Best place to buy Domain in 2023
Selecting a domain name is one of the first essential steps to getting your business online. I guess that's why you landed here, for the past three years I have taken the burden to buy and sell domains with different domain registrar service providers.
I've done some research as well and came up with the best domain registrars to assist you in making an informed choice.
In this blog post we will delve into how you can select the perfect registrar for your preferred domain name, covering all aspects from cost to customer service.
I will be arming you with knowledge about what differentiates each provider from the other. you can make an informed decision on which option best aligns with your budget and needs.
We’ll also touch on what type of premium domains that are available, walk through the buying process and provide tips on getting started quickly with minimal hassle.
But first lets take a deep-dive into the nitty-gritty of a domain name.
What is a Domain name
A domain is a unique name that identifies a website. These names, or domains, are assigned to organizations or individuals for the purpose of creating an online presence.
A domain allows users to access websites and other services hosted within its boundaries. It can include words, numbers, and even symbols.
Domains serve as a way for users to easily locate online content without having to know the IP address of the website or web host's server.
Having the option of using human readable words makes it easier for people to remember and keep track of websites they visit regularly.
Parts of a domain
Domains have three main parts consisting of
Subdomain or third-level domain, such as www., blog., app. etc
Second-Level Domain (SLD), which is the name of the website
Top-Level Domain (TLD), such as com, .org, .io among others
Second level domain (SLD), are unique identifiers used by the holder of the domain to differentiate it from similar types.
Types of domain extensions
Top-level domain (TLD) or domain extension, forms the last part of the website address and often gives the user an idea of what the website is about.
For example, an e-commerce store will likely go for a .store or .shop extension, that way online shoppers can easily associate themselves with the brand.
With over 800 extensions currently available, Top-level domain has evolved over the years, helping define the purpose of websites based on geographical location, brand and industry.
Visiting a website with the .jobs extension, should give you latest job listings and not the other way round.
However, several extensions can only be obtained if one fulfill a specific requirement. Extensions such as .gov are meant for government agencies and are unlikely to be sold to individuals.
Understanding your need prior to buying a domain name, will guide you through selecting the perfect extension from these three classified domain types.
Generic top-level domains (gTLDs)
gTLDs are the most popular domain extensions which include .com, .info, .net and others. These can be registered with any registrar service and typically involve an annual fee.
Country code top-level domains (ccTLDs)
ccTLDs are reserved for each country and have specific regulations per country. ccTLDs is ideal if you want your website to be associated with a certain region or country; examples include the United Kingdom's .uk extension and China's .cn extension.
These may have less competition than gTLDs but comes with higher price tag when registering them, thats why they are mostly referred to us premium domain extensions.
Brand or Sponsored TLDs
These are becoming increasingly popular as well. Companies like Google and Amazon now use these kinds of domains to add credibility to their brand and help redirect visitors to various sites within their corporate hierarchy.
Last but not least, new TLDs such as .me or .club provide more options for creating unique domain names that weren't available in the past.
Which one should I choose
While it is advisable to go for a .com extension since every one knows it and easy to remember, being straight forward with the purpose of the domain will go a long way to help you build an audience around your brand.
Going for fancy extensions unrelated to your niche or industry will only market your products and services to the wrong audience. Buy a domain name with extension that matters to your business needs.
Common TLD extensions
There are over 400 different top-level domains. Here are the most popular domain extensions in the market
.com
.co
.blog
.app
.biz
.tech
.net
.io
.xyz
.org
.shop
.store
.info
.site
.me
.club
.online
.inc
Methodology
A good registrar should be trusted, secure and offer competitive pricing, as well as high-quality customer support and a wide range of features that guard against domain theft.
Domain registrars
With the proliferation of internet services, companies and individuals like yourself are investing in obtaining domains for their website to ensure users can always find them when needed. where you buy these domains are important for your online survival.
The following are some of the ICANN-accredited and best domain registrars in 2023.
