Choose a short domain that matches your name and turn on auto-renew. Use email on your own domain. Hosting is where your site lives, and HTTPS secures the connection. Turn on two-step verification for your registrar, email, website and payment accounts. Rules vary by state and city, so confirm requirements with the official agency.
How do I choose a domain?
Short, easy to spell and matching your business name; .com is usually easiest for customers to remember. Avoid hyphens and unusual spellings that customers may mistype.
How do I renew it?
Turn on auto-renew with a current card and keep the registrar contact email current. Check the renewal date yearly and update payment details when cards expire.
How do I create business email?
Use an email service with your domain, such as Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, and set up DNS records. Use addresses like hello@ or info@ alongside personal addresses for staff.
What is hosting?
Hosting is the server space where your website files live and are served to visitors. Choose hosting that is reliable, secure and supported, or let your website provider handle it.
What is HTTPS?
HTTPS encrypts the connection between visitors and your site; browsers mark sites without it as not secure. Most hosts provide certificates; make sure it renews automatically.
How do I enable account protection?
Turn on two-step verification for your domain registrar, email, website, Google and payment accounts. Store backup codes securely and use an authenticator app where available.
Worked example
A new handyman business registers a short .com matching its name in an account under the owner's email, turns on auto-renew and two-step verification, and saves the renewal date. Business email is set up with the domain using a mainstream email service, with DNS records added so messages are delivered reliably. The website host provides HTTPS that renews automatically. The owner keeps a small document listing the registrar, host, email provider, renewal dates and who to contact for each, stored where a trusted family member could find it in an emergency.
Common questions
How do I choose a domain?
Short, easy to spell and matching your business name; .com is usually easiest for customers to remember.
How do I renew it?
Turn on auto-renew with a current card and keep the registrar contact email current.
How do I create business email?
Use an email service with your domain, such as Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, and set up DNS records.
Sources
Sources checked October 6, 2026. Rules, fees and forms change; confirm details with the agency or provider before you act. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
Check your domain and prepare your business information
Once your name is settled, check that the domain is free and keep your legal name, phone and address consistent. Your domain is included when we build your website. Start with the free checklist.
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