Thousands of small business webmasters briefly lose their domain names at expiration, due to a simple lack of understanding about the roles of three key players in the drama: domain name registrars, web hosts and internet service providers.One simple solution is to extend domain registration for the maximum ten years. The other solution is to treat domain registrar data as the critical business element it is.
People rarely realize how important it is to keep their domain registrar notified of changes to their email address and and other contact information. The registrar will send renewal notifications to the email address last on file.
Since many registrars honor a 30 day “redemption period” allowing expired domains to be redeemed, it may be possible to save the registration.
Photo by jefras.
1&1 has $5.99 domain names with an automatic renewal and hosting. As many commenters have pointed out here and on Lifehacker, it’s typically best to both host your website and register your domain with the same company, as you’re less likely to loose your domain.
Jason Clegg on September 12th, 2006 at 3:41 pm
Word has it that 10-year domain registration might also yield a higher Google Search ranking. Yet another bonus for thinking long-term. :)
Teli Adlam on September 12th, 2006 at 7:06 pm
Though a 10 year registration is optimal, a lot can happen in that time-frame, even forgetting about the registration if you don’t regularly log in with your registrar.
The best plan is simply treating the domain registration as the essential business element that it is and be ever mindful.
As for any Google love it may provide, it’s pretty minimal. It would be more accurate to say domains that have been online longer without changing hands and a long registration will receive more Google love.
~ Teli
Lifehacker on September 13th, 2006 at 7:02 am
Don’t lose your business domain name…
Here’s a scenario: you have a bustling business, so bustling, in fact, that you forget to renew your domain name. As my good friend Dean would say, “Sucks to be you!” However, WebProNews has a good article addressing this……
Desi Blah » Don’t lose your business domain name on September 13th, 2006 at 8:26 am
[...] So, the main trick seems to be A)keep track of your renewal dates and B)keep your address updated with the folks who need it. — Wendy Boswell Don’t Risk Losing Your Business Domain Name! [WebProNews via Business Opportunities Weblog] [...]
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