1. Namecheap
Namecheap is one of the top domain registrars in the world and offer domain registration for your business, product, or blog with ease due to their fair pricing plans.
Namecheap makes finding, registering and renewing a domain name as simple as typing a name into their advanced search bar.
They provide access to a user-friendly domain management panel, so you can manage all of your registered domains with ease from one place.
Their intuitive platform even offers automated bulk domain renewals and reminders so you never miss out on the important task of keeping your domains secured and up-to-date with ICANN's regulations.
IANA number - Namecheap is registered in the United States of America with ICANN's IANA number 1068.
Domain Add-on services
The available add-on services include:
- Domain Value Protection,
- offers web hosting service with free domain name registration
- Email Forwarding,
- WhoisGuard privacy protection,
- an SSL Certificate Bundle and
- Site Backup Pro.
Available extensions (TLDs) - over 400 TLDs available with .online being the cheapest
Registration Price of a .com - $9.58/year
Renewal Price of a .com - $13.98/year
Free WHOIS Privacy - Yes, Namecheap offers free domain privacy protection
SSL - PositiveSSL Certificate offer valid for the first year only. Pay $5.99 for the recurring year
Registration Period - Up to 3 years
Hosting - shared and VPS starting at $1.98 and $6.88
Support - email and live Chat support
Pros:
1. Namecheap offers competitive prices for domains and has some of the lowest renewal fees on the market.
2. It provides helpful customer support with knowledgeable representatives who can answer any questions you may have quickly and efficiently.
3. The website is user-friendly and easy to navigate, so even beginners can find what they need without difficulty.
4. Namecheap also offers free privacy protection for your domain name, which ensures your contact information is kept private.
5. It has a good array of features such as domain forwarding, email hosting and SSL certificates.
Cons:
1. Namecheap does not offer any additional services such as website design or eCommerce solutions, so you may need to look elsewhere for these things.
2. The hosting company has had some issues with downtime in the past, which can cause problems if your domain is unavailable when it’s needed most.
3. Some users have experienced slow loading times on their websites hosted through Namecheap, which can be an annoyance when trying to do business online.
4. While there are helpful tutorials available on the site, they are sometimes difficult to find and understand even for experienced users.
5. The customer support team can be slow to respond to queries and is often unable to provide helpful answers.
2. GoDaddy
GoDaddy is one of the most popular and well-known domain name registrars in the world with the cheapest plans for new registration.
Offering a range of services including web hosting, website building tools, email services, and a wide selection of domain names to choose from.
GoDaddy is the go-to choice for many individuals and businesses looking to register domains due to its ease of use and affordability.
With their Money Back Guarantee, customers don’t have to worry about losing their money if something goes wrong during the registration process.
Their domain name search engine enables users to quickly browse through thousands of available domain names and find the right one for them.
This allows users to register their desired web address in just minutes.
IANA number - GoDaddy is registered in the United States of America with the following ICANN's IANA numbers 3786, 1659, and 146.
Add-on services
GoDaddy also provides customers with
- SSL Certificates
- Email services
- Website Builder tools and
- web hosting Starting at £3.99 per month
Available extensions (TLDs) - over 400 and counting
Registration Price of a .com - As low as $0.99 for the 1st year
Renewal Price of a .com - $19.99
Free WHOIS Privacy - No, GoDaddy's comes with $0.99 monthly price tag
Registration Period - Up to 3 years
Support - Chat, email
Pros:
1. GoDaddy provides an easy-to-use interface for registering domains, making it ideal for beginners.
2. It has an extensive collection of domain name extensions and options, giving you more choices when selecting a domain name.
3. GoDaddy includes numerous additional services such as email addresses, website hosting, SSL certificates and other tools that can be useful for setting up a complete online presence.
