Tutorial: Buying your own domain from Yola

At Yola we have made it easy for you to have your own custom, top level domain. You can choose between a .com, .net, .org or .biz address.

Custom domains are shorter, easier to remember and appear more professional, so this is a worthwhile investment in your site. When you buy a domain through us, we take care of setting everything up for you and once your domain is up and running you will be able to update your site at any time with a single click!

If your site is already published to a Yola subdomain it will automatically redirect to your new address (www.example.com). This way, you won't lose the value of any links or visitors that only know your old location and they'll see your new domain.

Here's how to purchase your own domain:

1. To publish your site to your own domain, click on the yellow "Publish my Site" button.

2. A dialog box will open with all the publishing options available.  Under "Professional", type your desired domain name in the box provided and click on "Check Availability".

3. If the address is available, choose your options. You can pay for more than one year (and receive a discount). You also have the option to pay for domain privacy so that your details are not publicly available on WHOIS.  If your desired address is not available, you have the option to choose one that is slightly different.

4. You will be taken to a page where you have to fill in your personal details. This is a standard requirement when registering a domain name. Once you have filled in all the information to be able to make payment for the domain, click "Proceed to Order Confirmation."

5. You will receive a receipt to indicate that you have purchased the domain. Your site will be up and running on your new domain within a few hours. If you encounter any difficulties with this transaction please email us and we will help you as soon as possible.

Please note:

1. The charge is for the domain name ONLY. Site building and hosting with Yola are free of charge. All the site building and hosting features are available to all our users, whether they purchase a domain through us, use a free subdomain or a domain bought elsewhere.
2. Buying a domain does not guarantee that your site will come up in a Google search right away. You will still need to promote your site, there is more info on this tutorial: Introduction to SEO.
3. Any domain name you purchase through us remains your property and if you ever need to transfer it this can be done. More info available on this link: Managing the domain you bought from Yola.
4. Before your subscription ends, you will receive a reminder to renew your domain, at which time the next payment will be due.
5. If your site is already published to a free Yolasite subdomain you will be given the option to upgrade to a custom domain whenever you update your site.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get an email address with my domain?

Of course! This tutorial will get you started: Creating email with your domain.

What additional features to I get if I buy a domain from Yola?

Site building and hosting with Yola are free of charge.  All our site building and hosting features are available to all our users whether you use a free subdomain, a domain bought from us or a domain purchased elsewhere.  The fee we charge is for the domain name only.

I bought my domain, but I want a different one - can I change it?

As we have already incurred the expense for this domain name with our domain registration partners, it is not possible to change that domain name.  Your only option at this stage would be to purchase a new domain name. You can do this by following these steps: 

1. Click on the down-arrow next to the yellow 'Update my Site' button and click on 'Publishing Settings'  
2. Click on 'Unpublish your Site' and 'ok'. Your site will now be unpublished.  
3. Then, click on 'Publish my Site', click on the button "Choose Professional" and follow the steps until your site is published to your new domain.

When you get a reminder in 11 months time that payment will be due to renew your first domain, you can ignore the renewal reminder.

I bought a domain from another registrar, can I use it on Yola?

Definitely! If you've purchased your domain from another registrar, you'll need to configure it so that it points to Yola. Steps are available on this link: Publish to a domain you already own.

Is it safe to give my credit card details out so that I can buy a domain from Yola?

Absolutely! We use all the standard security features that you would see on any site that accepts payments.

I bought the domain from Yola, but I would like to enable domain privacy. Is it too late?

Not at all, if you send us an email, we'll be able arrange it for you.

How will I know when to renew my domain registration?

You will receive a renewal notice from us. This will be sent approximately 9-11 months after you purchased your domain.

Can I renew the domain before renewal time is due?

If you would like to renew your domain purchase for a further year, or longer, you can do so by following the steps on this link: Renew the domain you purchased from Yola.