REGISTER DOMAINS
Beginner's Guide to Domain Names
Introduction to Domain Registration, Management, and MaintenanceTable of Contents
01.Introduction to Domain Names
02.Domain Registration Process
03.Understanding Domain Prices & Costs
04.Domain Protection
05.Domain Maintenance
06.Helpful Domain Tools
07.Using the Dynadot Platform
08.Frequently Asked Questions
01. INTRODUCTION
Introduction to Domain Names
The question of how to register domains, what they are, and how to accomplish domain-related tasks comes up frequently, especially since domains have become an important component of how individuals engage with the digital world. While domains are simple at first glance, there are actually many intricacies involved when considering how they're used, what they fulfill, and the steps associated with registering and managing them.
In this guide, we'll be simplifying domain names and the nuances surrounding them. Our goal is to get you feeling comfortable with the domain registration and management process, wherever that takes place.
What are domain names?
A domain name is a human-readable address that serves as a recognizable label to access websites. They make the internet a more accessible place by allowing a unique set of characters to be used in web browsers to take the user to an address, which generates a website's content.
This address is an important concept, as website information and data is stored on a web server with a numerical IP address (e.g. 88.239.44.1). Rather than having internet users manually type IP addresses to access websites, domain names were created to make the process more user-friendly.
To turn a domain name into an IP address, the Domain Name System (DNS) is used. Users can simply type a domain name into a web browser address bar and be automatically taken to the associated IP address without having to type a contextless series of numbers.
Domain names are made up of a top-level domain (like '.com') and a second-level domain (the website's name, such as 'dynadot' in 'dynadot.com'). They play a crucial role in branding, online navigation, and user engagement on the internet while having many different uses.
dynadotsecond-level domain
.comtop-level domain
Domain names vs. web hosting: What's the difference?
For those unfamiliar, it can be confusing that domains aren't connected to a website by default; after all, websites just load when domain names are placed into your address bar, right?
Web hosting is the service that provides the user's browser with the necessary files to load a website once a user enters the domain in the browser address bar. It's completely separate from the individual domain name you search for and register.
How does this fit with the domain name system already mentioned? To help understand the process, let's go through what happens when a user types a domain into an address bar.
1. User enters dynadot.com into their web browser address bar.
2. DNS servers attempt to locate the IP address associated with the domain name.
3. DNS servers return the IP address to the user's browser.
4. User's computer now has the correct IP address, and it loads the web server that contains the website files.
To simplify, the domain name system is responsible for connecting a domain name with an IP address, which is then used to connect to the web server that contains the website's files and assets. Those files are compiled to load the website that users can engage with.
When it comes to web hosting, you can register domains before you've even acquired web hosting. Typically, many domain registrars (websites you can register domain names from) have a tool or service available that includes web hosting with the domain, such as our website builder.
Why domain names are important
The importance of domain names in today's digitally dominated world can't be understated. Many businesses, brands, and online communities thrive because of what domain names enable. Let's highlight why domains play such a crucial role.
TIPRegistering the right domain can provide incredible value for so many businesses and brands, especially when considering the cost of a domain compared to the potential advantages it can provide.
Domain names and their many uses
It's clear how domains are crucial in the online space for both brands and communities alike, but how are they actually used? There are many ways domain names are used to shape an online presence.
Creating a Website
The most obvious use of a domain is also one of their primary purposes: hosting a website. Websites have a huge variety of uses, often depending on the goals of the website owner. From gateways into brand interaction to marketplaces for niche items to community-shared discussion boards, it's all enabled by the website that is hosted on the domain name.
Build an Online Store
Digital markets are booming, and brands often focus their efforts on supporting their products online through a digital store. Domain names act as a retail store entrance that audiences can access from any location. Gone are the challenges and costs of needing a physical space to create a store; a business ecommerce website can now be set up quickly at a fraction of the price.
Set up a Custom Email Address
For businesses, @gmail or @yahoo email addresses aren't the best way to represent a brand through email communication. Domain names provide an avenue to custom-create email addresses to make their emails more professional and branded. They're a powerful tool that can help legitimize interactions online.
Building a Social Media Presence
Domains can be used to create a quick-access link to a brand's social media. They can also be used as link shorteners to make it easy for audiences to be connected to a brand's social media presence, wherever they're located.
Advertising and Promotion
Domains are often registered to support a specific advertising campaign, which can help narrow user engagement to exactly what a brand wants to promote. If brands are looking for their audience to take specific action, they'll utilize a custom domain to keep that domain's website laser-focused on their promotional objective.
Domain Investing Purposes
The domain investing world is niche, but it's got a booming community where domains are traded, sold, and acquired as the primary commodity. Within the domain investing space, domains have a variety of uses, including: placing advertisements on domains to earn residual income; buying and selling domains to others; and creating content on a website to later resell the domain name.
Types of domain names
Beyond the whys and hows of domain name usage, we should touch on the various types of domain names, as they can play an important role in the domain registration process.
Introduction to TLDs
Top-level domains (TLDs), sometimes referred to as 'domain extensions', come in all sorts of lengths, can each include various meanings, and can represent different things depending on how they're used. With over 2,000 TLDs in total, finding a good fit is key.What are Top-level Domains (TLD)?
A top-level domain is the letter combination that appears after the registered domain. The most recognized and common is '.COM', but there are so many other types to mix and match to fit one's needs. Here are the various other types of top-level domains that you may come across on the web.Understanding TLD Requirements
It's important to understand that certain TLDs have requirements that must be met to either acquire them and/or use them. While the majority of gTLDs don't have any requirements attached to them, some still do (for example, .ARCHI requiring you to be in or around the architecture industry). While it's rare for gTLDs to have restrictions, it isn't uncommon for ccTLDs.
gTLD Requirements:Uncommon, but when they are in place they usually restrict the usage of a domain to keep its content to a certain industry or vertical.
ccTLD Requirements:Country-based domain extensions often require the registrant to reside or operate in/around the country of said ccTLD. This is not always the case, as some ccTLDs allow for more general registrations.
