Are you looking to register or transfer your website domain name? With the recent acquisition of Google Domains by Squarespace, you may be wondering what your options are. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of choosing the best domain registrar for your needs.
What is a Domain Name Registrar?
A domain registrar is a type of company that manages and takes care of Internet domain names, like yourwebsitename.com. It’s like a middleman that helps you register and manage your domain name. When you register a domain name, you are essentially renting or leasing the right to use that name for a set amount of time. This means that you have exclusive rights to use that name for your website or email address for the duration of the lease.
Factors to Consider when Registering a Domain Name
When it comes to selecting a domain registrar, there are several important factors that you should take into account. One of the key things to consider is the level of customer service that is provided. You want to choose a registrar that will be able to provide you with the support that you need, whether that means helping you to troubleshoot technical issues or answering questions about your account.
Another important factor to consider is the pricing structure that is used by the registrar. You want to choose a provider that offers competitive pricing that is in line with industry standards. In addition to the cost of registering your domain, you should also consider any additional fees that may be associated with the service, such as renewal fees or fees for transferring your domain to another registrar.
Finally, it is also important to consider the reputation of the registrar that you are considering. Look for a provider that has a strong track record of providing reliable and secure service to its customers. Reading reviews from other customers can be a great way to get a sense of the level of service that you can expect from a particular registrar. By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed decision about which registrar is right for your needs.
Domain Name Pricing
Transparent and reasonable pricing is a crucial consideration. Some registrars charge extra for privacy and push for add-ons, which can add up quickly every year, especially if you register multiple domains. Look for a registrar that offers competitive pricing without hidden fees.
Pricing can range from about $9 to $30 per year for .com registrations. Other Top Level Domains (TLDs, eg .tech, .net, .so,) can cost more than $100 depending on their popularity.
Many domain registrars will offer special deals and promotions on the first year to help you get started. In those cases, the price will usually return to the normal price for subsequent renewals. These deals can be a great way to get a new name registered, but always check the renewal pricing so you can budget for your next payment.
All domain registrations are annual, but some registrars will allow you to register several years in advance.
For example, Namecheap has a Small Business Week Sale at the time of this writing for 97% off domains and other web essentials. For example, with .com domains, here’s special deal:
- $5.98 to register a new domain, $13.98 for renewals
- $9.78 to transfer a domain, $13.98 for renewals
New domains are often cheaper to register with these discounts than domain transfers, most likely because there is less administrative work involved.
You can also find deals for a free domain name registration for the first year when you purchase website hosting with it as a package deal.
Privacy Protection for your Domains
Free WHOIS privacy protection is an essential element to consider when registering a domain.
This feature can help protect your personal information from being publicly displayed on the WHOIS database, which could lead to unsolicited communication and spam. Additionally, it can help safeguard your online identity and protect you from potential harassment or identity theft.
Be careful! While some of the best registrars will offer domain privacy and protection free of charge, many domain registrars will only offer it is an upsell add-on mid purchase. There is no reason to pay extra for privacy, in my opinion, so I always highly recommend choosing a domain registrar that includes this fundamental aspect of online privacy and security free with every registration.
Your Dashboard is where you Manage your Domains
When selecting a registrar to manage your domain registrations, it is important to consider more than just the price. While price is certainly a factor, it is also important to look for a registrar that offers an easy-to-use and intuitive dashboard.
While you shouldn’t need to access this often, having a dashboard that is user-friendly allows you to efficiently manage all of your domain registrations, DNS settings, and WHOIS privacy and protection.
A clunky or hard to use dashboard can lead to mistakes like not renewing your domain, which can cause your domain to expire without you realizing it and taking your website offline. In worst case scenarios, website owners that don’t have a webmaster or support team have only noticed that their domain had expired when a customer complained about not being able to access their website!
Many registrars offer additional features such as email hosting, SSL certificates, and website builders. These additional features can save you time and money in the long run, and can greatly benefit your online presence. The more options you choose, the more important an easy to manage dashboard becomes. Managing multiple websites and domains with different options can quickly become a nightmare if the dashboard is not intuitive.
Customer Support from your Domain Registrar
Finally, consider customer support. Look for a registrar that offers helpful and responsive support, so you can quickly and easily get help if you need it. I usually look for a Live Chat option since settings can be confusing and when need help during a domain name transfer, time is of the essence.
Our Domain Name Registrar Recommendations
Based on these factors, here are our top two recommendations for domain registrars. Google Domains was at the top of our list until the Squarespace acquisition announcement was made. With Squarespace domain registration starting at $20 a year, it makes sense to shop around for a better deal.
The only exception might be if you have only one domain and your website is hosted on Squarespace and you don’t have a web/tech support team to help you with transfers. In this case, you might find it worth spending the extra few bucks annually to avoid the hassle of transferring and managing multiple accounts.
Namecheap
Namecheap offers transparent and reasonable pricing, free WHOIS privacy, and an easy-to-use dashboard. Renewals for .com domains start at $13.98, which is a reasonable fee. (Google Domains was $12 USD per year.) They also often run special deals on the first year registration. So if you are transferring, you can likely get a good deal like this one: $9.78 for the first year when you transfer your domain registration to Namecheap. Or if you are purchasing a new .COM domain, you can get your new .COM domain for just $5.98 here!
Pros
- Transparent and reasonable rates
- Regular discounts and promotions on new and transferring registrations
- Free privacy protection, SSL, email and domain forwarding
- Other add-ons available (hosting, email, social media management, etc)
Cons
- Too many add-ons can be confusing and many are probably not necessary – be sure to consult with your web support team to see what you really need before you buy.
Porkbun
Porkbun offers pricing that starts at $9.73 for .com renewals, and they offer free WHOIS privacy. They also have a reputation for great customer support.
Pros
- Transparent and low rates
- Free privacy protection, SSL, email and domain forwarding
- Great if you only want to register domains
- Other add-ons available (hosting, email, social media management, etc)
Cons
- Does not offer 24/7 support
- The Web hosting is shared, so is not recommended for high traffic or high resource websites such as ecommerce and membership sites.
- The simple setup of the website can sometimes mean that less technically savvy users get confused as to what steps to take. It’s not rocket science but if these things make you dizzy, this is something to consider.
What to Do Before Transferring Domain Registrations
If you plan to transfer your domain(s), keep in mind that domain transfers can take up to a week or more on average. We advise you to do so at least 2 weeks before your domain expires. Also, check to see if your domain has any renewal restrictions:
- Domain must have been registered for at least 60 days.
- Domain must have been with current registrar for at least 60 days.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to choose a domain registrar that meets your needs and offers the features you need to succeed. Don’t let high rates and privacy fees hold you back from registering or transferring your website domain name.
Need help figuring it out or making those transfers? You can book a quick call with us to see if we can help, or you can book a one hour consultation session here.
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