For anyone starting or running a business, a freelance career, a blog or any online services these days a website is very crucial. Choosing the right domain name is a very critical process in developing a website because it is a way through which users identify with you online. The most widely used among the domain name extensions is a .com because this name looks as if it is professional, credible, and trustworthy. For some this is definitely a problem, as to acquire a good.com domain name may be difficult and expensive, especially if you are just starting your business. The good news of it is that it is possible to secure a free .com domain for a period of one year.
In this article, we will be highlighting the values acquired in using a.com domain, top providers who give a free.com domain for one year and how you can claim yours. We will also feature useful information regarding how to optimize the use of your free domain and what the experience holds for you after the first year.
Why Choose a .com Domain?
Before diving into the ways to obtain a free .com domain, it’s worth understanding why a .com domain is a good choice:
Professionalism and Credibility: The “.com” added to any website gives its recognition and makes it look more professional. The Adizzens tried to build its principle as a global software solutions provider by having a .com domain name for itself and its product.
Memorability: Specifically, users seem to have higher trust and better recall for websites with.com endings than for any other extension. If the clients’ address is a web page many would think that it is a .com page, which works to benefit the users as they are reminded of your website.
SEO Benefits: There are rumours that Search engines do not prefer.com but actually customers are inclined to click more on.com domains. Further, other sites are used for link popularity and .com are the sites that get benefited from the site indirectly which affects the sites poplularity in the search engines.
Global Reach: The fact that the A.com domain is not restricted geographically is one main advantage that any business can exploit.
Where to Get A Free.com Domain For 1 Year
Many hosting companies and distributors give a free .COM domain for one year when you subscribe to their products. Here’s a list of popular providers and what they offer:
- Bluehost
Overview: Bluehost is considered one of the most popular hosting sites as it offers cheap services alongside ease of use. WordPress’s official resource recognizes it and it is good for bloggers, SMMs, and inexperienced users.
Offer: This web host also comes with a one year free.com domain when clients sign off for any of their hosting packages. Some of their features are: Free SSL certificates, installation of wordpress and Customer Support.
Steps to Get a Free .com Domain on Bluehost:
Go to the home page of Bluehost on the internet and choose a hosting package. We can name Basic and Plus plans: they’re suitable for newbies, and many people choose them.
While going through the sign up process, the system will provide some options as to the choice of a domain. Please, insert the .com domain that you want.
If the domain is available, then stating that it will be inserted in your cart for $0 for the first year.
Proceed to the final stage of the web-hosting buying process and check out.
Renewal Cost: After the first year, you will be charged for the domain renewal fee which is from $10-$15 per year at Bluehost.
- HostGator
Overview: HostGator is a popular hosting service offering affordable web hosting service and has an excellent reputation for the high uptime guarantee. It is well suited for small to medium sized webmaster who want to optimize their web page for search engines.
Offer: Another outstanding feature, HostGator offers something like a free .com domain for the first year of hosting services. First of all, as for the basic features, HostGator provides free domain, unmetered bandwidth, free SSL certificates, and one click installation of WordPress and other familiar website builders.
Steps to Get a Free .com Domain on HostGator:
Visit HostGator’s website and pick a hosting plan (the Hatchling, Baby or Business plans will qualify).
Your.com domain name should be entered during the registration process.
In addition to this, HostGator will offer a $0 charge for the domain if the domain is available for the first year.
Checkout to finalize your hosting and your own free domain.
Renewal Cost: The basic service costs are low at about $55 for the first year of service and on average $15 per year for the subsequent years.
- DreamHost
Overview: WordPress.org also recommends other web hosting companies which include DreamHost.. It is well acclaimed for many factors such as its interface and impressive reliability, coupled with customer service and uptime.
Offer: A big bonus for users are free unlimited.com domain with shared hosting and DreamPress plans for the first a year. Users also obtain Free SSL certificates as well as Daily Backups.
Steps to Get a Free .com Domain on DreamHost:
Go online to the DreamHost company’s site and select the desired web hosting plan. The Shared Starter and DreamPress both contain a zero price for a free domain.
As part of the registration process you will be required to search for a domain name. Please type your desired .com domain here.