Premium Domains
Along your domain registration journey, you may come across domains with higher-than-usual prices. These domains often fall into the "premium" domain category, which is where a domain is designated as valuable by the domain registry (organizations that own certain TLDs), which typically means it's a high-quality domain for either brands to use or for domain investors to leverage for their investing strategy.
Domains can be premium for many reasons. One of the most popular reasons being the keyword(s) included in the domain, followed by the brevity of the domain name. The price of a premium domain will vary, usually depending on what the domain name is along with the TLD.
Domain name ownership
When acquiring domains, it's important to know that ownership of domains is temporary. Since you're registering domains, they provide access to manage the domain during the registered period, which is determined by the length specified when registering the domain. This ownership period is crucial to understand, as ignoring it can result in the domain expiring, ultimately causing it to return to the open market.
Registrations Length
Most domain extensions allow for between 1 and 10 year registration durations, which is chosen upon registration. This will determine how long a domain stays under your ownership.
Domain Renewal
At any point while a domain is registered under your account, you can renew it to add an additional year(s) to your domain name. Renewal availability changes if the domain has expired.
Domain Expiration
Domains that aren't renewed enter the expiration process, containing steps that eventually end in the owner losing domain ownership. The exact dates and availability to renew a domain during expiration varies between registrars, but the general process remains consistent.
TIPThe vast majority of domains must be registered and renewed to maintain ownership. Permanent domain ownership isn't possible.
Domain Name Life Cycle Visualized
Jan 1st, 2024Domain registeredUser registers the domain for a selected number of years. In this example, it's a one year registration.
Jan 1st, 2024 - Dec 31st, 2024Renewal availabilityAnytime during the ownership period, the user can renew the domain. They will typically be reminded multiple times near expiration to renew the domain via renewal email notices.
Jan 1st, 2024 - Dec 31st, 2024Mar 1st, 2024Transfer availability60 days after registering the domain, your domain becomes eligible for transfer to another registrar.
Jan 1st, 2025Domain expiredDomain has expired if not renewed.
Jan 1st, 2025Jan 1st, 2025Grace period beginsThe domain is still renewable for the 30-day grace period despite being expired.
Jan 31st, 2025Grace period ends, redemption period beginsOnce the grace period concludes, the domain begins the deletion process. There is a 30 day restoration period where the domain may be able to be restored for a higher price. This isn't guaranteed.
Jan 31st, 2025Mar 2nd, 2025Redemption period endsDomain can no longer be restored. It may be available for backorder requests to attempt to register the domain once it's fully released.
Mar 7th, 2025Domain reenters open marketThe domain concludes the deletion process and, approximately 5 days after the redemption period ends, the domain becomes available for general registration. If the domain has value, it may be registered quickly.
Mar 7th, 202502. PROCESS
Domain Registration Process
Understanding the steps to register your domain.
Process Overview
Registering a domain name can be a simple endeavor or a research-intensive process depending on domain availability, what the domain is going to be used for, and how the domain fits with the owner's objectives. In this section, we'll cover the process of registering a domain name from start to finish.
1.
Brainstorming your domain name:
Idea generation, best practices, and tools.2.
Selecting your top-level domain:
Tips to help narrow down TLD options.3.
Checking domain availability:
Ways to check and domain availability issues.4.
Selecting your domain registrar:
What to consider when deciding.5.
Domain registration checkout options:
Choices during checkout.6.
Registration complete:
Domain name acquired!
Brainstorming your domain name
Coming up with the perfect domain name for business or personal use is difficult. Great options may seem plentiful, but often the best choices are already registered or just don't match the brand. Luckily, there are tools and best practices that will help narrow your options to get you on the right track.
Best practices when selecting a domain name
Identifying and becoming aware of what will set your domain up for success is key during the selection process. After all, domains connect directly with your online presence and can be used as a powerful tool for promotion, brand recognition, connecting with your audience, and much more.
1. Decide on a domain type: descriptive vs. brandable
Consider narrowing the brainstorming process by identifying what domain type aligns with your brand or domain use. There are two primary options when it comes to your naming approach:
Descriptive domains
Domains that describe their website's content, services, or brand products are defined as descriptive domains. Reading the domain will immediately give a user an indication of what may be included on the website.
Examples:
- sanmateopaving.com
- hotsaucesgalore.com
- californiahomebuilders.com
Brandable domains
Domains that are more abstract and aren't an indication of the website's content, services, or products are called brandable domains. They can be fabricated words or words that have completely different meanings that represent your brand. A user's first interactions with the domain won't tell them what content to expect; you'll have to create that connection.
Examples:
- frainzers.com
- lizilant.com
- boneez.com
TIPSelecting which options work for you and your objectives often comes down to branding. Do you want to acquire a brandable domain and establish your brand name through exposure and user engagement? Or do you want a descriptive domain that isn't as memorable but can set expectations for content found on your website right from the domain name? For more information, visit our blog article discussing the topic.
2. Keep your domain short
Shorter domains make the path to your website or online presence more accessible. This simple consideration has ramifications on many other important efforts, such as promotions that include your domain and building general brand awareness by making it easy for your audience to recall your domain.
3. Memorability is king
Having a memorable domain name is one of the most important factors in both building and maintaining an audience. Combined with a strong website and user engagement, having a distinct and easy-to-recall domain will help develop consistent website traffic.
4. Keep your domain accessible
Your domain should be easy to type and spelled exactly as it sounds. Name complexity should be avoided if possible. While it may be tempting to register an unconventional domain due to lack of availability for your ideal domain, it's not worth the hurdle created for new or returning users trying to reach your website. Avoid hyphens or numbers.
5. Future-proofing your domain
Consider the long-term value your domain can provide and don't rush the domain selection process. While just grabbing a domain to move forward with can be tempting, your selection can impact you and your brand in many subtle ways. While you can switch domains down the line, it can impact both your marketing efforts and branding. Take time to consider your options.
Tools to help brainstorm
With those best practices in mind, it's time to come up with some domain names! Hitting roadblocks during the idea generation phase is common. Here are some common online tools that can help you with your research:
1. Domain name generator tools
Generates ideas for domain names based on specific requested criteria. Often, these will check domain availability while trying to come up with options for you.
