Best Deals on Registering Your Domain Name

updated 5/28/2009

Maybe your domain was registered with the company who created your website. It’s common for the name listed to be a long gone employee. There is always the consideration of cost and if you are paying more than $8 per year for that domain, it’s time to switch.

The Scam of Domain Name Pricing

Network Solutions is still charging people $35 per year, per domain.  10 years ago, they were the only kid on the block but ICANN, the international organization in charge of the domain registry system began accepting other companies.  People often are not aware they could be saving 75% each time their domain is up for renewal!

It’s better to make the move now to a better domain registrar who is charging just $7 for the same product but with better service (mind boggling how this could still be occurring)

Domain Price @ Godaddy.com $7.49 (Coupon code OYH3)
Domain Price @ Networksolutions.com $34.99
Domain Price @ Register.com $35.00
Domain Price @ melbourneit.com $75.00
Domain Price @ Yahoo.com $9.95 (You need to be signed into Yahoo to view)

This alone should never be the determining factor but as you can see, there is a huge difference. I have been using GoDaddy for domain registrations since April 2001. I’m very satisfied with them as a domain name registrar and actively recommend them.

Things to Look for in a Domain Registrar

1. Can I get support easily by phone and email?
   If you’re having website issues, it’s important you can get ahold of someone. It’s also important that the they can help you as well. GoDaddy answers their phone without a long wait and responds to emails in hours.
2. Can I make changes to my domain and DNS settings?
   You should be able to easily manage your DNS and domain options.  I just found out Network Solutions actually “charges” customers $9 to forward a domain to another domain.  This has always been free with GoDaddy.
3. Will I get timely reminders my domain is expiring?
   GoDaddy sends you renewal notices well ahead of the expiration date and even have a “grace” period for approx 11 days after your domain expires for you to renew at no additional cost.
4. Is it easy for me to share my account with my website developer?
   You can share your domain management so you don’t have to give out your password to webmasters or IT support people if you don’t want to.
5. What is bad about GoDaddy?
   They’re not perfect and by this I mean you may get someone who is more of a newbie so if you ask a question about multi-site and secondary DNS redundancy, they may put you on hold to go find out (or try to answer it but not very well).

Summary: GoDaddy will manage your domain names at very reasonable prices, notify you well before they expire and make it easy to manage your domains.

The Basics of Domain Transfer

1. Research your domain to see what will be affected
2. Have the new domain registrar start request to the old registrar
3. Monitor your domain status
4. Receive confirmation of transfer

You can move a domain even if it has time left on it so you don’t have to wait 5 years.

With GoDaddy domain transfers are basically free. They ask you buy 1 year for $6.99 with the transfer.

New and renewals are only $6.95 per year (use this coupon OYH3)

3 Ways to Get Started

1. Hire me to transfer your domains.
2. Call GoDaddy to start transfer (480)505-887
3. Online domain transfer instructions http://help.godaddy.com/article/2229

Resources

• Check your current domain information here: http://whois.domaintools.com/
• Transferring Domains To Your Account - Visual diagram of the process

Things you should not pay for from a domain registrar
(because most provide them free of charge)

Network Solutions

• Forward your domain name to another website Web Forwarding for $12/yr.
• Add Private Registration to your personal information for $9/yr.

Photo Credits

Mixed Cash Originally uploaded by stopnlook
WorkSpace Originally uploaded by Daniel Morris