Plan a domain before choosing a provider

1. Separate the local address from a public name

Open the planning worksheet. Record the local address shown by Local, then write why it works for practice. The screenshot uses a reserved example name. Do not type a public domain into WordPress General settings yet; changing that field alone does not register or connect it.

2. Make a short name list

Write two short names and the audience each serves. Say them out loud and check their spelling. Use .example for this exercise. A reserved example is useful for planning, but says nothing about whether a similar public domain can be bought.

3. Record the checks before registration

List the checks a real name would need: similar existing names, confusion with another business, spelling, intended audience and the chosen extension. Record each as not checked until you actually review it. This local exercise makes no trademark or availability claim.

4. Name the account owner and recovery route

Write the role that should control the registrar account and renewals. Keep real passwords, recovery codes and private contact details out of the worksheet screenshot. A developer can help set up a name without becoming its permanent owner.

5. Compare total cost later

Record the cost fields to collect when providers are chosen: currency, first term, renewal, tax, required extras and transfer cost. Keep amounts blank until you have a dated quote. A cheap first year does not tell you the ongoing cost.

6. Plan security and portability

Record who will enable two-factor authentication, check renewal reminders and keep access to DNS records. Note how the owner would unlock or transfer the name. Do not put an authorisation code in the worksheet.

7. Save the local decision

Review the whole worksheet, then use Print worksheet to save or print your record. Its current decision should be to continue locally. Provider choice and registration belong to the later provider edition, after the owner has reviewed the name and full cost.

Practise

Complete the plan for your own practice site. Use reserved examples until you are ready to review real names. Explain which decisions are still open.

Check your result

You have a readable local domain plan with owner, recovery, cost and transfer questions. It makes no false availability claim and no purchase took place.

Optional notes