When you’re running a small business, every naira (or dollar) counts. Your online presence starts with a domain name, but that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank to get one. The good news? There are several reliable and affordable domain registrars offering competitive prices without compromising on service.
Here’s a quick guide to six of the cheapest domain registrars perfect for small business owners.
1. Namecheap
Starting price: From $6.98/year for .com
Why it’s great: As the name suggests, Namecheap offers budget-friendly domain registration while also throwing in free WHOIS privacy protection for life. Their dashboard is beginner-friendly, and they regularly run promotions that can save you even more.
Extra perk: 24/7 live chat support and a wide selection of TLDs (.com, .net, .org, etc.).
2. GoDaddy (First-Year Deals)
Starting price: From $1.99/year for the first year (with certain extensions)
Why it’s great: GoDaddy is one of the biggest names in domain registration, and while their renewal rates can be higher, their first-year offers are hard to beat. It’s perfect if you want a domain for a short-term campaign or can budget for renewals in advance.
Extra perk: All-in-one service with hosting, email, and marketing tools.
3. Dynadot
Starting price: From $7.99/year for .com
Why it’s great: Dynadot combines low prices with a clean, easy-to-use interface. They offer bulk domain discounts, which is perfect if you plan to secure multiple domains for your business.
Extra perk: Free website builder included with every domain.
4. Hostinger
Starting price: From $0.99/year (when bundled with hosting)
Why it’s great: If you’re also getting hosting, Hostinger often gives you a free domain for the first year. Even if you just buy the domain, their prices are among the lowest in the market.
Extra perk: Excellent for small businesses starting their website from scratch.
5. Porkbun
Starting price: From $7.37/year for .com
Why it’s great: Porkbun is lesser-known but offers some of the best domain prices year-round, not just for the first year. They include free WHOIS privacy, SSL certificates, and email forwarding.
Extra perk: Honest, transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
6. Google Domains (Now under Squarespace)
Starting price: From $12/year for .com
Why it’s great: While not the absolute cheapest, Google Domains is simple, secure, and integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace. It’s a solid choice for small businesses that rely heavily on Google tools.
Extra perk: No upselling—what you see is what you pay.
Tips for Getting the Best Domain Deal
- Watch out for renewal rates – Some registrars lure you with low first-year prices but increase the price significantly when you renew.
- Use promo codes – Many registrars offer seasonal discounts if you search for coupon codes online.
- Consider multi-year registration – Locking in a low rate for multiple years can save you money in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right domain registrar is about more than just price—it’s about getting the best combination of affordability, reliability, and support. Whether you go for the ultra-low first-year deals or steady low pricing, these six options can help you secure your online identity without straining your small business budget.