Once you have chosen the name for your website, the next step in the process is registering your domain name.  In a nutshell, your domain name is coordinated across the Internet by ICANN, an organization whose sole function is to ensure any visitor can find your website.

With so many Domain Name Registration or DNR companies out there competing for your Internet business, it can be overwhelming to choose among them.

Keep in mind when registering your domain name that I recommend you register your domain name with an ICANN-Accredited Registrar (for a comprehensive list, click here).  In a sense, they are the Better Business Bureau of the DNR industry.

Price

Generally speaking, your domain name is renewable once it is registered.  It is your responsibility to renew the domain name in your name to retain the right to that domain name.  If you fail to do so, then anyone can purchase your domain name and that can hurt your business.  A priority should be placed on having funds to retain the right to your domain name.

The registration fee varies from company to company, depending on your top-level domain name (.com, .biz, .org, .net, etc…) and often is advertised at the introductory rate.  In my research, literally every company offering DNR services also offers hosting plans.

Length

If you are planning to keep your domain name registration separate from your hosting plan, you want to consider not only the reputation of the DNR provider but the financial stability of that provider as well since it will translate into a long-term commitment of your domain name.

There are hosting providers who offer free domain name registration for the lifetime of your hosting plan contract with their company.  I advise caution with these offers because there are strings attached (some good, some bad).

Annual Renewal versus Multi-year Renewal

The majority of DNR providers offers a lower annual rate for purchasing the right to your domain up to 10 years in advance. Should you choose to renew the rights to your domain name once a year, your fee may change annually (depending on your DNR provider’s financial health).

For example, a yearly renewal of your domain name may go anywhere between $7.95 to $50.00 per year while a 10-year purchase may be priced at a yearly rate of $11.00 (or $110.00 for ten years).

Summary

With that in mind, your budget will identify how much you can spend on your domain name.

Generally, I encourage my clients to keep their domain name registration separate from their hosting plan.  This allows for greater flexibility and control over the fees since the nature of the market will dictate whether the fees go up or down.  (In the end, prices always go up.)

Are there any questions you have about the domain name registration process?  While I can not answer for the DNR companies in general, I would be glad to answer any questions I may be able to answer.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Mark