It should be noted that, if available, the domain will be free for the first year of the service.
This may be done after you complete your purchase with us.
Renewal Cost: For the renewal of other domains such as.com domain, DreamHost charges something around $15 after the first year.
- IONOS by 1&1
Overview: IONOS by 1&1 is a web Hosting company with global coverage, relaizable web hosting services at reasonable prices for starters and business people.
Offer: IONOS offers a free.com domain for the first year with every hosting package they offer to their clients. They also provide services, which include SSL certificate, daily backup, and even site builder to their users.
Steps to Get a Free .com Domain on IONOS:
Visit the IONOS’s website and choose a hosting plan: business or pro hosting, as these options are applicable to this offer.
Search for your unique .com domain name during sign up process.
Depending on the domain registrar the domain comes with a free first year if available.
Complete your purchase.
Renewal Cost: For the first year, the registration of a .com domain at IONOS will require the payment of $1.
- SiteGround
Overview: SiteGround hosting has been associated with high quality hosting services, impressive customer service and fast response rates. It is used frequently among WordPress users and bloggers most especially the professionals.
Offer: With its paid hosting plans, SiteGround also offers a free.com domain registration for your first year. Also, Free daily backups, SSL certificates, excellent customer support are also available with SiteGround.
Steps to Get a Free .com Domain on SiteGround:
Go to the SiteGround home page, and select a hosting package.
In the domain registration step you have to type your desired .com domain name.
If available, the domain will be available for a year free.
Make the order to get the utilities of hosting and domain registration or other hosting services.
Renewal Cost: For the first renewed term after one year, SiteGround offered between $15- $18 for the renewal of the.com domain.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Free .com Domain with Hosting Plans
While getting a free .com domain with a hosting plan is a great deal, it’s important to consider the pros and cons:
Pros
Cost Savings: A free domain for a year lowers the cost of purchasing a domain name which goes directly to the development of a website.
Bundled Services: Free domains from hosting plans always come with additional services such as SSL certificates, backup services, customer support, and much more.
Easy Setup: When you get free domain with hosting, there is no problem, because everything is under some kind of account.
Reliable Domain Management: Quality hosting companies provide safe and reliable domain services; this means that problems with the site will be minimized.
Cons
Renewal Fees: Customers have to pay an additional fee for the following year, depending on the provider of the service.
Limited Transfer Options: Certain web hosting companies may offer this domain free of charge for the first year but may charge certain amount of fee when you want to transfer to another service provider.
Commitment to Hosting: When signing up for a free domain, you often have to surrender to purchasing a hosting plan for a year ahead.
How to Incorporate a Domain Name
The choice of domain name is a critical process that should reflect a company’s brand and appeal to its designated market. Here are some tips:
Keep It Short and Simple: Choose a name that is easy to type, to memorize and spell because it will be entered often. Short domain names have often been found to be easier for the customer to remember and finally type into the address bar.
Avoid Numbers and Hyphens: It is not aesthetically pleasing and numbers and hyphens can be downright problematic when recited out loud.
Use Keywords: Whenever possible, try to include the keywords needed in the domain name of your desired website. This is beneficial from an SEO perspective which means that many people are likely to locate your site.
Make It Brandable: Select a domain name which is easily remember and distinct from your business or products. Do not use vague names of domains that resemble other websites.
Check for Trademarks: The process of selecting your domain name will allow you to integrate your company logo and check that this name does not violate any trademarks or copyrights.
Life After the First Year
Most of the hosting providers will begin to charge for the renewal of your .com domain after one year of use. To avoid any surprise charges, inquire more about your provider’s renewal rates which possibly cost around $10-$20 yearly. Here are some options after the first year:
Renew the Domain with Your Current Provider: If you have no complaints with the performance of your host, then renewing with your current hosting service provide is probably the most convenient thing to do.
Transfer the Domain: If you wish to change hosts, you can move the domain to the new one although some hosts may charge for such a transfer.
Switch to a Different Extension: The cost of renewing a .com domain name might be out of your reach; you can then register for .net or .org domain extensions since they tend to have relatively lower renewal charges.
