html so that your users can see your website content. If you are interested in more information on this let us know.
You also get for free 100 email accounts with 10 GB of storage each, which will be very helpful to communicate with others whilst you grow your website career or business. However please take note that 20i has a Zero-tolerance spam policy, so take the time to understand what's permitted. 20i.com/email-hosting
Domain Privacy
When it comes registering a domain as an individual you risk exposing your name, postal address, email and phone number to spammers, identity thieves and fraudsters. So keeping your personal details private is vital. Which is why Domain Registrar's offer Domain Privacy on domains that are owned by private individuals. This is likely a additional cost on top of your yearly Domain price, though you should check with your chosen registrar what they offer.
The good news is with 20i if you are an individual who purchases a .uk or .co.uk domain name that’s not for business use, then you can hide your personal details with their Domain Privacy for free! 20i.com/domain-names
Other Recommended Domain Registrar's
There are many more domain registration companies. However we are not going to recommend them here! Why not you ask?
Because we really dislike the way that some companies draw you in by charging very small first year charges, but then go on to considerably mark up the second year, plus the recurring renewal prices.
So be warned it really pays to read the small print or the not so small but just hidden well print!
Plus also some of these companies still only offer paid SSL certificates! Some might have first year deals but then you are locked into high renewal pricing.
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