| Fortunately, choosing a domain registrar is one of the | | | | Registrar Reviews |
| simplest things you'll do. Just keep in mind: | | | | From the research I've done, including reviewing the |
| - Domain names shouldn't cost more than about $10 | | | | sites above, I've decided that domain registrar |
| a year. | | | | NameCheap is the best choice. It took me a while to |
| - While there isn't much to having a domain name, | | | | come around, given the company's tacky name. |
| when there is a problem, you're going to want good | | | | I have two domains with NameCheap, and I've had |
| customer service. So find a company that offers | | | | no problems with them. They're in the background, |
| that. I just had a problem with my domain names and | | | | where no news is good news. |
| I really needed that customer service. | | | | The main thing to keep in mind after you've |
| - Avoid getting your domain name from the same | | | | registered your domain name is that you'll need to |
| company that hosts your site. If you have trouble | | | | renew it at the same time the following year. You |
| with the host and decide to switch, it's helpful if your | | | | should get a notice in your email, just be sure you |
| domain name is registered with a different company. | | | | don't ignore it. |
| It may not be a problem, but better safe than sorry. | | | | Or, if you're site isn't working out for you, you'll want |
| - Be sure you aren't planning to go through a website | | | | to keep it from renewing if you're set up for |
| building program before registering your domain name. | | | | automatic renewal. |
| If the program already offers you a domain name as | | | | One Final Bit of Advice |
| part of the package, it may be hard to transfer the | | | | Keep track of your renewal date and information, |
| name properly, and it could cost you some money. | | | | especially the name and contact information for your |
| Good Resources for Finding a Registrar | | | | registrar. I recently got "renewal notices" in the mail |
| I found a couple of truly helpful resources for finding | | | | for one of my domain names from not one, but two |
| a good registrar. | | | | different registrars. Only problem: neither one was |
| The site below is dated March 2007, but it has some | | | | my registrar. And both offered a one-year renewal |
| excellent reviews of several registrars as well as | | | | for about $30, as well as options for two years at |
| some good advice: | | | | $49 and five years for $94. The companies are |
| Consumer Search Registrar Reviews | | | | Domain Renewal Group and Liberty Names. Avoid |
| This next one is a forum called NamePro. Users rate | | | | these companies at all costs. And keep in mind, those |
| a variety of registrars. Remember, you're better off | | | | are just the two that contacted me. |
| with a company with 200 very good reviews than a | | | | So be sure you renew with your own registrar. |
| company with four excellent reviews. NamePros | | | | Best of luck with your brand new domain name! |