2. Keyword research tools
Use keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner, AnswerThePublic, or other SEO-focused tools to identify relevant keywords in your niche. These keywords can inspire domain name ideas.
3. Word combiner tools
Tools that merge random or preselected words/syllables to create unique and catchy domain names can get you thinking outside the box.
4. Utilizing AI domain searches
There are even AI search tools that can take a word or phrase and generate potential domains that aren't already taken.
Selecting your top-level domain
Depending on how you approached the brainstorming process, you may already have a domain extension in mind. However, if you've only got a name selected, it's time to consider the many, many top-level domain options available.
Choose the Right Domain Extension for You
While we covered what top-level domains actually are, selecting from the massive list available can be daunting. Looking for alternative TLDs is especially common when your domain of choice is already taken in your preferred TLD. Here are some tips that can help with the TLD selection process.
Checking domain availability
You've got your domain name selected, chosen a top-level domain that aligns with it, and now comes the hopeful check to see if your ideal domain is available for registration. You can use either of the following tools to check availability:
Domain Search
Use any domain name search on a registrar's website to quickly let you know if a domain is taken or available. If you're unsure on which registrar to choose, see our list of guidelines that can assist.
Whois Lookup
Use a dedicated Whois search tool to also check a domain's availability. You can use the additional information outlined later in this article to understand how they work.
If your desired domain is available, it's time to select your registrar to make your domain registration official! Otherwise, you will need to go back to the drawing board and come up with an alternative name and/or TLD combination that is available to proceed. Alternatively, you could attempt to register the taken domain name.
Registering domains that are taken
One of the most common pain points when going through the domain research process is finding out the domain you want is already registered.
While this is often a dead-end, start-from-square-one scenario, you still have a few options to check if you're dedicated to one specific domain:
While this is often a dead-end, start-from-square-one scenario, you still have a few options to check if you're dedicated to one specific domain:
1. Contacting the existing ownerPrivately communicating with the domain name owner and checking if they're willing to sell the domain name may result in negotiations.
2. Search domain aftermarketsLook for the domain name in domain aftermarkets. If the domain isn't in use, it could already be listed for sale.
Both of these options require some steps.
1. Visit the domain name to see if and how it's being used2. Check the domain on a WHOIS lookup3. Determine the value of the domain through research4. Contact the owner or check aftermarkets to see if it's listed5. Find a domain broker (optional)6. Negotiate and potentially acquire
While these steps can on rare occasions result in acquisition, there's a strong likelihood you need to restart the brainstorming process. Keep in mind the best practices and find yourself a new domain.
Selecting your domain registrar
Found out that your ideal domain name is still available? It's time to grab it at your domain registrar of choice. While we happen to be a domain registrar that has everything you need to register and manage your domain, we encourage you to research accordingly to find one that aligns with your needs.
What to look for in a domain registrar
While all registrar's function very similarly when it comes to how to register a domain, the true differences lie in the nuances. Here are some key factors that you should be keeping in mind while selecting your registrar.
Domain registration checkout options
Once you've decided on your preferred domain registrar and know your domain is available, you can use their domain search to find the domain and add it to your cart. While going through checkout, you'll be provided with a variety of options depending on your selected registrar. Here are some of the more common choices you'll be presented with.
Registration duration
Select the number of years you wish to register the domain for. The options available range from 1 year, all the way to 10 years. The selected duration will determine how long the domain is under your ownership. Your selection should be based on the predicted long-term use of the domain name. If unsure, you can always register the domain for the shortest duration (1 year) and renew later.
Domain privacy
Protects your personal contact information from appearing in Whois search results. If you're registering a domain for business or personal use, you should consider using privacy. Many registrars include this for free, including Dynadot.
Website builders
Tool that enables you to build your own website. The functionality, implementation, design, cost, and components of every website builder will vary, so it is best to research the registrar's provided tool to find more information.
Ability to create a custom email address utilizing your domain name. If your domain is 'myexampledomain.com', email services will typically allow you to create a 'yourname{'@'}myexampledomain.com' email address. This can help create credibility and professionalism to your email communications.
SSL
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate allows you to encrypt your website, helping to protect user data while they engage with your website. This can be especially important for online stores and building a secure website. There are free SSL providers available, along with paid options that have more specific usage, such as subdomain compatibility.
TIPTo determine which tools align with your needs, consider your objectives with the domain name and how you plan to approach your goals. This should provide insight into what's necessary to acquire. Just be aware that domain addons are optional, and be wary of registrars that heavily push them.
Registration complete!
If you've selected the duration of the registration, along with which add-ons you will or won't be acquiring, the last step is to simply proceed through the checkout process. Payment options will vary depending on where you're registering the domain. Once the payment is processed, you'll have your new domain name! You may be wondering: 'now what?'. Here are two options depending on what you want to accomplish. If you want a larger list of options, check out the choices available when setting your DNS settings.
Option 1
Setup your website
For most, creating a website is the primary reason to grab a domain. There are two common ways to approach the creation process.
Website builder
Website builders provide the tools required to assemble your website, often with minimal or no coding knowledge required. Website builders commonly have the advantage of including built-in web hosting, allowing you to automatically set your DNS settings to your website builder if you've registered your domain at the same location that your website builder resides.
If your domain is located separately from your website builder service, you'll need to find the assigned name server settings provided by the website builder hosting service, and apply them to your domain's DNS settings. If unsure, contact the website builder provider for more information.
If your domain is located separately from your website builder service, you'll need to find the assigned name server settings provided by the website builder hosting service, and apply them to your domain's DNS settings. If unsure, contact the website builder provider for more information.
Custom websites
If you already have a website built, are planning to create one yourself, or use the help of a web developer, you'll need to connect your web hosting server to your domain name. This can be done through adjusting the DNS settings for your domain, which is typically a straightforward process of applying the name server settings provided by your web hosting service provider. If you're unsure what the correct name server setting should be, you should contact your hosting provider.
Option 2
Park your domain name
If you're not sure what you'll be using the domain for quite yet or when you'll be utilizing it, you can put the domain name into parking. This can often be done through your domain registrar's control panel, in the same location you would adjust your DNS settings. Typically, there is a parking option listed.
