We all want a unique and memorable domain name for our website, personal or business. But coming up with such a name feels challenging. However, once it hits your mind, you just cannot wait to see it live.
Yes, you will have to register the name with a domain registrar very wisely, but choosing the best registrar does not have to be complicated. So, yes, there are certain priorities and specific points to keep in mind, yet it is not rocket science.
Here we bring a complete domain name selection guide for you that will briefly discuss the following points:
- What is a Domain Registrar?
- What Do Domain Registrars Do?
- How Can You Choose The Best in the UK?
- Challenges That Arise While Choosing Domain Names and How to Tackle Them?
Who Are The Domain Name Registrars?
We refer to the organization that lets us purchase and register domain names as ‘domain name registrar’. A non-profit organization ICANN accredits all domain names. Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers is what ICANN stands for.
We would all be entering a long string of numbers (IP address) to visit websites were it not for domain names.
Domain names let websites pick an address with easy-to-remember words in simple human language. For example, gridhosting.com is a domain name.
The wide availability of domain names is crucial for the world wide web. Hereafter, domain registrars can start selling domain name licenses. The companies have to apply for accreditation to become domain registrars.
What Do Domain Registrars Do?
The registry is nothing but a centralized database. It’s responsible for storing all domain name records. If a domain name is not stored in the registry with all its related information, it will not be recognized.
A domain registrar holds the right to edit your domain name’s information on your behalf because ICANN allows it to. If you wish to make those changes through your browser, the domain name registrar also provides such tools.
Tips for Picking The Best Domain Registrar in the UK?
Many domain registrars operating in the market make selection a little complicated. However, it becomes easier when you know your requirements, understand the criteria for a good domain registrar and know the industry.
For instance, many different domain name extensions exist in the market, and all domain registrars cannot sell all of those domain name extensions. Some of them can only sell the LTD’s with country-specific extensions.
Also, not all registrars offer the same addon services and domain names. Some may use low prices as their unique selling point, and some throw free addons to grab consumers’ attention.
Understand Your Requirements
The first step in any purchase is gaining sound knowledge of your needs and wants. Next, compile the separate list of addon services that are nice to have and the addon services you must have. Also, brainstorm any service your business processes may require.
There is no ideal domain registrar. But the one that provides the services or the range of services you want is ideal for you.
Start Looking for The Best Domain Name Registrar
Once you know your requirements, you are ready for the domain registrar hunt. Inspect every potential registrar from multiple angles. You should know about all terms and conditions they have, the level of support they provide, and the satisfaction level of their current and old customer base. Also, find out if they have any awards or memberships.
Cutting it short, we must identify how well a potential domain registrar performs at the following four criteria.
Pricing & Registration Period
The first thing to notice is the cost of domain names. Many registrars offer low prices upfront in the first year but charge higher renewal prices when those twelve months end.
The minimum period you can register a domain name for is one year. Some companies, however, require a higher registration period, like two years. You can even register a domain name for ten years.
However, it is better to register for at least one year and turn on automatic renewal, so the domain does not expire.
Domain Transfers
Moving from one domain registrar to another is also a common scenario in the web domain industry. Therefore, it should be easily available, whenever you are dissatisfied with your current domain registrar.
Remember, you can not transfer a domain name during the first 60 days of the registration. ICANN has fixed this initial period. When the period is over, you can transfer.
Most providers let you transfer domain names without any extra charges, but some of them. Do not forget to read the domain transfer policy before making a purchase.
Domain Expiration Policies
We know that after a certain period, you have to renew your domain name. If you do not, it will expire and become for anyone else to register. The best strategy to avoid such mishaps is to set up auto-renewals.
It is better to read the expiration policy of your domain registrar even if you are using the automatic renewal feature. Some provide you with a grace period even after expiration.
You can find many sad stories of business owners losing their domain due to expired credit cards and no grace period. Be extra cautious.
Add-on Services
Check what other services they offer. Even if you do not need them, you should at least know them. For example, they could be domain privacy, domain parking, grace period, etc.
Two Common Issues & How To Handle Them
The market is highly competitive. You will find many attractive offers with hidden downside. Must watch for these things while selecting.
Add-On Pricing
As stated earlier, domain registrars offer many add-on services. If you do not uncheck the ones you don’t need, they will add up to your bill. Simple .com domain should not cost you more than $14.99 annually.
How To Avoid: Focus on the check-out page and uncheck any add-ons you do not need.
Hidden Fee
One common marketing tactic of domain registrars is to offer low rates to first-time registrations. Many new buyers fail to understand that renewal costs can be quite expensive.
How to Avoid: Read all marketing documents of domain registrar carefully so you know if there is any hidden fee in advance.
The Final Verdict
By the way, most hosting providers also offer domain names at cheaper rates. Typing ‘domain and email hosting UK’ may help you find such hosting providers. Grid Hosting provides domain names with multiple LTD’s with their diverse hosting plans.
