In the Market for a Domain? Here are 4 Things You Need to be Aware of When Purchasing Domain Names
Buying a domain name is a big decision for your business for a number of reasons. For one, it’s your online address that everyone will use to visit your website.
This is why it pays to get the selection process right. Make sure you’re aware of any potential issues that could prove to be problematic.
There are other key considerations too, such as understanding domain extensions and calculating the total cost that is involved.
Here are some things to be aware of when you are in the market for a domain.
Choosing the right domain name and extension
Selecting a memorable domain name is not a task to be taken lightly. It will be your online identity from the moment you register it and start to build a website with content.
Choosing a good domain extension is also important. This is something that adds credibility and strength to your profile.
Having a .com will mean that you are going with a top-level domain. There will be other similar top-level domains (TLDs) that are viewed as being trustworthy, so consider your options. Go with a solution that is most appropriate to your type of business and the audience you are trying to reach.
Check your privacy protection options
Be aware that domain details are available to the public. You might want to keep your personal details away from that register.
Find domain registrars who are prepared to give you privacy protection for free as part of the overall package. There are some who will seek to charge you a premium for privacy features. They do this by offering to put their own details on the registries.
The problem with this is that their terms could give them ownership of the domain, so check the fine print.
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No hidden surprises
There are some domain registration services that tempt you in with a low offer for the first year then hit you with a high renew price while making it difficult for you to leave them.
Check what their terms are for renewing the registration and don’t just focus on the initial price for the first year.
Hidden extras
Another point to be wary of is the practice of some services to charge you for all sorts of add-ons.
Hidden fees can soon make a cheap deal look expensive and a typical tactic might be to charge you for editing your WHOIS or RDAP records and dress it up as an admin fee.
The way to avoid these hidden extras would be to take the time to read the terms of service rather than just agree without checking what you might end up paying extra for.
If you are in the market for a domain it would be a good idea to check all aspects of the deal or you might find a few things that you didn’t intend to sign up for.
