How to Get Free Domains with Hosting Plans: Beginner’s Hack

Starting a website can often feel complicated, especially for beginners. Whether choosing a hosting provider or registering a domain name, costs can add up quickly. However, many hosting companies offer free domain names as part of their hosting plans, which saves money and effort. This blog provides a beginner-friendly guide to get free domains with hosting plans.

Why Hosting Providers Offer Free Domains

Hosting providers aim to simplify the process for new website owners. Offering a free domain is a marketing strategy that attracts customers and reduces the initial cost of building a website. These deals are often bundled with hosting plans to encourage long-term commitments.

Steps to Get a Free Domain with a Hosting Plan

1. Choose a Reliable Hosting Provider

Start by researching hosting providers that offer free domains. Look for companies with a good reputation, reliable customer support, and high uptime guarantees. Popular hosting providers that include free domains in their plans are:

• Hostinger
• BigRock
• HostGator
• SiteGround
• DreamHost

2. Select the Right Hosting Plan

Most hosting providers offer multiple plans, such as shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting. For beginners, shared hosting is the most cost-effective option. Check if the free domain is included in the basic plan or if you need to opt for a higher-tier plan.

3. Check Domain Extension Options

While many hosting companies offer free domains, the type of domain extension may vary. Popular extensions like .com, .net, and .org are typically included. Make sure your desired domain extension is part of the deal.

4. Register Your Free Domain

Once you’ve chosen a plan, you’ll be prompted to register your free domain during checkout. Some hosting providers also allow you to transfer an existing domain if you own one.

5. Read the Fine Print

Many free domain offers are valid for the first year only. After that, you’ll need to pay the renewal fee, which can vary depending on the domain extension. Understanding these costs upfront will help you budget effectively.

Top Hosting Providers with Free Domain Offers

Hosting Provider	Free Domain Duration	Starting Price	Features
Hostinger	1 Year	₹149.00/month	Top Level Domains
BigRock	1 Year	₹579/year	Free Email Accounts, Easy DNS Management
HostGator	1 Year	₹529/year	Website Builder, Free Migration
DreamHost	1 Year	$4.99/year	Unlimited Traffic, Free SSL
SiteGround	1 Year	$14.99/year	Daily Backups, Free CDN

Benefits of Choosing Hosting Plans with Free Domains

• Cost Savings: It eliminates the need to pay separately for domain registration, allowing you to allocate that money toward other aspects of building your website.
• Convenience: The entire setup process gets easier. Instead of juggling services from different providers, you can manage your hosting and domain under one roof.
• Support: It provides a unified support system for hosting and domain-related issues, reducing the hassle of coordinating between companies.
• Streamlined Renewal: Having your domain and hosting with the same provider makes it easier to keep track of renewal dates and fees.
• Added Features: Some hosting plans bundle free domains with other perks like SSL certificates, email hosting, or one-click WordPress installations, further increasing the value.
  

Additional Tips for Savings

1. Utilize Coupons and Discounts: Hosting providers often run promotions. Use exclusive coupons codes of BigRock to save on domain hosting.
2. Choose Long-Term Plans: Opting for a 2- or 3-year hosting plan can significantly reduce your monthly cost.
3. Look for Add-ons: Some hosting plans include additional perks like free SSL certificates, website builders, or email hosting.
4. Renew Wisely: Before your domain’s free period ends, transfer it to a cost-effective registrar like Hostinger for lower renewal rates.

Potential Downsides to Be Aware Of

While free domains with hosting plans are a great deal, there are a few things to consider:

• Renewal Costs: Free domains are only free for the first year, and renewal fees can be higher than expected.
• Lock-In Periods: Some hosting providers require long-term commitments to avail of the free domain.
• Limited Flexibility: If you switch hosting providers, transferring your domain might incur additional charges.

Conclusion

A free domain with a hosting plan is a smart way for beginners to start their online journey. By choosing a reliable hosting provider and carefully evaluating the terms, you can save money and streamline the launch of your website. Don’t forget to use promotional deals and consider the long-term costs to ensure a budget-friendly experience.