4. With its 24/7 customer support team, you can get help with any issues you may have.
Cons:
1. Despite its extensive features and services, GoDaddy can be more expensive than some of its competitors.
2. The interface can be confusing for new users, making it difficult to find the information you need quickly.
3. It doesn’t always offer the best deals on domain name renewal or other services, so you may want to shop around before committing to GoDaddy.
4. Some users have reported slow load times or website downtime when using GoDaddy hosting services, which can cause problems if your site is mission critical.
3. 1&1 IONOS
With over 19 million customers, 1&1 Ionos is a powerful domain registrar that offers more than just domain services.
Their features include website building tools, email and hosting services, integrated business solutions for small businesses, and an intuitive user interface.
With unbeatable customer service and easy-to-use tools, 1&1 IONOS makes it simple to register and manage domains.
From setting up an email account to transferring domains, 1&1 IONOS is the go-to choice for registering and managing domains.
With options to purchase or transfer domains, they can help you get your website up and running quickly and painlessly.
Buy a domain name from IONOS and enjoy their advanced security measures that keep your data safe from hackers and other malicious activity. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced webmaster, 1&1 IONOS has the resources and expertise to help you succeed.
IANA number - 1&1 IONOS is registered in Germany with ICANN's IANA number 83
Add-on services
- Email hosting
- Web hosting starting at $4.00/year
- Online stores
- Website builder
- SSL certificates
Available extensions (TLDs) - over 400 and counting
Registration Price of a .com - $1.00/year
Renewal Price of a .com - $17.00/year
Free WHOIS Privacy - Yes
SSL certificates - Yes
Registration Period Up to 5 years
Support Chat, email
Pros:
1. Easy to use interface
2. Affordable prices
3. Variety of services
Cons:
1. Slow customer service
2. Lack of features – The lack of advanced features on their platform makes it difficult for users to customize their websites or implement more advanced options like SEO optimization.
4. Google Domains
Google Domains is an extremely popular choice for many people who want to register a domain name quickly and easily.
Google Domains offer competitive prices, intuitive user interfaces, and great customer support options (including live chat).
They also provide web hosting services as well as email forwarding and privacy protection tools at no extra cost – making them perfect for small businesses on a budget.
Google Domains have robust features including privacy protection, easy to use dashboard, intuitive search capabilities and so much more.
Google Domains also offers an array of helpful resources like tutorials, blog posts and guides that helps you navigate through the registration process without any hassle.
And, with the Google Domains’ affordable pricing plans, you can easily get a domain name at an excellent value without compromising on quality or features.
IANA number - 895 is the ICANN's IANA number for Google Domains registered in the United States
Other Premium services
- Custom emails starting at $7.20per user for a month
Available extensions (TLDs) - over 400 and counting
Registration Price of a .com - $12.00/year
Renewal Price of a .com - $12.00/year
Free domain Privacy - Yes
free SSL certificate - no
Registration Period Up to 10 years
Support Chat, email
5. NameSilo
NameSilo is one of the best domain name registrars that makes purchasing and managing domains simple and friendly on your budget.
They are one of the most cost effective options when it comes to purchasing web domains, offering .com addresses for as low as $8.99/year with no extra costs or fees once you make the purchase.
They also have a streamlined and intuitive domain management system, which makes it easy for even non-tech-savvy users to manage their domains without fuss.
This makes their services particularly valuable for those who don’t have time or energy to learn complicated dashboards and interfaces.
So if you’re on the hunt for an affordable and user-friendly domain registrar, NameSilo might be the perfect option.
IANA number - NameSilo is registered in Canada with IANA munber 1479
Other Premium services
Domain Management – including support for internationalized domain names (IDN) and DNS control through the company’s intuitive dashboard.
- NameSilo Marketplace – which provides an online platform for users to buy and sell domains with ease.
- SEO Services – to help users optimize their websites and appear higher on search engine results pages (SERPs).
- Email Hosting – with professional-looking email addresses using their own domains, plus spam protection and other features.
