Are you interested in making your domain name look distinguished by using different domain extensions? There are different types of domain extensions available, like generic top-level domains and new generic top-level domains, which include new domain options, like creative and industry-specific options like .tech, .store, .design, .ai, etc. 

If you are a crypto-based business, and if you are thinking that you can use .crypto for your digital identity, then you cannot use it. It is because it is a blockchain-based domain that doesn’t support standard web hosting or email services without specialized Web3 infrastructure.

.crypto is not part of the traditional Domain Name System (DNS). You need to settle on other alternatives, like .tech, .com, .ai, or .space, to register your custom domain name, and create an email address. 

Let’s understand how you can register your domain name almost for free using Neo. 

Create .Crypto email address Neo (with Existing Domain)

Now, if you want versatility and options in domain name extensions, then you can register your custom domain name with a domain registrar. You will have to purchase it, and then you can use it to create a business email address. 

If you have a custom domain name, then here’s how you can create your business email address with cost-effective email hosting plans: 

Step 1. Visit Neo and click on Get Started. 

Step 2. Click on Yes, I have a domain I can use.

Step 3. Enter your registered domain name. 

Step 4. Sign up with Neo. 

Step 5. Configure your business email inbox settings 

You can create your business email inbox and add email aliases after creating your account on Neo. You can also create new email addresses for your team members, a catch-all account, and integrate Gmail accounts. 

You must select a pricing plan according to your requirements and make a payment after opening your Neo account. The free trial allows you to test Neo features for 15 days. During this time, you can utilize the platform and cancel the subscription without any hassles. 

Create business email address (Without a Domain)

If you are interested in registering a free domain name and do not require a specific domain extension, then Neo is your go-to platform. It provides free domain registration with .co.site extension for one year if you purchase its annual email hosting plan. 

Here’s how you can register your domain name and address within 15 minutes: 

Step 1. Visit Neo and click on Get Started. 

Step 2. Click on No, I need a new domain.

Step 3. Enter your desired domain name. 

You can enter your brand name or any professional name with which you want to be known to the world to create your domain name. For instance, blacknova, or if you are a professional, then your surname would work. 

Step 4. Create your Customer Account. 

Step 5. Set up your Business Email Address. 

Create your admin email ID or address, like yourname@blacknova.co.site or yourfirstname@surname.co.site. Configure the settings, choose a plan, complete the payment, and get started with your free trial. 

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What is a Blockchain-based Domain?

A blockchain-based domain is similar to an email domain, an easy-to-remember address for sending and receiving crypto. Instead of copying and pasting long crypto hexadecimal addresses, a simple blockchain domain, like sam.crypto, is used to reduce the chances of sending the crypto to the wrong address. 

.crypto is one example of the blockchain-based domain, which Unstoppable Domains manages, and there are different domain registrars, like Ethereum Name Service and Yat. 

Email domains are leased through centralized registrars regulated by ICANN, but blockchain-based domains, like .crypto, are minted on public blockchain (Ethereum and Polygon), as an ERC-721 NFT. This means: 

• You will have complete ownership since your blockchain wallet owns it, and not any third party. 
• The domain cannot be seized nor can any central authority block its access 
• The domain will be permanently controlled by you because it is minted. Once it is minted, the ownership can only be transferred. 

If you are wondering what minting means, then it refers to creating a new digital asset on the blockchain, like making a coin that lives forever in the digital ledger. 

Multiple cryptocurrency addresses, like ETH, BTC, LTC, etc, can be mapped to a single domain. Senders can easily transfer the assets yourname.crypto domain instead of your hexadecimal address. The blockchain domains do not require annual renewal, and the ownership is maintained as long as the wallet exists.

How to Buy a Blockchain-Based Domain?

One of the important requirements to own a blockchain-based domain is that you should have a wallet. It is because you will have to mint the domain, which means registering it on the blockchain and assigning ownership to your wallet address. Without a wallet, you cannot take full control of the domain or access its decentralized features.

The process to buy a blockchain-based domain can be divided into two parts: 

Part I. Getting the Domain Name

Step 1. Visit the official website of any blockchain-based domain registrar, like Unstoppable Domains. Click on the Sign up / Log in button on the homepage. 

Step 2. Sign in either using your email address or a non-custodial crypto wallet, like MetaMask or Coinbase Wallet. 

Step 3. Once you sign up using the wallet, you will be redirected to the homepage. Now, you can search your preferred domain name in the search bar, and click on Enter when you find it. 

Step 4. Choose from the different variations of your preferred domain name and proceed towards payment. 

Step 5. If you prefer to keep your identity anonymous, then use a crypto-based payment method. You can use your crypto wallet to complete the transaction. 

With this, you have successfully purchased your domain name, and now, it needs to be minted or registered for true ownership. 

Part II. Minting the Domain Name

Step 1. Click on your account and navigate to the My Domains section on Unstoppable Domains. Tap on the Free Mint button below your domain name. 

Step 2. A pop-up will appear which explains that minting is free and it will take place on the Polygon network (a Layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum). Click on the Continue button. 

Step 3. Choose the wallet on which the domain should be minted, and by default, it will be the one registered with Unstoppable Domains. 

Step 4. The minting process will start, and you need to wait for it to complete patiently.

Step 5. Go back to the My Domains section, check the status of the mint, and if it shows completed, then congratulations, you are the owner of the blockchain-based domain.  

The Bottom Line 

A .crypto domain name is stored on a blockchain, which makes it censorship-resistant, complete user-owned (via private keys), and unchangeable without the user's permission. Unlike traditional email domains, they cannot be used to create email addresses. They are specifically used to simplify the transaction process of cryptocurrencies. 

However, if you are interested in creating a business email address with a custom domain name, then you can use Neo. Neo provides free domain registration bundled with its email hosting plans. Try Neo today, and get a domain name to establish your online presence. 

FAQs

1.  What can one do with a .crypto domain?

A blockchain-based domain, like yourname.crypto, can be used as a crypto wallet address. Besides, it can be used to host decentralized websites (via IPFS), build a Web3 identity, and send/receive blockchain-based emails (via services like Mailchain)

2. Can I use a .crypto domain for regular email like Neo?

No, .crypto domains are not part of the traditional DNS system and cannot be used for standard email (like name@domain.crypto) without special Web3 tools.

3. Should I get a .crypto domain or a traditional domain? 

It depends on your use case. Like, you can get a .crypto domain for Web3 identity, crypto transactions, and decentralized sites. Choose a traditional domain if you need a professional website or a standard email address.

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