Domain registrars are companies that sell domain names for websites and handle the entire registration process. If you want to create a website, it is mandatory to have a domain name, hence the need to choose a domain registrar.
Although there are many domain name registration companies, you may find it difficult to choose based on your needs. Here are the top ten tips for choosing a domain registrar.
1. Reasonable cost
For any business, price is always a crucial factor in all business purchases. When choosing a domain registrar, you should go through the pricing model carefully.
Depending on the domain extension like .com, .org, .net or .io, domain names will cost different amounts. You don’t have to go for the most expensive registrar. Instead, compare some of the best registrars and see what prices they offer for your favorite domain names.
Choose a company that offers a reasonable price for the domain and has a reputation for excellent service.
2. Renewal price
When you buy a domain, it is valid for a limited period, after which you must renew it. Of course, you are not going to give up the domain of the website once the initial registration period is over. Therefore, you should consider domain renewal fees when choosing a domain registrar.
Usually, domain renewal fees are higher than the initial domain registration cost. Browse the terms and pricing of registration companies to find out who offers the most affordable renewal prices.
Additionally, you might want to give preference to a domain provider that offers an easy renewal process without complicated terms.
3. Transparent processes
As you need to have transparency in your work, you should look for the same quality when choosing a domain registrar for your website. A good company has nothing to hide from its customers. Opt for a registration company that is transparent about pricing, policies, and practices.
When verifying companies, find registrars that offer upfront pricing information with detailed terms and conditions, so you don’t have to deal with surprises later.
See if you can easily find important information such as renewal process and fees, domain transfer method, and domain registration cancellation policy on their websites. If so, you can probably rely on the registrar.
It is wise to scan the registrar’s social media handles to find out comments of dissatisfaction from existing customers. Start researching around these comments more to make sure you can avoid such experiences in the future.
4. Domain Expiration Policy
Once a domain expires, anyone else can buy it and run their own website on that URL, locking up your business. If this happens, you will be forced to repurchase the domain name at a higher cost, or risk losing access to it permanently.
Before obtaining a domain name, check your registrar’s domain expiration policy. Although most companies automatically renew your domain, you must confirm this before purchasing.
After expiration, reputable registrars also lock the purchased domain to your account for a grace period, so you can renew it.
5. Additional Services
Your domain needs don’t end with buying a domain name. You couldn’t do without services like web hosting, email hosting, security, email marketing and many more.
Many popular domain registrars offer these services in addition to selling domain names. Some companies even offer the domain name for free if you subscribe to their other services. Buying all web services from one company can benefit you.
Thus, you should consider the bundled package prices from different registrars and purchase multiple services at an affordable price.
6. Data Privacy
When you purchase a domain name for your website, you share certain personal information with the registrar. Therefore, you should take data privacy seriously when working with a domain registrar. The registrar must prevent your data from becoming public.
Also, beware of companies with a history of activities such as selling their customer data to third parties, exploiting the WHOIS database, or sending fake renewal invoices.
Always choose a logging company that is trustworthy enough not to sell your data to others or get involved in unfair ways. You will find yourself in a tricky position if you start your website without doing this necessary due diligence.
7. Security measures
In addition to keeping your data private, you need to focus on domain name security. Domain name hijacking has become a common incident where people take control of a domain name to sell it to competitors or the original owner.
Choose a trusted domain registrar that would take sufficient steps to prevent domain hijacking. You should also check a registrar’s authentication and security protocols to prevent domain hijacking.
8. Transfer Process and Fees
If you are unhappy with the current domain registrar, the last thing you want is to pay high fees to transfer your domain to another registrar.
Although most reputable registrars do not charge additional fees for domain transfer, it is always wise to review their domain transfer policies beforehand.
Some registrars even complicate the transfer process and make it impossible to move. To avoid this, check the domain transfer process before selecting a registrar.
9. Reliable Support
After registering a domain name, you don’t know what awaits you down the line. Problems can appear out of nowhere and you should contact your domain name registrar for assistance.
You wouldn’t want a support manager selling you extra features while you look for an immediate solution. Instead, you want a registrar that offers professional assistance with your technical or general questions.
Carefully research the recording companies you have in mind and check their user reviews on customer support. You may also consider calling the support team before the final decision is made.
10. User Experience and Reminders
Finally, the user experience is a crucial criterion to consider before choosing a registrar company. The company’s website should be easy to navigate and intuitive. You should quickly find the necessary information on the registrar’s website if you encounter any problems.
A registrar with a knowledge base is very useful when support is not immediately available. Prompt renewal of the domain name is essential for you to avoid losing its ownership.
At the time of domain renewal, an ideal registrar will send you an automated reminder before the domain expires. If you haven’t turned on auto-renewal or gotten a new credit card, this feature will benefit you.
Get a reliable and trusted domain registrar
When it comes to the domain registrar, the requirements of organizations vary. Therefore, we have listed the main things you need to pay attention to before choosing one for your business.
You can go through it and shortlist some domain name registration companies before making the final decision.
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