When building a website, the first thing you need is to get a domain name. But it is not as easy as it sounds. There are some factors you need to be aware of when buying a domain name. Here, we will give you some sage advice on how to choose the best domain registrar.   

It is crucial to choose the right domain name as a single mistake can harm your website and online service. 

Choosing The Right Domain Registrar

Not all domain service providers have the license to sell domain names. For instance, some domain name registrars only sell domain names with country-specific extensions like .io, .ly, .in, etc.

You will see a difference in the services along with the domain name registration. Some domain service providers might offer inexpensive domains as their promotional offers, while others might offer some free add-ons in order to attract more customers. 

Here are a few factors you might need to consider if you are in search of a domain name service provider. 

Domain Pricing And Registration Turnaround Time

The first step when doing research about the domain service is to check the prices. You will see slight variations in the prizes. Some domain name service providers might offer cheap rates at the first-year registration. But their renewal prices might be significantly higher.

The minimum registration period for a domain name is 1 year. However, some companies might require a more extended registration period like 2 years minimum. You can register a domain name for up to 10 years. 

If you have just started and are willing to buy a new web address, then it is recommended to register your domain name for 1 year. And check how things are going down your way. You can turn on automatic renewal for your domain name so it does not expire. It is also important to check for other additional fees like renewals, domain transfers, and other charges. 

Domain Transfers

Domain transfers are another major factor you need to consider when buying a domain name. You can move a domain from one registrar to another. Usually, you will not need to move your domain name to another service provider. But in case you are always facing issues with the service and are unhappy with the registrar, then this option is helpful. 

A point to note is that you can not transfer a domain name to any other registrar during the initial 60 days of your registration. ICANN decides this initial time. After that, you can share your domain to any registrar you want.  

Transferring your domain to another service provider might differ. Some might charge a fee for the services while others might do it for free. Therefore, it is a smart step to review the transfer policy of the service provider before making any step. 

Domain Expiration Policies

There is a specific duration of domain name registration. You can renew your domain name registration before the expiration date. However, if you miss to renew it, then it will expire, and anyone can register your domain. 

For you a blogger or running a small platform, it might not be an issue. But if you are running an eCommerce platform or any other business, it becomes crucial to renew your registration on time. For that, you can set up automatic renewals. 

Even when you are using the automatic renewal feature, it is good to check your domain service provider expiration policy. 

You might have heard some horror stories of website owners losing their property because they did not renew on time. 

Add-On Services

Add-on services are simply the additional features your domain service provider offers. As a beginner, you might not need these services. But they surely come in handy once your business starts growing. 

These add-on services may include domain parking, domain privacy, extended expiration protection, and much more. 

Best Domain Service Providers To Buy A Domain Name

Here are the top five picks for the best domain name registrars:

1. Domain.com
2. Bluehost
3. HostGator
4. GoDaddy
5. Namecheap

Conclusion

There are hundreds of domain name service providers out there. But don’t get frustrated. If you consider these factors, you will be able to choose the right domain registrar for your website. You can pick up a domain registrar from the above list. They are all trusted companies and offer domain names and web hosting services at market-competitive rates.