03. COSTS
Domain Name Prices
All domains have a cost attached to registrations, renewals, and transfers. How much do you have to pay? Well, that varies depending on the domain. We'll break down some of the important details about the costs of a domain name, along with why there is a price difference between different TLDs.
Understanding the cost of domain ownership
In order to maintain ownership of a domain, there are fees that must be paid:
Registration cost
Paid upon registering a domain name. Cost increases depending on the number of years the domain is registered for, with 1 year being the minimum and 10 years being the maximum.To save on registration costs, keep an eye out for general sales and promotions, multi-year registration sales (discounts when registering for multiple years at a time) and discount bundles (saving when registering multiple extensions at once).
Renewal cost
Paid upon deciding to keep a domain name under your ownership. The renewal cost can be paid at any point during the domain ownership period, and a variable amount of time after the domain has expired. Typically, domain renewals are more expensive than domain registrations.Both these costs are unavoidable if you wish to keep a domain under your control. Luckily, for most domains these two costs are relatively low and accessible, ultimately being easy to maintain so long as you remember to renew.
TIPAdditional feesWhile the registration and renewal fees are the standard cost of acquiring and maintaining a domain, some registrars and resellers will bundle tools and/or services with the registration fee. In many cases, these add-ons are not mandatory. You should not be charged for Whois privacy, account protection, or be required to purchase web hosting if you don't want it.
Why TLD costs vary
If you've shopped around for domain names, you may have noticed that not all domain prices are alike. Some go for as little as $0.99 while others will reach $200 per registration. How is there such a discrepancy? Let's talk about it.
Understanding the Registry and Registrar relationship
Registries, the organization that own and manage certain top-level domains, play a critical role in the market of the TLDs they manage. They set the base price that TLDs cost, and since registries act like wholesalers in the domain space, the registrars pay the base cost of a domain when it is registered as a fee.
Like any other business, registrars have overhead they must account for. Employees to manage, offices, accreditation fees - all general expenses that come with running a registrar. Due to this, there is markup that is added by the registrars to actually earn some profit on domains.
Like any other business, registrars have overhead they must account for. Employees to manage, offices, accreditation fees - all general expenses that come with running a registrar. Due to this, there is markup that is added by the registrars to actually earn some profit on domains.
Why are some domain prices so low and others so high?
Since registries are responsible for setting the base price for their TLD, registrars have to adjust their price accordingly. If a registry sets a $20 registration base cost fee and the registrar sells it for $15, they would be down $5 per registration.
There is a huge variance of TLD prices, and registries consider a lot of factors when it comes to determining their base price, such as: their audience type, industry the TLD may fit into, and how large of a market pool the TLD may have.
Some specific high-popularity domain extensions have their base prices negotiated between ICANN (the regulators of the domain name space) and the registry. On the other hand, newer TLDs don't have this regulation applied, which is also why there is such a large range.
There is a huge variance of TLD prices, and registries consider a lot of factors when it comes to determining their base price, such as: their audience type, industry the TLD may fit into, and how large of a market pool the TLD may have.
Some specific high-popularity domain extensions have their base prices negotiated between ICANN (the regulators of the domain name space) and the registry. On the other hand, newer TLDs don't have this regulation applied, which is also why there is such a large range.
Why do some domains under specific TLDs have a higher price?
Registries will occasionally select a number of domains perceived as high value compared to others, and they are designated as 'premium domains'. Premium domains often have a much higher registration cost due to either the length of the domain or the keyword included, which pushes them into premium pricing.
Where to register domains at low prices
Now that you have a better understanding of the costs of a domain, where do you get them for a good price? You'll have to conduct research as domain prices fluctuate often at registrars. To help with your research, it is useful to understand what domain resellers are.
Resellers in the domain industry are businesses that allow domain registrations but are reselling domains through a selected domain registrar. This means that the reseller is taking the price of a domain from a registrar (not the base price from the registry) and adding a markup to make profit. This usually means that the user is paying more for the domain. How does that benefit the customer?
Registrars vs. Resellers
If you're strictly looking to register a domain, resellers shouldn't necessarily be your first choice. You're almost guaranteed to pay more, and there's a chance the reseller's platform may not support your domain management needs. With that said, one advantage resellers have is that they typically bundle services together, which can make the domain acquisition cost more lucrative for the customer by getting a domain with a specific service or tool the reseller provides.
If you're looking for a bundled deal from a trusted service provider, resellers can be great options. If you're looking for a dedicated accredited brand to register domains from that have robust tool sets specifically tailored towards domains - registrars will be your best bet. You can find a full list of accredited registrars on the ICANN website.
If you're looking for a bundled deal from a trusted service provider, resellers can be great options. If you're looking for a dedicated accredited brand to register domains from that have robust tool sets specifically tailored towards domains - registrars will be your best bet. You can find a full list of accredited registrars on the ICANN website.
04. PROTECTION
Domain Privacy & Protection
When it comes to online engagement, keeping your information and data protected should be a priority. For domain registration, domain privacy plays an important role in data protection.
What is domain privacy?
Every time a domain name is registered, up-to-date personal information is required to be provided to the registrar you decide to register your domain through. This information is a requirement from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), who are the regulators of the domain space. This contact information is then tied to the domain name.
This collection of information, without domain privacy, is actually publicly accessible through a Whois lookup (which we'll cover shortly). In order to hide and protect your information, domain privacy is key. Luckily, domain privacy is often free at most domain registrars, making it more accessible than ever to get yourself properly protected.
TIPIf your registrar of choice requires you to pay for domain privacy, consider searching for an alternative provider that offers it for free.
Privacy Disabled
Domain Name:DYNADOT.COM
Updated Date:2022-10-18T 17:43:26Z
Creation Date:2002-10-30T 17:44:41Z
Registry Expiry Date:2024-10-30T 16:44:41Z
Registrant Name:John Appleseed
Registrant City:San Mateo
Registrant Phone:+1.6502620100
Registrant Email:info@dynadot.com
Admin Name:John Appleseed
Tech Name:My Name CO.