- Web Hosting – offering reliable, secure hosting packages tailored for small businesses or individuals starting at $2.99/year
Available extensions (TLDs) - over 400 and counting
Registration Price of a .com - $10.95/year
Renewal Price of a .com - $10.95/year
Free WHOIS Privacy - Yes
SSL - $9.59/year
Registration Period Up to 3 years
Support Chat, email
6. Register.com
Register.com is an excellent choice for those looking to kickstart their online presence with a unique names instead of ip addresses.
Their efficient and user-friendly interface makes the domain registration process simpler than ever, with helpful customer service just a click away if technical support is ever needed.
The powerful search tool enables you to quickly discover if the domain you have in mind has already been claimed, and the free private registration feature ensures a more secure experience by keeping your personal information secure from potential identity thieves or spammers.
What distinguishes this registrar from others is that they offer competitive pricing without sacrificing quality.
Ultimately, Register.com provides everything one needs to acquire their desired domain name in a secure and timely fashion.
IANA number - is registered in the United States of America with IANA number 9
Other Premium services
- Web hosting with secure servers and reliable uptime
- Website builder for crafting custom designs
- SEO optimization to help increase your web traffic
- Email marketing solutions
- Support from highly qualified technicians 24/7
- Security assurance to protect you from malicious attacks and other online threats
- Domain privacy protection to keep your personal information safe from prying eyes
- Online storage for backing up important files and data
- Easy transfer of domains, email addresses, and websites
Available extensions (TLDs) -over 400 and counting
Registration Price of a .com - $25.00/year including everything you need to build a site
Renewal Price of a .com - $25.00/year
Free WHOIS Privacy - Yes
SSL -$49.50/year
Registration Period Up to 10 years
Support Chat, email
7. Gandi
Gandi is a feature-packed and user-friendly domain name registrar that stands out from the crowd.
They offer competitive prices and easy-to-navigate interfaces for all types of users, as well as comprehensive DNS management tools, free domain forwarding, full domain privacy and protection services and excellent customer support that's available 24/7.
As a result, Gandi is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a simple, no-frills solution to secure their perfect domain name.
Registering with them is a quick, straightforward process that requires minimum effort yet delivers maximum rewards. Everything you need to get online is right at your fingertips when you choose Gandi.
IANA number - Gandi is a french domain registrar and accredited with IANA number 81
Other Premium services
- Web hosting
- Cloud Block Storage
- Page Builder
Available extensions (TLDs) - over 800 and counting
Registration Price of a .com - €14.96/year
Renewal Price of a .com - $€15.51/year
Free WHOIS Privacy - Yes
Free SSL - Yes
Registration Period Up to 10 years
Support Chat, email
8. Dynadot
When it comes to choosing the right domain registrar, Dynadot is an excellent choice for savvy online shoppers who want to save money in domain purchase. For starters, their .com domains start at just $9 per year - a price that's difficult to beat.
Plus Dynadot doesn't tempt you with upsells or hidden fees at checkout, giving customers one less thing to worry about when purchasing a domain name.
That's not all though; customers get access to easy domain management tools and integrated marketing services too, helping them get the most bang for their buck with every registration.
So if you're frugal and considering Dynadot as your go-to registrar, you're sure to be happy with the savings and useful features they provide.
IANA number - Dynadot LLC is registered in the united states of America with accredited number 472
Other Premium services
- Domain Auction
- Free website builder
- Dynadot API tools to build and use your own software
Available extensions (TLDs) - over 372 and counting
Registration Price of a .com - $10.99/year
Renewal Price of a .com - $10.99/year
Free WHOIS Privacy - Yes
Free SSL - no
Registration Period Up to 10 years
Support - email, Live Chat support
9. Domain.com
Domain.com offers businesses an array of benefits that are simply too good to pass up.
Not only do they provide a wide selection of domain names and services such as web hosting and email hosting but they offer added security features for free, making them the ideal choice for any business or organization looking to obtain an online presence.
