Domain Registration
When You Want More
Get a free domain name for the first year when you hire us to form your company. After the first year, you can renew for a low annual price, based on the value of your domain. No longer need it? It's easy to cancel at any time.
What Comes With Northwest’s Domain Name Registration
When you hire Northwest to register your domain name, you’re getting more than most domain registrars can offer. Here’s what we’re talking about.
Business name check
Your domain name is part of your brand, so it’s important that it either matches or complements your business name. When you hire us to form your company and add free domain registration, we’ll make sure the name you want is available as a business name in your state and as a domain name. If the name you want is taken, we’ll help you find alternatives.
Privacy by Default®
The WHOIS database is a public record of domains and their owners, accessible to anyone. It allows you to find the registered owner of a domain (unless they’ve chosen to withhold their personal information). To shield yourself from spam and unwanted contact, it’s a good idea to keep your name, address and phone number out of the WHOIS database. At Northwest, we safeguard your data by including the option of free WHOIS Privacy with every domain registration. That’s just one of the ways we guarantee Privacy by Default®.
Lifetime Corporate Guide support
We’d be nothing without our customers, which is why we make it easy to get in touch with our Corporate Guides®. Our Guides are business experts with the knowledge and expertise to resolve your issue, and they’ll never rush you off the phone to meet a call quota. If you’ve got a problem you can’t figure out, or just a question about our service, our guides are just a phone call or email away.
One-stop business solution
Need more than just a domain? Take full control of your business identity with our Business Identity package. Not only will you get a custom domain name, but your new business will hit the ground running with a pre-built website, professional email address, business phone number, and SSL security. Try a 90-day free trial and then decide which services to keep. If you keep them all, you’ll get a 20% discount.
Why Do You Need a Domain Name?
Whether you’re starting an LLC or corporation, you’ll want to build an online presence for your business. One of the best ways to do that is to get a business website. You can’t have a website without a domain. Here’s why you should register a domain name for your business as soon as possible:
To build credibility
Getting a domain name allows you to set up a business email account and website, which are important for showing customers that your business is legit and professional. It’s even better if your domain name is the same as or similar to your business name. And the earlier you register a domain, the more likely your preferred name will be available.
To get a professional email address
Instead of sending business emails from an address that ends in a generic domain (like gmail.com or outlook.com), which can look suspicious to customers, you can set up a business email address with your domain (example: [email protected]) and look professional when messaging clients or vendors.
To protect your professional image
Your company’s image is shaped in the early stages of starting your business. Getting the right domain name helps ensure that customers see your business in the best light. Once you register your domain, no one else can use it as long as you continue renewing it.
To think long-term
Even if you’re not ready to start a website, locking down your domain name while it’s available means it won’t get scooped up by someone else down the road. You may not know yet where your business will take you, but we’re betting it’s going to grow and need a website someday. Plus, your domain is free for a whole year, so why not?
How Our Domain Service Works
Getting a custom domain name is easy with Northwest. Here’s how it works:
The first step is to hire Northwest to be your registered agent or have us incorporate your business ($225 + state fees).
You’ll have the option to either add the entire Business Identity package or you can choose domain registration as a stand-alone service. No matter which you choose, your domain will be free for the first year. At the end of one year, we’ll offer to renew your domain for a low annual fee, based on the value of your domain.
Once your order is complete, you’ll gain access to your new client account. Inside your account you’ll be prompted to enter your preferred domain name. If the domain name is available, you can register it. If the domain name you pick is already in use, we’ll offer you a few alternatives to choose from. Once you’ve made a selection, we’ll guide you through the final steps of registering your domain.
Once your domain name has been registered, it’s free for one full year. You can use it to start your website and set up a professional email address. When the year is up, you can renew for a low rate based on the value of your domain. Or cancel with one click inside your Northwest account.
Start An LLC - $225 + State Fees Website Domain Service FAQs
What is a domain?
A domain is a unique web address that users type into their internet browser to find a website. For example, our website domain is “northwestregisteredagent.com.” Each domain corresponds to the numerical IP address of a specific website, giving users an easy way to find the content they’re looking for. Domains are composed of a top level domain (TLD) such as .com or .net, and a second level domain (SLD) such as “northwestregisteredagent” or “google.”
What is the difference between a domain and a website?
Your domain is to your website what your address is to your house. Customers will use your domain (like northwestregisteredagent.com) to get to your website.
Why do I need a domain?
Having a domain is necessary to set up a website and professional email address. While you can technically run a business without these things, having a professional-looking website and business email makes your business appear established and legitimate and is important for building your brand.
Can I own my domain name?
You can’t technically own your domain, but you can lease it. With Northwest, your website domain service is free for the first year and renewable after that for an affordable annual price. Our low-cost renewal rates will allow you to keep your domain name for as long as you want.
Should I get a domain before I start my business?
We think the ideal timing for domain registration is at the same time as forming your business. That way, you can find out if both your desired business name and domain name are available and lock them both down at once.
