Before you can purchase a domain, you need to check whether the domain name is available.

Checking Domain Availability in StellarSites #

When purchasing a domain through StellarSites, you don’t need a separate domain search tool. Instead, the availability check happens automatically during the purchase flow. Simply enter the domain you want, and the system will instantly verify whether it’s available.

This built-in check ensures a straightforward experience—no extra steps or separate search page required.

How Domain Availability Is Checked #

As you begin the domain purchase process:

1. Navigate to Sites, then select the StellarSites site you want to attach the domain to.
2. Go to the Domain tab and click the Purchase a custom domain button.
3. Enter the domain name you want to purchase (e.g., example.com).
4. The system will automatically scan and confirm if the domain is available.

You’ll see one of the following results:

• Available — You can proceed with the purchase.
• Unavailable — The domain is already registered by someone else.
• Error — There was an issue checking availability (e.g., connection or formatting problem).

You can purchase and associate one domain per site. Support for additional domains will be introduced in a future phase.

Adding the Domain to Your Cart #

If your domain is available, you’ll see an option to:

1. Add to Cart
2. Review the annual price
3. Proceed to checkout

The domain will show in your cart as:

Domain – yourdomain.com

with an annual subscription automatically applied.

Completing the Purchase #

Before submitting your order, make sure to:

• Double-check the domain name for any spelling errors (domains are final sale and cannot be refunded for typos or incorrect choices).
• Confirm your billing details to ensure timely processing.
• Review the pricing, including annual renewal costs.
• Agree to the domain purchase terms, including annual billing and the non-refundable nature of domain registration.
• Submit your payment to finalize the checkout process.

Once your purchase is successfully processed:

1. Order confirmation displayed on-screen
   You will immediately see a confirmation page indicating your order was submitted.
2. Order confirmation email from StellarSites
   This email confirms the successful purchase of your site and domain.
3. Domain Registration email from Nexcess
   Nexcess handles the technical domain registration process. You will receive a separate email containing details about the domain setup.
4. Possible verification email from OpenSRS
   Depending on the domain extension, you may receive an email from OpenSRS requesting that you validate the contact information for your domain registration.
   Important: This verification is required to keep your domain active. Be sure to complete it promptly.

After the purchase:

• Domain registration begins immediately with our domain partner.
• Your domain is automatically mapped to your StellarSites website, so no manual connection is needed.
• You’ll receive a confirmation once the domain registration and mapping process is complete.

Need Help Choosing a Domain? #

If you’re not sure what domain to choose, consider:

• Using your business name
• Keeping it short and easy to spell
• Choosing a widely recognized TLD (.com is the most common)