WHOIS privacy protection, SSL certificates, dns management tools and more are easily accessible when signing up with Domain.com, giving businesses added peace of mind when it comes to their website security.
It's no wonder Domain.com has become a leader in providing dependable domain services that protect against malicious attacks from cybercriminals.
IANA number - Domain.com LLC is accredited with 886 IANA number
Other Premium services
- Web Hosting starting at $3.75 per month
- The Website Builder goes for $3.75 per month
- Free Design Consultation
Available extensions (TLDs) - over 400 and counting
Registration Price of a .com - $9.99/year
Renewal Price of a .com - $13.99/year
Domain Privacy + Protection - $8.99/year
Registration time-frame - Up to 5 years
Support - email, Live Chat support
10. Hover
Taking control of your online identity has never been easier than with Hover. With one click, you can quickly and easily register multiple domains in different variations and extensions from the classic .com to more niche .nets, a feature most domain registrars lack.
And what's even better is that the process doesn't end there. Hover offers intelligent domain name management tools, allowing you to make fast edits and keep track of all your names in one place.
Plus, you don't have to worry about manual renewals for your domains; Hover features an automatic renewal service so that your registration always stays valid without any extra time spent taking care of it.
All this plus competitive prices? Let Hover be your powerful ally as you take charge of the digital world.
IANA number - Hover is registered in Canada after merging with other domain registrars like Tuscows under the Accreditation number 69
Other Premium services
- Email forwarding
Domain transfers
Available extensions (TLDs) - over 250 and counting
Registration Price of a .com - $14.99/year
Renewal Price of a .com - $16.99/year
Registration time-frame - Up to 10 years
Support Live Chat, email
11. DreamHost
DreamHost is a popular web hosting provider that also offers free domain name registration for customers on their first year sheared hosting plan.
They offer competitive domain pricing when it comes to registering domains and they have an intuitive user interface that makes the process of finding and registering a domain name easy and straightforward.
DreamHost also provides features such as free privacy protection, auto-renewal, 24/7 customer support, and more.
DreamHost offers a one-click installation of popular website building tools such as WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal. With their affordable pricing and great features, DreamHost makes registering domain names quick, easy, and convenient.
DreamHost also provides customers with special discounts that can help make the cost of registering a domain even more affordable.
They offer discounts for customers who register multiple domains at once, as well as special discounts for renewing domain names.
DreamHost also offers free WhoIs protection and SSL certificates for their hosted websites. This makes it easy to protect the privacy of your website and ensure that it is secure from malicious attacks.
IANA number - DreamHost, LLC is the 431 accredited domain registrar
Other Premium services
- Web Hosting starting at $2.95/month
- WP website builder
- Design Services
- Marketing services
- DNS management tools
Available extensions (TLDs) - over 800 and counting
Registration Price of a .com - $7.99/year
Renewal Price of a .com - $7.99/year
Free WHOIS Privacy - Yes
Registration time-frame - Up to 3 years
12. Bluehost
If you do decide to bundle your domain registrar and web host in one provider, you should use Bluehost.
Bluehost is one of the best web hosting companies and a leading domain registrars on the market due to their free domain registration offer when you patronize any of their web hosting service including Wordpress hosting.
The process of registering a domain with Bluehost is simple than other domain registrars. You can search for the domain you want and purchase it directly from their website.
They offer a wide range of TLDs, including popular choices like .com and .net. You also have the option to add other features such as Private Registration, Website Builder, eCommerce, and more.
Once you’ve finished registering your domain, Bluehost provides numerous tools to help you manage it. You can easily update DNS settings, add custom records, or modify existing ones from their intuitive dashboard.
They also offer a wide selection of DNS services such as Cloudflare, which helps protect your website against malicious attacks.
