NWHS Online – Feb 04
Losing Domain Control?
Incredible confusion surrounds the world of domain names. Who owns your
domain? Why does it matter? If your company has a website you need to know who
‘controls’ your domain. Many companies that register domain names for you are
not so easy to work with and have been known to hold domain names ‘hostage’. A
mistake could cost you hundreds of dollars, your domain identity and potential
customers.
Domain names are actually never owned, but rather leased annually from a
Domain Registrar. When your lease expires you have about 30 days to make
payment. If you fail to renew your domain you can lose access to the domain and
it can remain inaccessible for up to 3 months before it becomes available to
the public.
So what is a Domain Registrar? This is the company that manages your domain
for an annual fee. Prices range from $6 to $35 per year. A great deal of
confusion surrounds this because companies compete for your business and often
send official looking mail trying to get you to switch to their service. Visit
http://www.completewhois.com/ and type in your web address to get the details
behind your domain name.
A domain registrar is different than your website host company – although
some companies will provide both services. A host company actually stores the
content of your website and allows other web browsers to “see” the content. A
domain registrar is only responsible for the management of your domain name.
1. When registering your domain name, be sure to register the domain in your
name, not the name of the company that is serving as the registrar. This
insures that you have personal control of your domain.
2. Obtain login information from the registrar or your web developer so you can
manage your domain. If you don’t currently have that information obtain it as
soon as possible.
3. Always use a reputable company like GoDaddy.com, Dotster.com, OpenSRS, or
Network Solutions to register your domain name. Choose a company that allows
you to lease the name with automatic renewals.
4. If you are ever dissatisfied with the service you are receiving from your
current domain registrar, remember, you can always transfer the domain to a new
registrar.
5. Keep your contact information (email address) up-to-date with your domain
registrar.
As you continue to develop your web presence your domain name is more and
more valuable – be sure to protect it.
-Doug DeVries
www.Equine-Design.com
doug@equine-design.com