Privacy Enabled
Domain Name:DYNADOT.COM
Updated Date:2022-10-18T 17:43:26Z
Creation Date:2002-10-30T 17:44:41Z
Registry Expiry Date:2024-10-30T 16:44:41Z
Registrant Name:REDACTED FOR PRIVACY
Registrant City:REDACTED FOR PRIVACY
Registrant Phone:REDACTED FOR PRIVACY
Registrant Email:REDACTED FOR PRIVACY
Admin Name:REDACTED FOR PRIVACY
Tech Name:REDACTED FOR PRIVACY
How domain privacy helps
It's hard to understate the value that domain privacy provides when it comes to most domain holders online. Domain privacy helps:
Secure your personal information
Your information is yours to control, and limiting who has access to it can prevent future security issues. Domain privacy puts a barrier between your domain contact information and internet users, which can even prevent major issues such as identity theft.
Prevent spam
With your email becoming hidden through domain privacy, you don't need to worry about endless emails from spammers online. Phishing emails, unwanted unsolicited marketing, and just general junk content sent to your will be minimized by enabling privacy.
Provides scam protection
Access to your contact information is an opportunity someone may take to attempt malicious actions. By hiding your information through privacy, the first step of gathering information by bad entities online is prevented.
Provides peace-of-mind
The best part of enabling privacy is that once it is enabled, it's out of sight, out of mind. You're protected, and if it's working properly, most of the issues and consequences of disabled privacy are negated.
Consequences of no domain privacy
Domain names that don't have domain privacy enabled open some of their personal information to the public through Whois search tools. As a result, details attached to the domain becomes accessible, which can create generally unwanted consequences, such as:
- Spam emails & phone calls
- Unsolicited marketing
- Information added to sales lists
- Outreach to initiate scams and domain theft
- General unwanted contact
- Undesirable traffic to your domain
Advantages of no domain privacy
With the issues outlined, it may be surprising to hear that there are scenarios where you may not want to have domain privacy enabled. Specifically, if you're a domain investor that has valuable domains under your belt, having privacy disabled can provide an easy method for potential buyers to conduct outreach regarding acquisition.
Your name, email, and phone number all provide an accessible avenue for businesses or other investors to express interest and start negotiations. If this is the route someone wishes to take, make sure to be careful, be diligent, and take necessary precautions when communicating. The importance of an escrow service or broker when it comes to finalizing deals or even starting discussions can't be understated.
TIPRegardless of whether you decide to enable or disable domain privacy, it's very important to consciously make the decision. Decide what works best for you, your business, or your brand.
Whois Lookup Overview
When it comes to domain name research, a Whois lookup is a core tool to have in your repertoire.
As mentioned, registered domains require contact information as outlined by ICANN, and that information is publicly available through a Whois Lookup unless domain privacy is used. They are free, widely accessible tools that many registrars include, but they all feature the same functionality and search results. Here is a breakdown of the general components of a Whois search result.
Domain name:Name of the domain in the search.
Registrar information:Which registrar the domain name resides under, along with contact information from that registrar for domain abuse complaints.
Updated & Creation dates:When the domain name Whois information was last updated, along with when it was first registered.
Expiration date:The upcoming expiration date for the domain name searched. If the searched domain name is already expired, it will actually display one year beyond the initial expiry date. You can check the 'Status' field for clarification on this.
Domain status:This is the status of the domain in relation to the registrar, referring to various status codes indicating the state of the domain. There are a variety of status codes, with each having their own meaning.
Registrant information:Information regarding the domain holder, including their name, designated address (street, city, province/state, postal code and country), phone number, and email address.
Admin information:Information about the assigned admin for the domain, following the same format as the registrant information. Often it will be the same repeated values.
Tech information:Information about the assigned technical contact for the domain, following the same format as the registrant information. Also will often repeat the same values.
Name servers:The nameservers assigned to the domain name.
TIPWith domain privacy enabled, the registrant, admin, and tech contact information will all be displayed as 'REDACTED FOR PRIVACY' to safeguard the domain holder's private information.
How a Whois Lookup works
When a domain name is registered, the owner submits their contact information to the registrar, who automatically passes that information along to the associated registry of the domain registered. That registry manages a database of information for all domains that reside under their TLDs. This database is then accessed when a Whois lookup is conducted.
The process of collecting and storing registrant contact information is a policy established by ICANN as a means of regulating the internet, connecting an individual with an associated domain name.
The process of collecting and storing registrant contact information is a policy established by ICANN as a means of regulating the internet, connecting an individual with an associated domain name.
Whois Lookup use cases: Why it's important
A Whois lookup tool has a surprising number of uses, many of which can easily be overlooked.
Availability
Checking to see if a desired domain name is available for general registration or if it's already been registered.
Journalism
Journalists will use Whois lookups to get information about domain owners to contact them for details about specific stories or news.
Legal Reasons
Domains unfortunately get used for illegal purposes, and in certain scenarios law enforcement may use a Whois search to gather information about an owner.
Abuse
Whois lookups are frequently used to get information to submit domain abuse claims, which could include trademark infringement, phishing claims, or general fraud.
Investing
Domain investors will use Whois lookups to check domain availability or to see if a registered domain has the owner's contact information displayed. They often use this info to see if the owner is interested in selling.
Expiration Monitoring
Eager individuals who want to acquire specific domains may monitor their expiration date and keep track of when the domain potentially could become available for registration in the open domain market.
Network Diagnosis
On occasion, network administrators will use a Whois lookup to troubleshoot domain-related issues to resolve networking or DNS problems.
05. MAINTENANCE
Maintaining Domains After Registration
So you have a domain name in your account - now what? Well, you decide what to use it for of course! As discussed in the domain registration process section, domains have plenty of use cases, but they're only helpful if they stay under your ownership.
Domain renewals
Once you have your domain set up to meet whatever your online objectives are, you need to make an important decision: do you renew your domain? Before that, let's talk about what a domain renewal even is.
What is a domain renewal?
Since registering a domain name only provides the owner with temporary ownership, renewing a domain extends the period that the domain name is under that owner's control. It's simple enough in concept, but it's key to maintaining any domains that are being used.