Other Premium services
- Hosting starting at $2.95/month
- website building
- As the official Wordpress hosting partner, Bluehost offers live Wordpress technical support
Available extensions (TLDs) - over 800 and counting
Registration Price of a .com - $12.99/year
Renewal Price of a .com - $12.99/year
Domain Privacy + Protection - $11.88/year
Free WHOIS Privacy - Yes
Registration time-frame - Up to 1 years
Support - If you ever have any questions or issues while registering your domain, Bluehost’s customer support team is always there to help.
They offer live chat and phone support 24/7, so you can get the answers you need at any time of the day. Additionally, they provide detailed documentation on their website to answer most of your questions.
13. Network Solutions
Network Solutions is one of the best domain name registrar in the market. Established in 1979, it has more than 40 years of experience and expertise in providing reliable web solutions to business owners around the globe.
Network Solutions offers a variety of services such as domain registration, website and purchase web hosting,, email addresses, search engine optimization (SEO), and other web-related services.
Network Solutions is known for its secure and reliable domain registration service that provides the features and tools needed to get a business website up and running quickly.
It also offers several pricing plans, making it easy to find one that meets your budget. Network Solutions provides excellent customer support with knowledgeable staff who can answer any questions about domain registration.
Its commitment to customer satisfaction has made it one of the most trusted domain registrars in the industry. For those looking for an efficient way to get their business online, Network Solutions is a great choice.
Network Solutions also provides many other web-related services that are useful for businesses. It offers tools to help boost visibility in search engines. Network Solutions is continuously adding new features and improving its service offerings to make sure customers get the best possible service.
IANA number - Network Solutions, LLC is the 2 accredited domain registrar in the World
Other Premium services
- website hosting,
- email addresses, and
- search engine optimization (SEO)
Available extensions (TLDs) - over 800 TLDs
Registration Price of a .com - $25.00/year
Renewal Price of a .com - $25.00/year
Free WHOIS Privacy - Yes
Registration time-frame - Up to 100 years
Support - the company provides a variety of tutorials and customer support to ensure that customers get the most out of their domain registration experience.
14. BuyDomains
BuyDomains is one of the oldest and most reputable domain registrar services on the market. Established in 1997, BuyDomains has over two decades of experience helping businesses establish a unique online identity with their web address.
With its expansive inventory of premium domain names, they offer customers an easy way to find the perfect name for their business.
BuyDomains makes the domain registration process streamlined and simple, while also providing customers with multiple pricing options.
Buyers can choose from a variety of payment plans, including pay-as-you-go, monthly installments, or even long term multiyear plans. Through their secure checkout system, buyers can quickly and easily purchase the perfect domain name for their business.
BuyDomains also provides customers with a variety of additional services, such as hosting solutions and website building tools. This allows buyers to quickly get up and running with their new domain name right away.
Buyers can also easily manage their domains through the company’s user-friendly dashboard, making it easy to monitor and adjust settings as necessary.
IANA number - BuyDomains is powered by Domain.com LLC with accredition number 886
Available extensions (TLDs) - over 400 and counting
Premium one time Registration Price of a .com - $1,021 upwards
Renewal Price of a .com - $10.00/year
Free WHOIS Privacy - Yes
Registration time-frame - Up to 1 years.
15. Porkbun
Porkbun offer their domain registration services for those who want their domain needs taken care of without overspending. With a vast array of discounts on both domains (.com and .net) and SSL certificates, you can rest assured that your business will stay secure while staying within budget.
And with an incredibly user-friendly DNS management and unbeatable customer service, Porkbun's mission is to give customers the best possible value around leaving them feeling confident in their purchase.
Whether you're looking to secure your branding or jumpstart your business or online store, Porkbun has you covered.
IANA number - 1861 is the IANA accreditation number for Porkbun LLC
Other Premium services
- Web hosting
- Domain transfers
Available extensions (TLDs) - over 400
Registration Price of a .com - $9.73/year
Renewal Price of a .com - $9.73/year
Free WHOIS Privacy - Yes
Registration time-frame - Up to 10 years
Support - email, Live Chat support
Why is WHOIS privacy important?
