When searching for a location to set up your business, you don't want to choose a place that seems sketchy or unsafe. Similarly, you don't want to choose a domain registrar that is unreliable and untrustworthy.
Your domain name is your piece of internet real estate, and you need to put it in the best hands. When choosing a domain registrar, look out for these five red flags:
1. No ICANN Accreditation
When a registrar is
ICANN accredited, you can trust that they've met strict qualifications— secure, authenticated access, scalable operations, reliable data backup, and procedures for information systems security, to name a few. When a registrar does not have this accreditation, you can't be sure that your domain name and personal information will be safe with them. Also, be wary of
fraudulent ICANN certificates. You can check if a registrar is accredited
here.2. Poor Customer Service
The experience you have with a registrar's
customer service team can tell a lot about them. If they are not helpful and not responsive, you probably can't rely on them to help you if you have issues with your domain name. Automated responses and long response times won't help you find solutions.
3. Second-Year Sticker Shock
Many registrars use a tactic of advertising domains
for free or nearly free, but when the second year rolls around, the renewal fee is significantly higher. Or, they'll make it difficult to find their renewal rates or information about canceling or transferring your domain. This lack of transparency can be frustrating, especially if you've set a budget for your website.
4. Expensive Privacy Services
Anyone can look up who owns a domain through a
WHOIS Lookup, which displays the owner's personal information. Many domain registrars will protect your information for free, but watch out for ones that charge you to keep your information private. Your registrar should consider your privacy a top priority.
5. Poor Reputation
Check reputable websites to see what people are saying about them. It's normal for any business to have a few negative reviews, but if you notice an ongoing trend, you might want to do your business elsewhere. You can also check their social media pages like Twitter and Facebook to see how their current customers interact with them.
The Dynadot Difference
At Dynadot, we believe in transparent pricing, world-class customer service, and always listening to our customers.
Get started today with a registrar that you can rely on.
