How to Register a Domain for Your Online Store

The domain is one of the first things you need to sort out when creating your store. In many countries, having a local domain (like .cl in Chile, .co in Colombia, or .com.mx in Mexico) still matters. Customers trust a site with a local domain more than a generic one.

Where Do You Register a Domain?

Every country has its own registrar. In Chile, for example, all .cl domains go through NIC Chile (nic.cl). For .com domains, you can use registrars like Namecheap, Google Domains, or GoDaddy. No matter what platform you end up using — Shopify, WordPress, or anything else — the domain is purchased separately.

The process is straightforward:

1. Go to your registrar's website and search whether the name you want is available
2. Create an account
3. Register the domain — a .com typically costs around $10-15 USD per year; local domains vary by country
4. Pay with a credit card or bank transfer

Tip: check several variations before you commit. If your brand is "Luna Textil," look up lunatextil.com, luna-textil.com, and variants. Pick the shortest and easiest to remember.

How Do I Connect the Domain to My Store?

Once you have the domain, you need to point it to your platform. On Shopify, for example:

1. In your registrar's dashboard, go to the DNS settings for your domain
2. Update the nameservers or add the DNS records that Shopify provides
3. In Shopify, go to Settings, then Domains, then Connect existing domain
4. Wait 24 to 48 hours for the changes to propagate

Common Mistakes When Registering a Domain

• Not renewing on time. Your registrar will notify you, but if you do not pay, you lose the domain. Someone else can register it.
• Choosing a name that is too long. "thebestchoiceforonlineclothingstores.com" does not work. Go for something short, pronounceable, and easy to type without mistakes.
• Not registering variants. If your brand matters, consider registering both the local extension and the .com as protection.
• Registering under someone else's name. The domain should be under your name or your company's. If your designer or agency registers it, make sure you are listed as the owner.

Local Domain or .com?

For selling in a specific country, a local domain builds more trust with local customers. If you plan to sell internationally, a .com makes more sense. Ideally, own both and redirect one to the other.

A domain is a minimal investment that defines your business identity online. Do not leave it for later — it should be one of the first things you secure.