Domain name registration is the process of reserving a name on the internet for a specified period of time. At Sulekha, we bring to you 7 verified domain registration service providers that offer reliable services.
About Domain Registration Services:
A domain name can be understood as the specific address of your website that people type in their browser’s URL tab to visit your site. In easier words, if your website was a house, then your domain name will be the address that people must know to visit it. Now let us look at a more detailed explanation. The internet is a massive network of computers which are all connected to each other via a global network of cables. To identify each computer, it has been assigned a specific address, which is known as the IP address. This IP address includes a series of numbers. For instance, a typical IP address looks like this: 67.87.249.88.1. Quite understandably, this IP address is very difficult to remember. And visiting different websites using such numbers would be cumbersome. So, to solve this issue, domain names were invented. With domain numbers, you no longer need to memorize a string of numbers to visit any website. Instead, you can type a simple domain name in the browser’s bar. For example, zara.com. Moving on, a domain name registrar is an agency that enables you to purchase and register domain names. All the domain registration service providers are accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, ICANN. It is a not for profit organization that is responsible for managing domain names. The importance of domain names cannot be overemphasized. These names make it easy for everyone on the internet to visit websites. Without domain names, remembering strings of numbers and typing them every time would be a big hassle.
Different Types of Domain Names:
The various types of domain names are as under:
Top-Level Domain, TLD
These are generic domain extensions that are ranked at the highest in the domain name system. There are thousands of TLDs available. Some of the most popular ones include .com, .net, .org, etc. Apart from these, domain names like .info, .club, .agency, etc. also fall under the same category.
Country Code Top Level Domain, ccTLD
These are the ones that include country-specific extensions. For instance, it is .in for India, .ca for Canada, .uk for United Kingdom. Such domain names are primarily used by the websites that want to target audiences of a particular country only.
Sponsored Top Level Domain, sTLD
This is a category that has a sponsor that represents a particular community. For example, .edu is used for educational organizations, .mil for US military, .gov for governmental organizations, and more.
Choosing the Best Domain Registration Services:
Every domain registrar offers different kinds of services along with domain name registration. For instance, not all domain registration service providers possess the license to sell all domain name extensions. Many of them only deal in domain names with country-specific extensions (.in, .ly, .ca, .io, etc.) Thus, it is important to be extremely vigilant while choosing the best domain registrar service provider. Here are a few points that you must consider:
Pricing and registration period
The first thing that you should consider is their pricing model. For example, some domain registrars may offer affordable prices for the first year, however, their renewal prices may be significantly higher. You can get your domain name registered for a minimum time span of 1 year. Some agencies also allow you to register the domain for up to 2 years. In case you are purchasing a new web address, it is recommended to get your domain name registered for 1 year. You can opt for the auto-renewal scheme so that the domain name does not get expired. Make sure to check for any hidden or additional fees and the renewal charges requested by your preferred agency.
Domain transfers
Domain names can be transferred from one to another. Normally, the need for changing the domain name does not arise. However, if you are not fully satisfied with the name, this option should be readily available. It is important to note that the ICANN has forbidden the transfer of the domain names during the initial period of 60 days. After the completion of that period, you are free to move it to any other registrar of your choice. Most of the domain registrar service providers offer an easy and quick process for the same without any additional costs. However, if the process is complicated or comes with a hidden fee, you must reconsider your choice of the registrar.
Domain expiration policies
As discussed above, domain names are only registered for a specific interval of time. you need to renew the domain registration before the expiration date. In case you forget and your domain name gets expired, anyone can get it registered. This is a crucial point and you must always ensure that your domain name is set up for automatic renewal. But even in that case, it is a good idea to review the registrar’s domain expiration policy. There are a few domain registrar service providers who offer a grace period even after the expiration. This grace period can be redeemed to renew the subscription. So, it is important to make sure that the service provider you select offers flexible policies concerning expiration.
Additional services
It is a good idea to review the other additional services offered by your domain registrar. Although you may not require the services at the moment, it is nice to know that they have it. Some of the prominent add-on services offered by reputed domain registrar service providers include domain parking, domain privacy, extended expiration protection, etc. Few domain registrars may also provide email hosting service, WordPress hosting service, email marketing services, website builders, etc.
Domain Registration Services Pricing:
The exact cost of domain registration depends upon the type of domain name and plan that you have chosen. Besides, it also varies with every registrar agency. Here is an average price charged for some of the most popular domain names.
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