First step is always to choose whether you want to register a new domain name or transfer your existing domain name to the new registrar. Many hosting providers also give you a FREE domain name for new customers.
In step two you have to provide your contact information. This is also where you enter your basic information like First and Last Name, street address and Payment information. Be prepared with your credit card of choice. Most operators will take all common cards like VISA, MasterCard and American Express. Even PayPal which takes out the hassle of entering all numbers are usually offered.
One thing a few operators are trying to do is to upsell you loads of offers. The best hosting providers does not lure you from one page to another cluttered with information and choices filled in by default. This is a very annoying practice which we do not support at all. One company that really stands out from the crowd in the genre is GoDaddy. They might have a kickass support and good performance hardware once you sign-up, but the chances of you reaching your goal without extra features added to your bill are slim.

Here are a few extra addons to consider for any host:

• Business Directory Listing
• Automatic Site Backup
• SiteBuilder
• Private Who-is protection (this will keep your personal information confidential)
• Spam & Anti-virus protection

Some extra features are actually not that bad after all. I just wish they some hosting providers didn’t force people through the sales funnel so hard. It can be enough complicated and frustrating for a newbie as it is.