Where Can I Register My Domain?

Every great website has a great domain. However, before your website can reach the heights of web traffic, you first have to register the domain where your website will be parked. Registering a domain is not a difficult task, but before you get started there are a few things you should know…  

Meet ICANN

All domains pass through the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers, better known as ICANN. This organization is a non-profit that regulates the databases responsible for namespaces. In other words, ICANN makes sure that domain registration is fair and reliable. In the wild west days of domains, before ICANN regulated the web, domains were stolen, duplicated and squatted upon without restraint. ICANN brought law and order to the web to ensure that a registered domain is a safe space.
When you choose a domain name and purchase it from a registrar, ICANN approves the registration before you can proceed. This brings us to our next point of interest: choosing a registrar that will provide the best price and customer service.

Not all registrars are created equal

While all registrars help you find and register domains, they are not all the same. Each has its own level of customer service and reliability. For example, wouldn’t you rather a domain registrar that contacts you in the event of a missed payment before the domain lapses? Expiry dates are closely monitored by domain collectors, and in some cases when a domain lapses, someone else could register it in just a few minutes. Domains are purchased per year and many registrars can create a continuous renewal with automatic payment, so you never have to worry about losing your domain.  
Another registrar variability is the price. Depending on what works best for you, registrars will bill you per year or per month. Prices can vary greatly based on your choice. The same domain can cost anywhere from $1 to $100 depending on the company you choose to register with. It is absolutely worth your time to thoroughly research who you choose to sign with.

No time to lose

Anyone with website experience will warn you that time is of the essence. It’s a terrible thing to miss a great domain because you waited just a little too long to make your choice. Once you have found a domain that suits your purpose, go for it!

Getting the most bang for your buck

If you plan to also add web hosting and email options to your domain, you can’t go wrong by choosing WestHost. Get online with unlimited email and professional addresses. You will also receive the reliability and safety that WestHost is known for. Did we mention that you can get online for only $1 per month? Choose from three hosting packages to be sure that all of your requirements are met. From easy WordPress blogs or a custom ecommerce package, WestHost has the tools you need in one location. Our client hosting interface keeps all of your information on one user-friendly platform, taking the guesswork out of website hosting.