Domain renewals, much like domain registrations, are available for a single-year or multiple-year renewals - allowing you to renew for 1 year or up to a maximum of 10. This flexibility provides owners the option to maintain domains under their control for longer periods, but there is no way to acquire permanent ownership.Understanding and monitoring upcoming expirations to renew accordingly is as close as you get, though there is one step that automates this process.
Domain renewals, much like domain registrations, are available for a single-year or multiple-year renewals - allowing you to renew for 1 year or up to a maximum of 10. This flexibility provides owners the option to maintain domains under their control for longer periods, but there is no way to acquire permanent ownership.Understanding and monitoring upcoming expirations to renew accordingly is as close as you get, though there is one step that automates this process.
Auto Renewal
The key to never forgetting a domain renewal is available... Well, sort of. Auto renewal is exactly as the name would imply; it's an automated process of renewing your domain names. This is a setting you can apply to domains in your registrar account control panel. Some registrars will have auto-renewal applied to all domains by default, which can be either relieving or frustrating, depending on the domain owner.
The reason auto-renewal isn't always the perfect solution is that it still requires a valid, up-to-date payment source. Many users will have auto-renewal setup for their domains and simply forget to update their expired payment method, such as their credit card, resulting in the domain proceeding through the expiration process.
The reason auto-renewal isn't always the perfect solution is that it still requires a valid, up-to-date payment source. Many users will have auto-renewal setup for their domains and simply forget to update their expired payment method, such as their credit card, resulting in the domain proceeding through the expiration process.
Domain transfers
There may come a time when you wish to switch registrars for one reason or another. It could be price-related, tool-related, support-related, or even outside of your control with the registrar going out of service. Whatever the reason, domain transfers are the solution to maintaining domain ownership while switching.
As the name would imply, a domain transfer is moving your domain name from one registrar or reseller to another. While the process is relatively simple, there are some nuances that are helpful to know if you're considering transferring a domain.
Helpful details about domain transfers:
Transfer eligibility
To transfer a domain, it must have been at your current registrar for at least 60 days.
1-year renewal
Most domains transferred include 1 year added to the next expiration date. There are exceptions for certain TLDs, but they are not common.
Domain transfer length
Domain transfers can take anywhere from a few hours to a week to proceed through the transfer process.
Check your Whois email
You will be contacted through email to confirm and approve the transfer. Ensure your contact information is correct.
Transfer prices
Domain transfers typically cost the same amount as a domain renewal, and that transfer is paid at the registrar/reseller that you're transferring to.
Be aware of domain expirations
Domains that have expired or that may expire during the transfer process can cause complications. The transfer could fail, or the registrar may not let the transfer even initiate. It's best to renew prior to starting a domain transfer if it's close to the expiration date.
Your website status
You don't need to worry about your website during a domain transfer. Transferring a domain name will not likely cause any downtime on your website as the nameservers set will not change during the process.
How to Transfer a Domain
With the details above in mind, let's talk about the actual process of transferring your domain. You can follow the steps listed, but keep in mind that there may be subtle differences depending on where you're transferring your domain from, and where it's going to.TIPDomain registrars will also provide bulk domain transfers if you ever require to move multiple domains at once. This process is similar to the steps above, with the difference being entering in multiple domains/authorization codes on a bulk transfer page. bulk transfer page.
Selling domains
There may come a time when a domain you acquired is no longer being used. It could be an old brand you had that no longer exists, or just a domain registered that never ended up being used. Regardless of the reason, you can let the domain expire or you can attempt to sell the domain for profit.
Where to sell domains
To list your domains for sale, you'll need a domain aftermarket. Domain aftermarkets are digital marketplaces where domains are acquired or sold, either through user domain listings or through domain auctions.
There are many different aftermarkets that can be used to sell your domain, each with their own unique qualities, including commission fees, user interfaces, methods of selling, payment options, and audiences.
Selecting the right place to list your domain for sale is important, which is why it's recommended to find a platform that provides wide exposure for your domain. Ideally, being able to list your domain on platforms such as Sedo and Afternic can help get eyes on your listings. At Dynadot, you're able to list your domains on our aftermarket, along with on Afternic and Sedo simultaneously.
There are many different aftermarkets that can be used to sell your domain, each with their own unique qualities, including commission fees, user interfaces, methods of selling, payment options, and audiences.
Selecting the right place to list your domain for sale is important, which is why it's recommended to find a platform that provides wide exposure for your domain. Ideally, being able to list your domain on platforms such as Sedo and Afternic can help get eyes on your listings. At Dynadot, you're able to list your domains on our aftermarket, along with on Afternic and Sedo simultaneously.
Determining the value of a domain
Finding a good price to list your domain for sale requires knowledge. There are so many qualifiers that can indicate the price of a domain. If you're looking to quickly list a domain, the best advice would be to find comparable domain sales on a website such as Namebios and use that as a benchmark. From there, you can set your price higher and work your way lower until you land the sale.
If you're struggling with selecting a price, there are appraisal resources and tools online that can help guide you. Dynadot has a domain appraisal that can indicate the approximate value of your domain. Appraisal forums or connecting with domain investors can also help determine the value.
If you're struggling with selecting a price, there are appraisal resources and tools online that can help guide you. Dynadot has a domain appraisal that can indicate the approximate value of your domain. Appraisal forums or connecting with domain investors can also help determine the value.
TIPIf you're interested in learning more about what qualifies a domain to be valuable, check out our domain investing guide to learn the intricacies of selling a domain.
Tips for selling domains
06. TOOLS
Supporting Domain Tools & Add-ons
Understanding what tools, add-ons, and other services you may require in order to achieve any of your domain-related objectives isn't always obvious, especially if you're just registering your first domain. In this section, we'll cover the most popular tools & add-ons while providing an overview of their role so you can decide if and how you want to approach utilizing them.
Research Tools
Tools that let you come up with name ideas or look into the historical data of a domain name can be helpful during the domain selection process.TIPResearch tools for domain investing are usually more extensive, but can be helpful when trying to determine the value of a domain. You can find out more information about these in our domain investing guide.
Domain Add-ons
The following tools are all closely tied to domain names and are optional to expand the usage of a domain to meet your online objectives.