The ICANA is not an official organization but mainly a nonprofit organization which keeps the Internet secure as they do the name system of websites that are used.
All domains registered as domains must contain accurate identifiable contact information including names, addresses, email and phone numbers which are stored in the whois database. Most people do not want to see these documents public.
Domain registrants can protect your data while still providing iCANN the necessary information. Privacy protection for domains lets you share information you have on registries, publicly if you want.
What I looked at to find the Best Domain Registrar
Choosing the right domain registrar is an important part of establishing a successful web presence. Not all registrars are created equal, and some may offer features that make them a better fit for your particular needs. Here are some tips to help you find the best domain registrar for your website:
1.cost:
It is important to consider the cost of a domain registrar prior to committing to one. Keep in mind that prices can differ significantly between different registrars, so you should shop around for the best value.
It's wise to factor in any hidden costs or renewal fees before making your decision, as some of these may not be immediately apparent. Taking this into consideration will ensure that you get the most bang for your buck when registering a domain name.
2. Features:
When choosing a domain registrar, it's important to look carefully at the features that each one offers. Does the best domain registrar allow you to pick from a variety of domain names, or do they allow for more customization options?
Do they offer robust security settings so that your website is as secure as possible? These are important questions to ask as you compare different domain registrars offer and take stock of their unique feature sets.
Taking the time to explore a few different domain registrar options can help ensure that you have chosen an appropriate registrar that offers all the features necessary to create an amazing website.
3. Support:
When it comes to registering for a domain, one of the most important things to keep an eye out for is customer support.
It's necessary to find a registrar who will be efficient and helpful if you need assistance with anything relating your domain registration - from setting up the domain to making any changes. Thus, it’s important to research reviews of past customers in order to make sure their level of customer service is up to par.
In addition, exploring their website FAQs can offer helpful details on the services they provide. Doing some research prior to making your decision can help ensure you get the best quality customer service in case anything goes wrong during the process.
4. Reputable domain registrar:
It is essential to make sure the domain registrar you choose is a strong, reliable partner. Researching their reputation and reading reviews from other customers will help you find out the truth about their services.
It is also wise to take a look at rating metrics such Better Business Bureau Ratings, Trust Pilot Ratings and customer testimonials before selecting your domain registrar. This way, you can make an informed decision that will protect your website registration needs.
Doing your due diligence now can save you considerable headaches down the road, so it's always best to plan ahead and pick the right registrar for your needs.
5. Domain Transfers flexibility
For those who would like to transfer a domain name, the first thing to take into consideration is that the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) stipulates that you are required to wait 60 days after registering before being allowed to move the domain.
Attempt to early transfer will be regarded as unauthorized domain transfers . And your registrar may genuinely decline your request sometimes leading to a domain lock. It is advisable to read through your domain registrar faq or reach out to support before attempting to do a transfer.
After this period, you will be able to switch it over to a different registrar at your own discretion. Not all domain registrars provide an uncomplicated process of moving domains without costing any additional fees.
Unfortunately, there may be some who will attempt making the domain transfer process complex and possibly charge extra in order to do so. So beware, do your research, and choose the one that best fits your needs!
6. Domain Expiration Policies
Domain names are an important aspect for businesses, so it’s essential to make sure your domain name is registered and kept current.
You can register your domain name for a specific duration (usually up to 5 years) and when the registration period is nearly over, you can renew your domain before its expiration date. If you forget to do this though, or even if there is a lapse in manual renewal steps, the domain expires and anyone can register it.
To prevent this from happening, setting up auto-renewals for domains is highly recommended. However, due to differences in services across registrars, it's still wise to check with the expiration policy of your particular service provider.
Some may offer a grace period after the expiration while other services may immediately auction your expired domain to the highest bidder - so it pays to do your research ahead of time and stay on top of any expiration.
