Purchasing a domain name can be a simple process with some pre-planning and understanding Domain Registration basics. Lessons learned, through years of domain management for our customers.
Clients frequently inquire about purchasing a domains, it is a constant question, especially in the web development and design process. I believe developers take for granted that people understand this process and being of such importance, it bears repeating.
This is an overview, with links to specific topics, written in more depth. Please comment adding any information you feel is of value to readers. This topic bears repeating for the benefit of all companies, especially those without departments, specially geared to handle these issues.
What is a Domain?
A domain name is a unique identification label, similar to a phone number that defines the autonomy, authority, and control on the Internet.
Domain Value
My domain name has a value? The big brands understand that their brands and trademarks, are truly one of your businesses most value assets. Domains are an extremely valuable real estate, internet real estate. You can learn more “Protecting your brand:”.
Domain Costs
Registrar costs vary due to the competition of other Registrars. Each permitted to set charges above standard costs. I have seen prices vary from $1.99 to $30.00 a year. All registrars pay the registry a fixed price of $6 for each domain they sell.
Keep in mind if a Registrar is selling a domain for $1.99, and they pay the registry $6, they are making up the revenue in another service. Compare transfer and private registration fees.
Domain Management
All of your domains should be held in a centralized system or Control Panel, to manage your domain names, including those that have been registered by other company locations or employees. Domain names should include your brands and registered trademarks, which many overlook.
Select a Certified Register
Make sure they are the top level Registrar. If you select a third party, your cost will reflect the many tiers, confusion to who you are actually registered. List of Certified Registrars.
Below are some of the most popular:
Go Daddy
eNom
Hosting.Com
Network Solutions
1&1 Internet AG
Standard or Private Registration
During the registration process, you will also provide contact information for Registrant, Administrative and Technical contact. The information you provide is published in the Whois Public Internet Directory. This includes your name, your company name, telephone, email address or even home address.
The best practice is to use pay for the annual PRIVACY feature, which is on average is $2 -$10 a year, for each domain, removing it from WHOIS.
Avoid Front Running
Before you begin your online search for open domains, prepare your list on paper, prioritize them. When ready to purchase your domain, login to the Registrar and get your list and credit card ready. Search for your preferred domain name, if it is available, buy it immediately. It may be available now, but may be unavailable when you return, depending on the registrar you have selected. Print and file your receipts.
Length of Registration
Determine the length of time wish to hold the domain? Registrars can offer registration periods from 1 to 10 years. Some offer multi-year discounts, which may be beneficial to you, but not necessary. At some point in the future you may transfer your domain, and those fees may offset your savings. Most providers offer auto renew in your account most control panels, handle renewing simply, with a credit card on file.
Registrar Suggestions
Our clients have an array of hosting providers and ICANN Certified Registrars. We have become familiar with many of them. All have pros and cons to their services, so research should be done
I would say the following should be considering in you selection:
- Certified Registrar
- Knowledgeable and helpful support team
- Cost Effectiveness
- Intuitive dashboard / Control Panel
- Quality Support 24 x 7 x 365
This is a simple overview. To learn more about the Registration process and domain management, read “Domain Registration beyond the Basics”.
We hope you find this helpful and I would enjoy learning more about your experiences. We are always looking for added value and good support, so if you have a Registrar you have had good experience, please let me know.
Tags: certified register, certified registrars, domain management, domain value, ICANN, Web Development, whois directory
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