Choosing a domain name is one thing but knowing where to register it is just as important. There are tons of companies out there offering domains, but not all registrars are created equal. Some are cost-effective and streamlined for tech-savvy users. Others offer more hand-holding and support. And then there’s the big one: you should always own your domain name yourself, not let a marketing agency or vendor register it for you.
Let’s break down where (and how) to register your law firm’s domain name, based on your needs and comfort level.
Why You Should Always Own Your Domain Name
First things first, this one’s big. Your domain name is your online identity. It’s tied to your email, your website, and your brand. If someone else owns it (like a former marketing agency or vendor), getting control back can be messy, stressful, and sometimes even impossible.
Bottom line: you should always register your domain name in your name and keep track of those login details.
Best Registrars for Tech-Savvy Users
If you’re comfortable navigating DNS settings and making changes on your own, you can go with registrars that keep things lean, affordable, and fast but without a lot of hand-holding.
Porkbun.com
- My personal go-to.
- Cost-effective, very transparent pricing.
- Clean interface that works well for tech-savvy users.
- No phone support, but they do offer chat if you know how to explain what you need.
Namecheap.com
- Another great option for tech-savvy users.
- Solid pricing, good selection of TLDs (domain extensions).
- Chat-based support only, and you’ll need to know your way around domain settings.
Both of these are great if you’re confident with managing domains yourself but probably not the best choice if you want someone to walk you through the process.
Best Registrar for Less Tech-Savvy Users
GoDaddy.com
- I’ll be honest: I’m not their biggest fan. But for non-techy clients, they’re often the safest bet.
- 24/7 phone support, a big plus if you need help.
- Familiar, trusted brand that makes the process straightforward.
- Pricing can be a little higher, and you’ll see upsell offers along the way.
If you like having someone to call, GoDaddy is probably the right fit.
What to Avoid
- Registering your domain through companies that “also” do web hosting or website building as their main business. They may not be focused on domains, and support can be limited.
- Letting someone else (even your marketing agency) register your domain for you. If that relationship ever ends, getting control of your domain can turn into a nightmare.
- Forgetting to turn on auto-renew. Domains can expire, and losing one means losing your website and email. Always set your domain to auto-renew and keep your payment info current.
- Using companies like Web.com, Network Solutions, Register.com, or any brands owned by Newfold Digital (formerly Endurance International Group). These companies are notorious for inflated pricing, constant upsells, clunky interfaces, and poor customer support. They all fall under the same parent company, including brands like Bluehost, HostGator, and Domain.com. While they market themselves differently, the experience is often the same: expensive, frustrating, and unreliable. Your domain is too important to trust to these mass-market providers.
How to Register Your Domain Name
The process is pretty simple:
- Go to the registrar’s website.
- Search for your desired domain.
- If it’s available, follow the prompts to register.
- Set up an account with an email you’ll always have access to.
- Turn on auto-renew.
- Keep a secure record of your login details.
And that’s it, but those small steps make a big difference.