Website builders
If you don't have access to a web developer to help create a website for your domain, website builders are a strong alternative that bundle together the pieces required to assemble a website. There are a huge variety of website builders, all with unique building interfaces and tools to assist with the process. It's best to do your own research and find one that fits both your website needs and price range.
Custom email addresses
Businesses or brands that use a domain for their primary website likely want branded email addresses to match their business name. To do this, many registrars provide the option to bundle an email service with the domain, allowing the domain holder to easily set up their custom email address with their domain. What exactly is included in an email package will vary, along with the associated cost.
Domain privacy
Using domain privacy is an important step to keeping your personal contact information secure. As mentioned in the protection section, domain privacy replaces your personal contact information attached to your domain on a Whois lookup with default information provided by the registrar the domain resides with.
SSL certificates
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates play a key role in securing a website and building online confidence for your audience. SSL, along with its more modern counterpart, Transport Layer Security (TLS), both are responsible for encrypting domain URLs, providing a secure connection between a website server and a web browser. SSLs keep user information private and secure, so acquiring an SSL certificate for a domain is a high priority if you're planning on building a website. Luckily, it's becoming more common for SSLs to be provided free of charge.
Domain APIs
A domain API (application programming interface) allows users to register, transfer, renew, manage and organize their domain names from external software outside of the registrar's platform. Users can make ' requests ' through their preferred software which make domain adjustments based on the request made. The functionality of domain APIs align with the options available on the primary registrar platform, but can be done in bulk and much more efficiently.
Grace deletions
While not offered as an addon that comes with domain names, grace period deletions can be a useful tool to 'return' domain names. After a domain name is registered, there is a grace period allowing recently registered domains to be grace deleted, providing money back to the user and deleting the domain. This is used to either return accidental domain registrations or to test domains for potential traffic (referred to as 'domain tasting'). Grace deletions often have a small charge associated with them.
Aftermarket Tools
Domain aftermarkets provide users with an alternative way to acquire desirable domains or sell them. They can be a valuable tool for both building new brands and investing in domains.
Aftermarket Overview
A domain aftermarket refers to an online service where domains can be registered outside of the traditional 'search and register' method. This includes bidding on domain auctions, placing backorders on soon to be available domains, or purchasing a domain from other users. Each domain aftermarket is unique, with their own listings available to acquire domains from, or you can list your own domains for sale on them.
What to consider when selecting an aftermarket
Types of Aftermarket Listings
07. DYNADOT
How to Register and Manage Your Domains
While going over the ins and outs of domain registration in this guide, we kept the information from being Dynadot-specific, so you could apply the knowledge to wherever your domains reside. With that said, we wanted to provide a visual guide to help users navigate the domain registration and management process to make it that much easier.
Registering your domains
Steps to acquiring your domain through Dynadot.
2. Use our domain search to find your domain name, or check availability.
3. Add your domain name to your cart.
4. Proceed through checkout.
5. Consider if you require a website builder or custom email addresses. Domain privacy is included at additional cost.
6. Complete your payment.
Easy as that! If you've followed these steps, your domain will be in your account.
Introduction to domain control panels
So you have your domain, but aren't quite sure about the next steps? Before you start trying to search the web, let us introduce the Dynadot control panel to help you understand what adjustments are possible and where. Below you will see a recreation of our control panel, with the sidebar being interactable to learn more about what each page includes.
Summary
Summary
My Domain
Manage Domain
Name Servers
Contact Records
Folders
New Domains
Inactive Domains
Open Orders
Domain Defaults
TLD Settings
DNSSEC
My Websites
My Emails
My SSL
Aftermarket
Domain Monitoring
Tools
Payment Center
My Info
Summary Panel
Includes an overview of your Dynadot account, including if your account is locked (to prevent certain domain adjustments), the amount of account credit in your account, the status of any open orders, your recent aftermarket activity, the domains that have website builder setup, and more.
Manage Domains
Make individual or bulk adjustments to your domain names, including: setting privacy, auto-renewal toggle, domain lock toggle, quick DNS changes, monitoring expiration/registration dates, vast domain filtering options to help find specific domains in your account, and even the ability to track domains on other registrars. If you're looking to make any adjustments to your domains, this is the page to visit first.
Name Servers
Manage and organize your list of name servers, with the ability to create name server templates to easily allow them to be assigned to any domain(s). Name servers are not assigned to domains on this page; it is used to store any name servers you wish to save.
Contact Records
Your home for contact information assigned to domain names, which, as previously mentioned, is a requirement by ICANN. You can create multiple contact records in this area to easily swap one or many domains to on the 'Manage Domains' page.
Folders
Create folders to assign certain domains to, allowing you to make sweeping adjustments to all domains included in that folder, such as privacy, auto-renewal, domain lock, contact record, DNS, and transfer lock settings changes. This page also includes the ability to download information about all domains included in a specific folder.
New Domains
Quickly find any domains that you have recently acquired to make adjustments without having to search through your entire account. This can be helpful if you have a larger number of domains in your account.
Inactive Domains
Monitor domains that haven't been updated or no longer reside under your Dynadot account. This could include domains that have expired or have been grace deleted. It's useful for finding historical data if you're searching for older domains in your account.
Open Orders
Any Dynadot orders that have not been completed for one of many reasons will be listed here, along with their status and the ability to take action on those domains.
Domain Defaults
Set the default settings for any domain names acquired by your Dynadot account. This includes default contact records, name servers, which TLDs appear in our search results, domain privacy, and more.
TLD Settings
Some domain extensions have specific requirements when registering a domain. This page allows you to include any information pertaining to a certain TLD, making future registrations with them easier.
DNSSEC
This page allows you to add Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) to your domains to add an extra layer of protection onto any DNS settings you may have.
My Websites
Your quick link to start editing any of your Dynadot Website Builder creations. You can also upgrade your Website Builder plan here or copy and paste a website's content/design to another domain name.
My Emails
Your central location to manage any domains that have custom email addresses attached to them through the Dynadot Email tool.
My SSL
Your hub for managing any of your Dynadot Wildcard or Alpha SSL settings.
