Domain Name Registration

Does it really matter where you buy your domain names? While it's true that all domain registrars do pretty much the same thing, their policies vary when it comes to how you control your domain name once you buy it. For example, how easy is it to switch registrars and what kind of customer service do you get if you have a problem? We constantly review the main domain name registrars to find the most reliable companies.

Below are some usuful points to remember when registering your domain name.

Make sure the registrar is accredited by ICANN, or is an authorized reseller of an accredited registrar. Check the ICANN-accredited registrar official list at http://www.icann.org/registrars/accredited-list.html.

Find out the cost and procedures for transferring your domain name to another domain name registrar in case you become dissatisfied or find a lower price. Registrars in general have a terrible reputation for holding names hostage. Some charge exorbitant fees or create delays to avoid losing business.

Consider features, if you want them. Extra services offered by domain name registrars are generally oriented to domain name speculators or duplicative of what web hosting services provide. Those often include e-mail accounts, e-mail forwarding and domain forwarding.

Budget hosting does not allow you to have spam filters, dedicated e-mail addresses and a range of basic security settings, which would be provided by a full featured host.

 Consider add-on services. Private registration hides your identity and your contact information from Whois searchers. However, it damages the credibility of a business website. Companies such as GoDaddy will lower the price of domain names with add-on services.

Consider support options. Registration should be simple, and a name is a name, which means most customers will never need tech support or other customer service. If you want or know you'll need more support/service, look for e-mail options, live chat and telephone options. Most registrars have limited phone support, if any, and it usually requires a toll call.

Make sure the domain is registered to you, as opposed to your web host or registrar. Some people claim that if you get a free or below-cost domain name, the registrar will control the name to make switching to a competitor difficult or impossible.

Think twice about using an alternative top-level domain. Reviewers point out that a high percentage of site searches are conducted by guessing a domain name, as opposed to using a search engine. Alternatives to .com can be cheaper, especially .info, but they can make your site hard to find and difficult to remember. Although use of .org is unrestricted, it's inappropriate for anything other than a non-profit organization.

If you require guidance and advice in plain English contact us for a free no obligation chat.