Choosing the Registrar
Speed
Most registrars process the domain name registration right away and it takes about 1-7 days for the InterNic database to perpetuate throughout the internet.
A good way to test this is to utilize the site's "whois" tool to verify that you are the owner of that domain name within a short time after your registration.
Domain Name Modifications
I tested 3 different methods of domain name modifications (i.e. contact info, hosting info changes, etc.):
Email Method
Allows you to submit your changes via email from the email address associated with the domain name record.
This method was not successful all of the time during testing.
Web Form Method
Using the Web Form Method, I entered information into a web-based form, after having gained access through a user name and password. This system seemed to work fine, but again, was not very reliable.
Login Method
The Login Method appears similar to the Web Form Method because you enter your changes into a web-based form. However, you are actually changing the database for your domain name record instantly after having gained access through a login screen. The changes are instantaneous.
Security
In order for a person to steal your domain name, they need to be able to make a domain name modification using one of the methods discussed above.
Again, I found that the login method worked the best and was the most secure.
Choosing the Registration Site
Cost
Gone are the days where you have to spend $70 per domain name registration. For instance, at NetNameOne.com, we have $12.99 domain name registrations.
Secure Server
Make sure that the site that you are entering your payment information on is secure. Look at the URL location box of your browser. If it does not start with https://, you may not be on a secure server.
Ease of Use
Some Registration Sites are confusing. They ask the internet newbie questions that they could not possibly know (yet). Others ask the registrant to simply enter the admin info with the option to change nameservers and all that jazz at a later time using the domain modification method.
Billing Options
Most Registration Sites offer you the ability to pay online. Some offer the ability to pay by check online. Some even offer the ability to be billed for your domain name registration. This option allows you to register now and pay later.
Free Domain Name Parking
Free Domain Name Parking means that your domain name is set up to be hosted at the same location as the Registration Site (or another designated location) until you decide where you want to host the site.
FAQs
Every Registration Site should include a help file or list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help the surfer navigate through this world of domain name unknowns.
Customer Service
Make sure you can find the email and phone number to the Customer Service to answer any questions that you may not find answered on the FAQs page. And, if you are contacting them, make sure that they respond.
Other Features
These items are "non-standard niceties."
Bulk Domain Lookups
This online tool allows you to look for more than one domain name at one time. You may even look for the same domain name with different TLDs (.com, .net, .org) at one time.
Bulk Domain Registration
This is the ability to register multiple domain names all at one time. This is particularly handy for the Domain Name Seller.
Domain Helper
This online tool helps you find that perfect domain name for you or for your business or any other online endeavor. At NetNameOne.com you enter 2-3 key words describing your business (etc.) and the Domain Helper will give you a listing of the available domain names for different combinations of your key words.
Special Offers
Some Registration Sites offer special offers when you register domain names through their site. Maybe they will give you free hosting for a month. Maybe free domain name registrations with purchase of web site design, etc.
Hopefully this will help you on your way to Domain Name Registration Bliss.
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