Where should I register my domain name? — Gary Marks
The honest answer is “it depends.” If you have only one or two domains, then register with a provider that allows transfers without additional fees. This way, as you get more domains, you can easily consolidate.
Then again, there are hundreds of domain registrars to choose from. Always select an ICANN-accredited domain registrar. Accreditation means more secure domain services. You'll be less likely to lose your business domain.
Protect Your Domain For Your Business Website
Over the years, I have utilized large enterprise registries for managing approximately 18,000 domains as part of an intellectual property portfolio. Every hosting provider makes mistakes.
The platform had tools for bulk loading and exporting domains. I could drill down into domain records, as well as do bulk transfers. Ease of tool use is critical.
Your domain is the most essential part of your business website. Without fast loading domain name services (DNS), your visitors get nothing. You can register your name with one company, yet host DNS with another.
Domains do accidentally expire. People do fraudulently try to transfer or poach domains. There are even spelling mistakes made on marketing pieces.
Marketer Bill Glazer sent out a large campaign, yet his team forgot to register the domain on the front of every piece. It was an expensive postal campaign.
I registered it before someone else poached the domain. Then set it up to redirect to his original offer. When I contacted his office, they were so thankful. It is so easy to overlook these things.
After the domain died down, I transferred the domain to his offices. There is no guarantee you'll be this lucky.
Many Choices for Trusting Your Business Domain Name Registration
There are two parts to a domain registration: The purchase of the domain and hosting of that domain in DNS. For the fastest integration, start with domain registration at your hosting provider.
My newsletter sites, such as AdBriefing Copywriting Tips, have domains registered at GoDaddy, SiteGround, or CloudFlare. For my .uk domains, I use 123-Reg Ltd and GoDaddy.
In addition, I've used Network Solutions and NetNames for higher volume accounts. It really depends on .com versus country domains, or the number of domains you are registering.
I can purchase in bulk and receive favorable pricing. A domain that is relevant to your target prospect is more important than the rent you pay. All domains have an annual fee (license) to use the domain.
When we conduct product launches and joint ventures with clients, my team handles the website management. It is essential to research your domain names before buying.
When possible, register the three major top-level domains, which are .com, .org , and .net. There are hundreds of other top-level domains. Prices may vary, so think carefully about what you register.
A Word of Warning About Buying Too Many Domains For Your Business
It is easy to end up with hundreds of domains. Domains are NOT an investment. There are so many websites on the internet that parking domains is no longer viable unless you have a high-traffic keyword.
Even then, ranking and renting domains, or setting up lead generation websites, is much more profitable. Place these domains at the top of the funnel for your high-ticket services.
Smart copywriters and marketers may develop domains for future projects. We own most variations of AdBriefings, including adbriefing.com (historical) and adbreifing.com (misspelling).
These domains redirect to the main newsletter website. If you are leveraging our content back catalog monetization or analytics services, I can show you in detail how to leverage redirects.
There are also domains you might use for email marketing, special promotions, and even to lock out a competitor. Can you see how easy it is to end up with hundreds of domains?
How to Choose A Domain Name Registrar for Your Business Website
There are a few things to consider when you are choosing a domain name registrar for your business website. These include:
- No-cost transfers. Every domain registrar will disappoint you eventually. You may also find domains on one platform that you'll consolidate later.
- Pricing. Buying an unused domain is cheaper than buying one already in use. Lock in prices with multiple-year registrations.
- Renewal fees. Look out for cheap domains that renew at a higher rate. Be careful with too many domains renewing at one time for a single property.
- Security features. Stick with simple features like “confirmation before transfer,” often called domain locking.
- Customer support. When shopping, call them to make sure you get a human. Nothing is worse than email tickets when a domain goes down.
- Domain reputation. Make sure your domain wasn't previously used for spamming, pornography, or any questionable activity.
- Ease of management. Make sure they have an easy-to-follow domain management interface.
- Bulk pricing. Each business property may have 3-5 domains. You don't want a competitor to set up next to your business or on a misspelling.
Again, don't get carried away. There is no such thing as a perfect domain.
During the dot.com days, I met Gary Kremen briefly, the original owner of sex.com at an event in Washington, DC. I was working on integration projects for venture capitalists.
He shared from the stage the story of losing the domain, which was later sold for $13 million. He first registered the domain in 1994, lost control to a con artist in 1996, and faced a lengthy legal battle before regaining control.
In 2006, Boston-based Escom LLC bought the domain for cash and stock, then, while facing bankruptcy, sold it later that year for $454,500 — don't get too excited about a domain.
Final Thoughts About Registering Your Business Website Domain
Want to save money? If you have a domain management system that you like, use transfers to get the best buy rate (i.e. register 5 years at cheapest then move for an additional year to your system.)
If you are buying existing domains, then Sedo, Afternic, and other auctions are a great place to purchase domains for transfer. Very often, you can keep them at the same originating registry.
At one time, I owned the names of older direct response copywriters. I hosted a biography, opt-in, and links to their books. Some of these sites made affiliate revenue. Many of these domains were bought from their publishers.
It was a good catalog until I started getting sued by estates, or a larger publisher bought rights to the books. Be aware that you aren't buying someone else's intellectual property, trademark, or likeness.
So even before you register a domain for your business website, register your first and last name. It's the best domain investment you'll make. I own JustinHitt.com, even though others share the same given name.
Like I said, the right answer to “Where should I register my domain name?” really depends. Yet what is more important is how you will use that domain. That's why your business needs to know how to use words that sell.
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