Aftermarket
Monitor your aftermarket activity, all from one convenient location. This includes any domain auctions you've participated in, domains you've listed for sale, backorders you've placed requests on, and even incoming/outgoing offers that have been made through our make offer system.
Domain Monitoring
Keep a close eye on domains of interest through our watchlist, where you can monitor any domains. You can also use our tracker tool to outline what domains you're interested in, so our tool can provide Dynadot aftermarket recommendations for you.
Tools
Take advantage of our extra free tools, including our Dynadot Apps, our API to make bulk domain management and acquisition quick, insta-reg to instantly register domains, get valuable information from domains that are pending deletion in our backorders listings, or even sign up for our auction affiliate program.
Payment Center
Manage everything related to account payments here. This includes adjusting payment methods, getting invoices, checking historical purchase information, any installment payments currently setup, and much more.
My Info
Adjust any settings tied specifically to your Dynadot account, including account information, password settings and security, your referral code for our Refer-a-Friend program, sub account settings for allowing others to manage your domains, notification and email settings, and statement requests.
Introduction to the Domain Name System
One of the more seemingly complex steps after registering a domain name is connecting it properly with your domain name system settings.
What is DNS?
The Domain Name System (DNS) is responsible for turning a domain name into a specific IP address. This address will contain the information/data that generates a webpage. The DNS is a requirement when utilizing a domain for a website, as without it, your domain wouldn't have a designated address and would be unable to connect with a web hosting server.
Setting up DNS for your domain
While DNS can be a difficult concept to grasp, setting up your DNS doesn't have to be a complicated task. Here is the general process so you feel more comfortable adjusting your domain's DNS settings. You can use the visual guide to find the DNS settings in our control panel below, along with an overview of each of the various options available.
Where is the DNS Settings
Where is the DNS Settings
Name Servers
Dynadot Parking
Dynadot Forwarding
302 Redirect
302 Redirect
Stealth Forwarding
Dynadot DNS
Dynadot Site Builder
For Sale Landing Page
Renewing and transferring your domains
Steps to Renew Your Domains
1. Go to 'My Domains' -> 'Manage Domains' in your Dynadot account control panel.
2. Select any domains in your list that you want to renew by clicking the checkbox beside them.
3. Click the 'Action' button, followed by 'Renew'.
4. Select the number of years you wish to renew your domain(s) for, and then add the renewal to your cart.
5. Proceed through checkout, and your domain(s) will be successfully renewed.
Steps to Transfer Your Domains
1. Unlock the domain you wish to transfer in your user control panel wherever your domain currently resides. You may also need to unlock your account as well.
2. Acquire your authorization code. This is often found in the same location you manage your domains from.
3. Visit the registrar you wish to transfer your domain to and find their domain transfer page. Enter the domain name and authorization code in the fields provided and proceed with the transfer..
4. This will add the domain transfer to your cart. Proceed through checkout.
5. Once you've completed the checkout process, you'll receive an email asking for confirmation from your previous registrar. Authorize the transfer.
6. You will be notified that the transfer has been initiated, and will be contacted again once the transfer has been completed.
Organizing your domains
Whether you have one, ten, or hundreds of domains in your account, keeping your domains organized is one of the best ways to efficiently manage your domains.
Folders
Group together domain names based on any criteria you define, allowing you to make folder-wide domain adjustments and set default settings.
Creating & Managing Folders
1. Go to the 'My Domains' -> 'Folders' page in your Dynadot account control panel.
2. Click the '+ New Folder' button and create a new folder.
3. Enter the folder name and select 'Save Folder'.
4. From this page, you can adjust the default contact information, DNS settings, or transfer lock status of any domains within your created folders.
Adding Domains to Folders
1. On the 'My Domains' control panel page, select the domain(s) you want to add to a folder by clicking the checkbox beside the domain.
2. Click the 'Folder' button, and find the folder you want to place the domain into.
3. Select 'Move'. This will place any domains into your selected folder.
Contact Records & Name Servers
You can create and manage saved contact records and name servers directly through our control panel, making it easy to apply any that are saved to your domains with a few simple clicks.
Creating Name Servers
1. Go to the 'My Domains' -> 'Name Servers' page in your Dynadot account control panel.
2. Click the '+ Add Name Server' button to add your hosting provider's name server to your account, or register your own by clicking the 'Register Name Server' button and adding your host name and IP address.
3. Once complete, you can easily apply these name server settings to your domains when adjusting their DNS settings.
Creating Contact Records
1. Go to the 'My Domains' -> 'Contact Records' page in your Dynadot account control panel.
2. Click the '+ Create Contact Record' button.
3. Enter in the required contact information. Ensure your information is accurate, while also double checking your email address as it is required for domain-related communication.
4. Click the 'Create Contact' button.
5. Any contact in this list can be quickly applied to any of your existing domains.
Domain Defaults
Set default information for domain-related settings, both for your newly acquired domains and for other pages on the Dynadot website.
Contacts
Set the default contact information tied to your domain names.
Name Servers
Set the default DNS settings for your future domain registrations.
Transfer Lock
Decide if you want your domains locked by default after registration.
Watchlist Per Page
Select the number of domains you want to appear on our 'Watchlist' page.
Domain Privacy Level
Decide on the level of privacy applied to your domains after registration.
Auctions Per Page
Default number of domains displayed through our expired domain auctions aftermarket listing.
Search TLD Settings
Choose to show or hide any particular domain extensions when using the Dynadot domain search.
TLD Settings
Certain domain extensions require specific information in order to register/utilize those domains. On this page, you have the ability to apply your default settings for those TLD-specific requirements to avoid re-entering the information if making repeat registrations for those TLDs.
TLDs in this list include:
TLDs in this list include:
.BERLIN.CA.EU.LT.IT.RUHR.MOSCOW/.москва.NL.NGO.RADIO.US.XXX.TEL.RO.NYC.QUEBEC.LV.SCOT
TIPGot a specific question about using our control panel that wasn't covered? Either check our vast help file directory for more guidance, or contact our support team to get more information.
08. FAQ
Commonly Asked Domain Questions
We covered a lot, but you may still have some questions. Lets cover some questions that are commonly associated with domains.