A cheap domain name is within reach!

To understand what makes a cheap domain name or an expensive one, it's important to understand what contributes to its price.

First, individual registries determine the base price depending on, among other variables, how long the domain will be registered for and the domain ending. On top of the base price, there may be management fees. With registries that don't offer automated communication methods, domain management may be manual, so cheap domain registration is dependent on the domain ending. Choosing the right domain ending can be the difference between a cheap domain name and an expensive one. Finally, some domain names are considered ‘premium’, which can make otherwise cheap domain registration significantly more expensive.

How expensive or cheap domain registration can be is based on cost of the domain ending set by the registry, whether or not registration requires manual processing, and whether the registry considers the name ‘premium.' You might be able to slightly adjust the domain name you want to get a cheap domain name instead of paying a premium price. Or you might choose a domain ending with a lower price in order to bring down the overall cost and get a cheap domain name.

In 2007, ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) launched a program to expand the domain name system, and increase competition, partially with the hopes of ensuring cheap domain registration as existing domain endings became saturated. As a result, in 2013, they opened up new domain name endings, allowing for the creation of many new top-level domains.

Geographical domains (such as ‘.fr’, ‘.co.uk’, ‘.de’, ‘.ie’, etc.) as well as generic domains (such as ‘.com’, ‘.net’, ‘.org’, etc.) are now available alongside new, generic domains, and more niche options. These new domain endings might, for example, give more precise geographical information (such as ‘.paris’, ‘.nyc’, etc.) while others might relate to a specific industry (‘.radio’, ‘.hotel’, ‘.bank’, etc.). Some provide cheap domain registration — cheaper even than more traditional domain endings. Companies and brands can even apply to create their own name as a new, dedicated domain ending.

These domain endings offer better visibility online and provide new opportunities to buy a cheap domain name with greater relevance.

It's worth noting, though, that some domain endings are more expensive while others provide cheap domain registration. An expensive domain name with one domain ending may be a cheap domain name if you change the domain ending. So picking the right domain ending is key to cheap domain registration.

Not all registrars offer the same services with their domain names. When you purchase a new, cheap domain name, look at all the services included with it. Gandi’s cheap domain registration comes with several add-ons that add to the value of your cheap domain name. If you have more specific needs, several additional services are available.

Email mailboxes, DNS management, technical support, compatibility across multiple devices… Pay attention to what's included when comparing cheap domain name prices. There's more to cheap domain registration than just the domain name itself. You can save money on other services that make an otherwise cheap domain name expensive when added to the base price. The money you save with your cheap domain registration at Gandi, then, isn't lost buying the services essential to using it.

Sometimes, a promotion is the perfect solution to find the right cheap domain registration for you. Gandi offers promotions on a regular basis that provide an opportunity for cheap domain registration, including some that make a desirable, cheap domain name attainable. So keep an eye out for cheap domain registration opportunities!