The web page does not exist without a domain. Buying a domain is one of the first steps in creating a website. However, the price of a domain can be significantly different depending on many factors such as the type of domain, its popularity, and the service provider. In this article, we will try to answer the question “How much does a domain cost?” and present the most important factors that affect its price.
1. Types of domains and their prices
The first factor that affects the cost of a domain is its type. There are many extensions available, with the following being the most popular:
a) .pl (Polish) domain
.pl domains are the most commonly chosen extension in Poland. Prices for this type of domain are relatively affordable and usually range from 40 to 100 zł per year, depending on the service provider and promotions. In the case of the first registration of a domain, you may come across promotions that offer cheaper prices.
b) .com (International) domain
.com is the most popular domain extension in the world. It’s a great choice for companies operating internationally. Prices for .com domains can range from 40 to 150 zł per year, and in the case of well-known providers, they may be higher. Sometimes you can find promotions that offer lower prices, especially when registering for the first year.
c) .org, .net, .info, .eu
Other popular extensions such as .org (often used by non-profit organizations), .net (often chosen by companies related to internet technologies), .info (informative domains), and .eu (for companies and individuals operating in the European Union) have prices similar to .com. They cost from 40 to 120 zł per year, depending on the extension and service provider.
d) National domain (e.g., .de, .co.uk, .fr)
If you plan to operate locally outside of Poland, consider purchasing a domain with an extension specific to the country you are targeting, such as .de for Germany, .co.uk for the UK, or .fr for France. Prices for these domains can be similar to those of .com but may vary depending on the region and service provider. For example, the price of a .de domain is usually 50 to 150 zł per year.
2. Factors affecting domain prices
a) Popularity and length of name
Domains containing short, easy-to-remember, and popular words can be more expensive. Popular keywords and company names that are already in circulation may have prices reaching several hundred or even thousands of złotys. On the other hand, less popular names that are unique and harder to remember will be cheaper.
b) Domain registration as premium
Domains classified as premium are often more expensive due to their appeal. These domains contain popular keywords that increase their value and also have potential for attracting a large number of visitors. Prices for such domains can range from several hundred złotys to several thousand złotys, with some very sought-after .com domains reaching tens of thousands of złotys.
c) Registration period
The price of a domain depends on the registration period you choose. The standard registration period is usually 1 year, but it’s possible to register a domain for a longer period (e.g., 2-5 years). Registering for a longer period can result in discounts.
d) Service provider
Different service providers offer different prices for domains, depending on the additional services they provide, such as WHOIS privacy, SSL certificates, or hosting-related services. It’s essential to compare offers from various registrars as their prices can differ by dozens of złotys. Popular service providers include OVH, home.pl, nazwa.pl, Aftermarket.pl, and GoDaddy.
e) Additional services
Additional services such as WHOIS privacy (hiding the domain owner’s personal data) or domain protection against theft may come with additional costs. Prices for these services are usually low but worth considering when choosing a domain. WHOIS privacy can cost from 20 to 50 zł per year.
3. Domain renewal price
Remember that the registration fee you pay initially for your domain might be different from the renewal fee in subsequent years. Registration promotions may offer lower prices, but renewing the domain later on might cost more. Renewal fees usually range from 50 to 150 zł per year, depending on the extension and service provider.
4. Cheap domains vs. premium domains
If you have a limited budget, consider looking for cheaper domains available on the secondary market. Prices for such domains can start as low as 10 zł, but they won’t be associated with popular keywords or short names. However, if you want to invest in a name that will hold long-term value, it might be worth considering purchasing a premium domain, which comes at a higher cost.
5. Conclusion
Domain prices depend on several factors including the type of extension, length and popularity of the name, registration period, and additional services offered by registrars. The cheapest domains can cost from 30 to 50 zł per year, while more popular and premium domains can exceed hundreds or even thousands of złotys, especially if they are short and attractive names.
Remember that choosing a suitable domain is not just about the price but also an investment in your brand’s future.
