One of the important decisions you can make while creating a website is the choice of the company to buy a domain name in Ghana because that decision goes a long way in determining the performance of your website.
For a business to thrive successfully far above its competitors, it is pertinent to note that, there is an absolute need for such a business to have an online presence which will make it more visible to reach a wider audience and which will automatically lead to more sales in business.
It is very important to note that business in the online world is a game of numbers, that is, the more people have reached the more conversion in sales.
The domain name is key as it gives your website an identity online and also gains an edge over others.
What is a domain name?
A domain name is a distinctive address used to identify a website on the internet. It is a simple method for locating an IP (Internet Protocol) address, a number that designates the server on which a website is housed. A domain name typically consists of two components, like “google.com,” which are separated by a dot. The website’s name appears in the first portion, and the top-level domain (TLD), such as “.com,” “.org,” or “.net,” appears in the second. Domain names are often used to represent companies, organizations, or people online and are registered and managed by entities known as domain name registrars.
Types of domain names that are available
There are several types which are available, including
1. Generic top-level domains (gTLDs)
are the most popular kind of domain names; examples include.com,.org,.net,.edu,.gov,.info,.biz, and.name.
2. Country code top-level domains (ccTLDs)
These names, such as.us for the United States ,.ca for Canada,.uk for the United Kingdom, .ng for Nigeria, .gh for Ghana and.au for Australia, are exclusive to a specific nation or region.
3. Sponsored top-level domains
.gov for government entities, .edu for educational institutions, and .mil for military groups are those that are run by a certain community or organization for a specified purpose.
4. Top-level domains for infrastructure
They are used for infrastructure, such as .arpa for the Address and Routing Parameter Area, which is utilized for internet infrastructure.
5. New generic top-level domains
These domain name extensions were recently added to the internet and include.club,.shop,.blog,.app, and.online.
There are specific guidelines for the registration and usage of each sort of domain name, and some may have limitations on who can register them.
10 Other types of domain names in Ghana
In Ghana, there are several types of domain names that you can register. Here are ten types of domain names available in Ghana:
- .gh – This is the top-level domain name (TLD) for Ghana, and it is open to everyone.
- .com.gh – This is the country code TLD (ccTLD) for commercial entities in Ghana.
- .org.gh – This is the ccTLD for non-profit organizations in Ghana.
- .edu.gh – This is the ccTLD for educational institutions in Ghana.
- .gov.gh – This is the ccTLD for government institutions in Ghana.
- .mil.gh – This is the ccTLD for the military in Ghana.
- .net.gh – This is the ccTLD for network infrastructure providers in Ghana.
- .biz.gh – This is the ccTLD for businesses in Ghana.
- .name.gh – This is the ccTLD for personal domain names in Ghana.
- .int.gh – This is the ccTLD for international organizations operating in Ghana.
How Can I Buy A Domain Name In Ghana?
There are various procedures you must follow if you want to purchase a domain name in Ghana. This article will lead you through the steps involved in buying a domain name in Ghana, including selecting a name, locating a registrar, and completing the transaction.
1. Choose a Domain Name
You must choose the name you intend to use before you can purchase a domain in Ghana. People will use your domain name as the address to find your website; therefore it’s critical to pick a recognizable and straightforward-to-spell name. Also, your domain name needs to relate to your company or website.
The following advice should be kept in mind when selecting a domain name:
- Make it brief and straightforward: Shorter domain names are simpler to type and remember.
- Employ keywords: To boost your search engine rankings, try to incorporate a relevant term into your domain name.
- Steer clear of digits and hyphens because they can make it difficult to remember and spell your domain name.
- It should be distinctive: To prevent confusion, stay away from using a domain name that is already in use. Once you’ve decided on a domain name, it’s time to find a domain registrar.
Step 2: Find a Domain Registrar
An organization called a domain registrar enables you to buy and register domain names. Choose a domain registrar that fits your needs from the numerous options available.
Take into account the following elements while picking a domain registrar:
- Cost: Prior to making a purchase, examine costs charged by various domain registrars for domain names.
- Customer service: If you have any problems or concerns, look for a registrar with good customer service.
- Other features: Some domain registrars include extras like website hosting or website builders.
Here are some popular domain registrars in Ghana:
- Truehost Cloud – A web hosting company that operates in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, the U.S.A and many other countries, providing quality and affordable web hosting services.
- Web4Africa: Web4Africa is a web hosting and domain name registration business based in Ghana that provides a large selection of domain extensions.
- Ghana Web Solutions: This Ghanaian provider of web hosting and domain registration services provides a selection of domain extensions
- HostAfrik: HostAfrik is a Ghanaian provider of web hosting services and domain name registration, offering the.com,.org,.net, and.biz domain extensions.
Step 3: Check Availability and Register Your Domain Name
It’s time to check the availability of your domain name and register it when you’ve located a domain registrar. The majority of domain registrars include a search bar on their website that you may use to see if a domain name is available. To register your domain name, follow these steps:
1. Enter your preferred domain name in the search window and click “Search”.
2. Place the domain name in your shopping cart if it is available.
3. Determine how long you wish to keep the domain name registered (usually 1-10 years).
4. Complete the payment and contact information fields.
5. Send your order in.
You will get an email confirmation after the transaction is complete with access information for your new domain name.
