01
Search your name
Try .com first. If taken, .co / .io / .ai / .xyz are all legit alternatives in 2026.
N
Namecheap
Lock in your name before someone else does.
Domains are the cheapest piece of real estate you'll ever buy. Most cost less than dinner. The 5 minutes you spend here can be worth thousands later.
— Your brand starts with a name. Own it.
01 · The basics
What is Namecheap?
A domain registrar — where you buy and manage web addresses (.com, .co, .ai, etc).
Trusted, cheap renewals, free WHOIS privacy included.
Also offers email hosting, SSL and basic hosting — but use it mostly for domains.
02 · From Jack
Why Jack uses it
Stop renting your identity on other people's platforms. A domain is the one piece of online property that's 100% yours. Buy first, build later.
- →Cheaper renewals than most competitors (GoDaddy will quietly bleed you).
- →Free WHOIS protection so your personal info isn't public.
- →Quick DNS settings = connect to Lovable, Shopify, email in minutes.
03 · How to start
Your first hour with it
02
Buy + enable auto-renew
Never let a good domain expire. Auto-renew = peace of mind. Pay for 2–5 years if you're serious.
03
Turn on WHOIS privacy
Free at Namecheap — keeps your home address off the public internet.
04
Set up email forwarding
Free forwarder lets you receive hello@yourbrand.com → your Gmail. Looks pro instantly.
05
Point DNS to Lovable / Shopify
Add CNAME / A records as instructed by your host. Live in ~30 minutes.
04 · Don't
Beginner mistakes to avoid
Mistake #1
Picking a 'clever' misspelling that no one can type or remember.
Mistake #2
Going for .net or .biz when .com is still gold standard.
Mistake #3
Buying 20 domains for ideas you'll never build. Discipline.
Mistake #4
Letting a domain lapse — squatters will buy it instantly.
05 · Tactical
Jack's personal setup
- ✓Primary brand .com (always) + a .ai or .co as backup.
- ✓WHOIS privacy on, auto-renew on, locked.
- ✓Email forwarder for hello@ + jack@.
- ✓DNS pointed to whichever site builder is live (Lovable, Shopify, etc).
Jack's tip
"Say your domain out loud over the phone. If you have to spell it twice — pick a different one."
06 · Pairs well with
The recommended stack
07 · FAQ
Things beginners always ask
Keep exploring