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For those looking for the best domain registrars out there in 2020, this article is for you, and you are in the right place.
In case you don’t know, domain registrars are the companies that responsible for registering and managing domain names for all websites around the world.
We are being told to get online – creating an internet presence for our organizations and brands. Nevertheless, you must know that choosing the right domain name registrar is very crucial. Don’t just opt for any sort of domain registrar out there, so you won’t be faced with avoidable challenges, and you won’t have to regret in the end.
In this article, we will explore how anyone can choose the best domain registrar. Let’s get started.
1. Consider Pricing and Registration Period
Before you choose any registrar, first check out their prices – how much they sell their domain names. It should be however noted that there are registrars that usually offer lower prices for the first year registration, but whose renewal prices are on the high side.
As far as registration is concerned, one can generally register a domain name for a minimum period of 1 year. Nevertheless, there are some registrars that may require a higher registration period like 2 years minimum.
However, it is usually recommended to start with registering a domain for one year, and you can always turn on automatic renewal so your domain won’t expire (although, the registrar should alert you when the expiration date is close by).
It is also important to Ycheck for any additional fees for domain transfers, renewal, as well as other charges.
2. Domain Transfers
You should also check this out. Actually (just in case you don’t know), domain names can be moved from one domain registrar to another. Usually, a person will likely transfer their domain name if they don’t like their registrar (so, they transfer to another registrar). Therefore, it is important to check if this option is also available.
We should however state that one cannot transfer a domain name during the first 60 days of the registration. This initial period is decided by ICANN. Afterwards, you can then move your domain to any other company you want.
Many domain registrars make the transfer process pretty simple and straight forward, plus, they won’t charge for it. On the other hand, you might come across some other registrars who will make it so complicated or even charge an extra fee. Therefore, consider the domain transfer policy of a company before you buy a domain name from them.
3. Domain Expiration Policies
You should know that domain names are registered for a specific duration. Of course, one can renew a domain registration before its expiration date. Nevertheless, if you don’t renew your domain name and it expires, someone else can register it. Therefore, it is advisable to set up automatic renewals for your domain name.
Even with this, it is advisable to check your domain registrars expiration policy. There are companies that offer a grace period even after the expiration, and you can swiftly renew your expired domain name during that window. Now, this is necessary because, it can happen that even though you enabled the automatic renewal stuff, your credit card got expired or something, and once the registrar couldn’t charge you for the renewal, your domain name become a public stuff that anyone can get. But in such occasions, the grace period can help.
4. Add-on Services
It is also cool to check out what other services are offered by a domain registrar before settling for them. While one may not really need any of the other services in the current time, it is cool to know that they have them (as you might need them anytime in the future).
These add-on services may include:
– domain privacy
– domain parking
– extended expiration protection
– Sales of WordPress hosting service
– Email hosting service
– Website builders
– Email marketing services, and so on.
5. Add-on Pricing
Actually, there are domain name registrars that can automatically pre-check add-on services when a person buy a domain name. Therefore, you must keep this in mind and simply uncheck those options while shopping for your domain name, as failure to do so would increase your bill significantly.
Typically a .com domain name should not be more than $14.99 / year. Anything else (if it’s more than that) means something else is attached.
So, to avoid spending on what you don’t want, ensure you look closely and uncheck any add-on services that you don’t need. Also see to it that you re-check the total amount you are charged in your credit card statements.
6. Bad User Experience
Actually, considering the intense competition out there (yeah, there are tons of registrars) out there, many domain registrars try to make their website seamless to use, with the intention of keeping customers. Nevertheless, some are simply opposite.
When a registrar have an unpleasant website, it gets difficult for you to change one’s domain name settings. Those things are important if the need arises to transfer domain to a new host, or a new domain registrar.
Therefore, try to see what others are saying about the particular domain registrar online. There are usually reviews online. Don’t just settle for one or two, but read these reviews thoroughly.
7. Hidden Fees
When choosing a domain company, try to also look for the hidden costs and fees, as there are some domain registrars that may have special offers for cheaper domains for first-time registrations. Nevertheless, unknown to many, the renewal cost of the domain are often quite different and even higher.
Although all superb domain registrars make it seamless to transfer your domain name to a different firm, there are some that usually add an additional fee.
Here we go. In conclusion, although there are several domain registrars out there today, it is advisable to stick with those that already has a huge reputation and have being in business for some time.