Step 4: Set Up Your Domain Name
It’s time to set up your domain name after you’ve registered it. Setting up your domain name so that it points to your website is required for this. By altering the DNS (Domain Name System) settings for your domain, you can achieve this.
To configure your domain name, take the following actions:
1. Access the website of your domain registrar.
2. Locate the DNS configuration for your domain name.
3. Type in your website hosting company’s IP address.
4. Save the adjustments.
Be patient; it could take up to 48 hours for the changes to become effective.
Step 5: Renew Your Domain Name
Domain names are typically registered for a specific period of time (usually 1-10 years).
How Do I Register a Domain Name in Ghana?
We will show you how to buy a domain name in Ghana using the Truehost platform because it is among the best hosting companies you can find in the market.
The first step you are to take is to visit www.truehost.com.ng, where you will locate their domain registrar
Click on the domain icon on the website header menu to get to the domain registrar
Input the domain name you want to use to check for its availability as shown in the image below
In this guide, we decided to use the name comelyghana and as you can see from the image above, it is available for purchase.
The .com extension costs $7.79 which is 97 Ghana cedis. Note that you can choose a different domain extension or TLD if .com is not available.
The next step you are to take is to click on add to cart and then checkout.
You will be directed to the page above where you can add a hosting plan if you do not have any. Hosting is the space available for you online to host your website online where visitors can retrieve it at any time they want to.
The next page will display a form for you to fill in your personal and payment information.
Finally, you will make a payment based on the payment method you choose and the domain name will be all yours, depending on the duration you chose.
15 Benefits of Buying a Domain Name in Ghana
1. Local relevance
A .gh domain name will give your website a local identity and make it more relevant to your Ghanaian audience.
2. Improved search engine rankings
Using a country-specific domain name can improve your website’s visibility on search engines in Ghana.
3. Better branding
Having a domain name that matches your business or brand name can improve your brand recognition and credibility.
4. Increased trust
A Ghanaian domain name can increase trust among your local audience as they will perceive your website as being more legitimate and reliable.
5. More targeted traffic
With a .gh domain name, you are more likely to attract Ghanaian visitors who are more likely to be interested in your products or services.
6. Increased sales
A domain name that is relevant to your target audience can lead to more sales and business opportunities.
7. Competitive advantage
Having a local domain name can give you a competitive advantage over businesses that do not have a presence in Ghana.
8. Stronger local partnerships
A .gh domain name can help build stronger relationships with local businesses and partners.
9. Better customer service
With a domain name that resonates with your local audience, you can provide better customer service and support.
10. Cost-effective marketing
A .gh domain name can be a cost-effective way to reach your local audience and promote your business.
11. Greater security
A domain name that is registered in Ghana can provide greater security and protection against cyber threats.
12. Easier to remember
A domain name that is relevant and easy to remember can help your customers find your website more easily.
13. Flexibility
With a .gh domain name, you can be more flexible in how you market your business in Ghana and tailor your online presence to suit local preferences.
Improved social media presence
A domain name that matches your social media handles can improve your social media presence and make it easier for customers to find you online.
14. Ownership and control
Buying a domain name in Ghana gives you ownership and control over your online presence, which can be critical for building a strong and sustainable online brand.
Conclusion
Buying a domain name in Ghana has been made easy by Truehost as seen from the article, therefore, you can start your website by visiting their website.
Again, you now know all you need to about buying a domain, it is now your responsibility to buy your domain today so your business gain visibility.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on buying a domain name in Ghana:
1. What is a domain name, and why do I need one?
A domain name is a unique address that identifies your website on the internet. It is important to have a domain name to establish a professional online presence and make it easy for people to find your website.
2. How do I choose a domain name?
When choosing a domain name, consider the purpose of your website, the target audience, and the availability of the domain name. It’s best to choose a domain name that is easy to remember, easy to spell, and relevant to your business or brand.
3. How much does a domain name cost in Ghana?
The cost of a domain name in Ghana varies depending on the domain registrar and the domain extension. Generally, a .com.gh domain name can cost anywhere from GHC 100 to GHC 300 per year.
3. How do I register a domain name in Ghana?
To register a domain name in Ghana, you need to choose a domain registrar and check the availability of your desired domain name. Once you have chosen an available domain name, you can complete the registration process and pay the registration fee.
4. How long does it take to register a domain name in Ghana?
The registration process for a domain name in Ghana usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the domain registrar and the domain extension. After the registration process is complete, it may take up to 24-48 hours for the domain name to be fully active and accessible on the internet.
5. How do I renew my domain name registration?
To renew your domain name registration, you need to log in to your domain registrar’s account and follow the renewal process. Typically, domain name registrations are renewed annually. It’s important to renew your domain name registration before it expires to ensure that you do not lose your domain name.
