To a neophyte internet user, the term domain registration is one of those dry, imposing terms that just exudes opaque user-friendlessness.  The phrase at once conjures up images of cascading Matrix-esque on-screen characters and cold institutional distance.  And yet, since it’s essentially the process of buying a domain (the “realzi.com” part of http://www.realzi.com”), it’s a crucial initial step on the road to having your own website.  You may fear it, but you can’t avoid it.

Thankfully, it’s really not all that bad.  Registering a domain is actually pretty easy.  In fact, we’re going to lay out a step-by-step guide (with screenshots!) to help make the process as painless as possible.

(A note: There are any number of quality registrars—the companies that sell domains—out there, so if you find one that you’re comfortable with, by all means, go with them.  To make these instructions as simple and clear as possible, however, we’ve chosen to describe the domain registration process with GoDaddy.  You ready?  Let’s go!)

First things first: navigate to http://www.godaddy.com.  This, as you might imagine, is the GoDaddy homepage (click on screenshot for a larger image):

On the homepage, you’ll notice login fields at the top.  Just under that is a “Create Account” link.  Click on that link.

You’ll be directed to this page, which asks for your contact info:

Fill out all the required info.  We suggest you use your business contact info, not your personal stuff, since this info might be publicly available.  In addition to your contact info, you’ll also be directed to authorize what types of emails you’ll want from GoDaddy.  After you click the “Create a New Account” button, you’ll be directed to a dashboard-type screen.  Here, you’ll be able to see info pertaining to your account, like which domains you already own (which, if you just created this account, will be blank), recent orders you’ve made, and so on.  There’s also some menus in the sidebar on the left of the screen.  Under the “Recommended Products” menu in this sidebar, click on “Domain Names,” shown here:

Type in the domain you want here!

…and…

Aww.  Apparently amazon.com is already taken!  Who knew?

At this point, you have a couple of options.  You can either type in a new domain in the search box, or select from one of the similar, suggested domains GoDaddy offers.  Since I have no real interest in any of the suggested domains, I’ll just type in a new one (maybe one that would make for a nice real estate website):

…and…

It’s available for a yearly price of $10.69!  Click on the “Add” button to add it to your shopping cart, then click on the “Continue to Registration” button.

Here comes the part where GoDaddy tries to market some upsells to you.  The first upsell comes in the form of a pop-up offering a discount on the purchase of additional domains.  Since we want “condosindowntownaustin.com,” would we maybe want “condosindowntownaustin.net?”  Not really.  Feel free to read through them, and if any of them appeal to you, go for it.  However, we typically avoid all the upsells when we’re registering a domain.  If you agree with us, click on the inconspicuous “No Thanks” link at the bottom of the pop-up.

Next, you’ll be directed to a “Customize Your Domain” screen, which includes four menus on the main area of the screen.  You’re already done with the first one.  Observe:

You’ll need to go through these other three menus to make sure that it has the info you want.  I’ll briefly run through what each one has.

Under menu 2, “Your Domain Settings,” you’ll see a list of your domain names, which should just be the one you selected.  There’s also a “Registration Length” drop-down, which basically asks how many years you want to pay in advance for.  Beyond that is your contact info, and a “Certified Domain” option which we’ll leave unchecked.  Click “Continue” after you’re done with this menu.

Menu 3, “Your Privacy & Domain Protection,” will slide up the screen.  Since you used your business info, not your personal stuff, there’s no need to hide anything, so just stick with the “Standard” option.  Click “Continue.”

Menu 4, “Activate Your Domain,” has some potentially useful stuff, but for most people these are just unnecessary upsells.  Don’t feel bad about skipping all of it and clicking “Checkout.”

You’re now in the payment section of the domain purchase!  So close.  There’s basically a few more opportunities to buy more stuff on here and alter your info.  You can also select your payment method and read the terms of service.  After you’ve done that, click “Continue With Checkout.”

Following that is a billing info page.  After you fill that out, click “Place Your Order” at the bottom of the screen and voila!  A shiny new domain is yours.