Our Guide to Domain Registration: Choosing the Right Registrar for Your Business

Registering your Domain is the next step to securing your slice of the internet. This digital address will be the foundation of your online presence, so choosing the right registrar matters. In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about registering your domain, from the process itself to comparing the top registrars in the market today.

1. What Is a Domain Registrar

Think of a domain registrar as your real estate agent for the internet. They're the companies that help you claim your piece of digital land (your domain name) and make sure it's officially registered in your name. These companies are accredited by ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) to handle domain registrations and keep records of who owns what online. They add your domain to the global DNS (Domain Name System), which is like the internet's address book.

2. How to Register a Domain Name: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Registering your domain isn't complicated once you understand the process. Here's how:

1. Choose a Domain Registrar

We'll discuss the top options later in this article.

2. Search for Your Desired Domain Name

They will also have an input box on the front page of their website, where you can search if the domain name you have chosen is available. They will generally suggest alternatives to your chosen name that are available. Often they will suggest that you acquire various variations of your name with different extensions, but this is rarely necessary.

3. Select Your Domain Extension

While .com remains the most popular choice, consider alternatives like .net, .org, or country-specific extensions like .co.za for South African businesses. 

4. Complete the Registration Form

You'll need to provide:

• Your contact information
• The number of years you want to register the domain (typically one to 10 years). No need to choose more than one year initially. The registrar will remind you well before expiry that you need to renew. If you don't want this hassle and are certain on your domain name, you can choose a longer period.
• Payment details

5. Configure Privacy Settings

Decide if you want to protect your personal information from being publicly available in the WHOIS directory.

6. Complete Payment

Prices vary between registrars and depend on the domain extension you choose. In terms of extension, .com domains are typically the most expensive.

7. Verify Your Contact Information

Some registrars require email verification to complete the registration process.

3.  Why Does It Matter which one you choose?

Despite domain names being relatively affordable, there are still many unreliable registrars that use sneaky tactics to make more money at your expense. These cheap registrars often lure customers with extremely low initial prices, but hide various fees and practices that end up costing you more in the long run.

Some common tactics used by these registrars include:

1. Hidden fees buried in the fine print that you'll only discover after registering
2. Extremely low first-year prices followed by sky-high renewal rates
3. Expensive transfer-out fees that make it costly to switch registrars
4. Auto-renewal policies with inflated prices
5. Long-term contracts that are difficult to cancel

According to industry experts and user experiences, some of the most problematic domain registrars include: 

• Network Solutions (charging over $30 for renewals, more than double the industry average)
• Web.com (with renewal prices around $35 per year)
• eNom (particularly problematic with expired domains)

Remember to read reviews before choosing. We suggest some of the top registrars below. 

4. Top 5 Domain Registrars Worth Considering

Based on our research, here are the top five domain registrars to consider for your business:

1. GoDaddy (our choice)

We use GoDaddy for all of our domains. They have a reputation for upsells and for higher renewal prices, but these costs are well disclosed. Just choose what you need and the process is seamless. They have a South African page and Rand pricing. GoDaddy offers exceptional customer support with 24/7 availability through multiple channels including local telephone, live chat and text messaging. Their support is frequently described as "award-winning" with access to in-house domain experts and a comprehensive knowledge base that's well-organized by topic. They also offer hosting and a website builder, as well as an Office 365 subscription for e-mail. Don't take this offer. Rather subscribe separately if you choose to go this route.

2. Cloudflare

Cloudflare stands out as the only registrar that sells domains at cost, making it consistently the most affordable option. They're known for their transparent pricing model and strong security features.

3. Namecheap

Namecheap offers affordable domain registration with privacy protection included free of charge. Their user-friendly interface makes it easy for beginners to manage their domains.

4. IONOS

Formerly known as 1&1, IONOS offers extremely competitive first-year pricing ($1 for .com domains) and includes WHOIS privacy protection, but the renewal will be at a substantially higher price. Their 24/7 customer service phone line is a standout feature.

5. Dynadot

Dynadot is praised for its transparent pricing and straightforward website design. Unlike many competitors, they offer the same price for both registration and renewals, with no hidden increase.

6. Google Domains

With its simple interface and integration with other Google services, Google Domains makes domain management straightforward. They offer competitive pricing and free privacy protection.

5.  Comparing the Top Domain Registrars

Here's how these registrars stack up against each other:

6. Beyond Registration: What Else to Consider

Choosing a domain registrar isn't just about the price. Here are other factors to consider:

1. Security Features

Look for registrars that offer:

• Two-factor authentication (2FA)
• Domain lock features
• DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions)1214

2. Auto-Renewal Options

Domains that expire can be snatched up by competitors or domain squatters. Make sure your registrar offers auto-renewal and check that it's enabled5.

3. DNS Management Tools

Good DNS management tools allow you to easily point your domain to your website hosting, set up email services, and create subdomains13.

4. Additional Services

Many registrars offer complementary services like:

• Website hosting
• Email services
• SSL certificates
• Website builders

5. Customer Support

Domain issues can be urgent, so responsive customer support is crucial. Look for registrars with multiple support channels and 24/7 availability.

6. Special Considerations for South African Businesses

South African businesses can register domains through CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission). However, these domains are essentially "parked" and cannot be immediately used for websites or email services. To fully utilize your domain, you'll need to transfer it to an accredited registrar who can provide hosting and email services.

Protecting Your Domain Investment

Once you've registered your domain, take these steps to protect it:

1. Enable Domain Privacy

This prevents your personal information from being publicly available in the WHOIS directory, reducing spam and potential security threats.

2. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication

This adds an extra security layer to your domain registrar account.

3. Keep Contact Information Updated

Outdated contact information could prevent you from receiving critical notifications about your domain.

4. Use Registry Locks

Registry locks prevent unauthorized changes to your domain's registration settings.

5. Consider Registering Similar Domains

Register domain variations and common misspellings to prevent competitors or scammers from capitalizing on your brand.

Conclusion

Choosing the right domain registrar is a crucial first step in establishing your online presence. While price is important, consider factors like security features, ease of use, and additional services when making your decision.

For most businesses, Cloudflare offers the best value with its at-cost pricing model and strong security features. Namecheap provides an excellent balance of affordability and user-friendliness, while IONOS stands out for its customer support. Whatever registrar you choose, be sure to protect your domain investment with proper security measures and regular renewals.

Remember that your domain is more than just a web address – it's the foundation of your entire online presence and a valuable business asset worth protecting.