Fortunately, choosing a domain registrar is one of the simplest things you'll do (once you've found a good name). Just keep in mind:
- Domain names shouldn't cost more than about $10.
- While there isn't much to having a domain name, when there is a problem, you're going to want good customer service. So find a company that offers that. I just had a problem with my domain names and I really needed that customer service.
- Avoid getting your domain name from the same company that hosts your site. If you have trouble with the host and decide to switch, it's helpful if your domain name is registered with a different company. Although this did happen to me, and - though switching hosts was a pain - I don't think it was any worse than if the domain name had been registered elsewhere.
- Protect your chosen domain name: be sure you've read the page on front running before you register your name.
- Be sure you aren't planning to go through a website building program before registering your domain name. If the program already offers you a domain name as part of the package, it may be hard to transfer the name properly, and it could cost you some money.
Good Resources for Finding a Registrar
I found a couple of truly helpful resources for finding a good registrar.
The site below has some excellent reviews of several registrars as well as some good advice:
Consumer Search: Domain Name Registration Reviews
This next one is a forum called NamePro. Users rate a variety of registrars. Remember, you're better off with a company with 200 very good reviews than a company with four excellent reviews.
NamePros: Domain Registrar Reviews
From the research I've done, including reviewing the sites above, I've decided that
NameCheap
is the best choice. It took me a while to come around, given the company's tacky name.
I just transferred one of my domains to NameCheap. I'll let you know if I have any problems, but I doubt I will.
The main thing to keep in mind after you've registered your domain name is that you'll need to renew it at the same time the following year. You should get a notice in your email, just be sure you don't ignore it.
Or, if you're site isn't working out for you, you'll want to keep it from renewing if you're set up for automatic renewal.
One Final Bit of Advice
Keep track of your renewal date and information. It will help you avoid scams like these:
Wired Magazine
Best of luck with your registrar search! As always, if you have any questions, just
contact me.
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