Checking domain name availability

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  stannesinbloom · Member · Feb 1, 2017 at 4:18 pm

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  My website is running on the free service fairly well and I was planning to upgrade to the personal plan and use WordPress to obtain my new domain name. Is there a way to check that my preferred domain name is still available before signing up, as I wouldn’t want to start paying only to find my preferred name is not available. One of the reasons I am asking is that I was under them impression that .com domains were more expensive and it appears WordPress is offering them for free (well, included in the price). Lastly, how much is the privacy option in GBP (£) and is that a one off charge or is it each year. Thanks in advance for any help given.

  The blog I need help with is: (visible only to logged in users)

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  gemmacevans · Member · Feb 2, 2017 at 10:58 am

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  Hi there,

  Is there a way to check that my preferred domain name is still available before signing up

  There is, yes! You can do so from your Domains page:

  https://wordpress.com/domains/

  Click ‘Add’ and then type in the domain you are looking for. Underneath, you will see the options available — it won’t be purchased until you have clicked Select and gone through the checkout process.

  One of the reasons I am asking is that I was under them impression that .com domains were more expensive and it appears WordPress is offering them for free (well, included in the price).

  The prices of domains vary a little, however .com domains are $18. Paid plans include a free domain credit, which means the cost of the domain is covered by the plan.

  Lastly, how much is the privacy option in GBP (£) and is that a one off charge or is it each year.

  Private registration is optional and included in the cost of your plan if you want it.

  Come back me to if you have any questions.

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  stannesinbloom · Member · Feb 4, 2017 at 4:19 pm

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  I am sorry, was using someone else’s computer. Can that post be deleted ?

  Thanks Gemma.

  I looked into it as you have suggested and the privacy option is sorted and so is the availability of the domain name.

  Looking at the billing page, I am a little confused though.

  My understanding from this page https://wordpress.com/pricing/ is that it is £2.50 per month (billed yearly) for “Boost your website with a custom domain name, and remove all WordPress.com advertising. Get access to high quality email and live chat support.” However, when I have added my domain name I get “WordPress.com Premium – annual subscription 85 GBP (7.08 GBP x 12 months)”

  Are you able to clarify the difference between the £2.50 per month and the £7.08 per month.

  Do these prices include VAT and are they the same each year.

  Thanks for your help and sorry for all the questions.

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  staff-ozmodiar · Staff · Feb 4, 2017 at 4:52 pm

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  You do not need WordPress.com Premium in order to have the domain name, you just need WordPress.com Personal.

  Try purchasing Personal first and then adding the domain name after you have made the purchase. Let me know if you have any trouble.

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  stannesinbloom · Member · Feb 4, 2017 at 5:24 pm

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  Thanks
  Appreciate it

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  staff-ozmodiar · Staff · Feb 4, 2017 at 7:08 pm

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  Let me know if you have any trouble.