Several times this past year, I’ve run up against domain issues on behalf of my small business customers. I’ve learned that not everyone who has a Web site understands the basics, and that what you don’t know CAN hurt you.
Simply put, you need to be aware of mistakes that can inadvertently cause you to lose access to your domain.
Every Web Site Requires a Hosting Account and a Domain
Image credit: kystinaemm on flickr.
Note that a domain and hosting are two separate items. Think of hosting as rent for your home on the Web. It’s the space where your Web site content resides. A domain is your address on the web, otherwise known as your URL, and it’s licensed to you for a specific length of time.
A domain can point to a hosting account on any server. Moving from one Web host to another does not usually require transferring a domain, but it does require direct access to the domain manager. If you move your site to a new hosting account, your domain’s name servers will need to be updated. If you’re working with a Web designer, he’ll typically handle this part for you.
You Don’t Own the Domain Unless You’re Listed as Registrant
Image credit: HVargas on flickr.
Ok, here’s where it gets sticky. Many times the Web designer (and sometimes even the hosting company) will register your domain in his name or their business name. You’re paying this person/company to handle all of the technical aspects, so at first glance it seems easier for all involved. BUT, if your Web designer is the official domain registrant, he legally owns your domain name.
If your Web designer falls off the face of the earth, if you and he have a falling out, if for any reason he becomes inaccessible, you’re left without access to the domain YOU bought and paid for. This happens far more frequently than you might imagine.
It doesn’t help to call the hosting company and explain the situation. Their hands are tied. You MUST be listed as the domain registrant to be granted access to the domain.
If the registrant fails to make payment for your domain, your Web site will revert to a parked page until the grace period for its renewal expires (usually three months), after which your domain may be sold at auction.
Keep Your Domain’s Administrative Contact Info Up-To-Date
Image Credit: Hakan Dahlstrom on flickr.
Another conflict arises if your administrative contact info is inaccurate. The domain registrar uses your administrative contact email as their primary means of getting in touch with you.
An example: Let’s say you want to transfer your domain from an unresponsive or expensive hosting/domain company to one with better prices/customer service. If your domain’s administrative contact info is correct, it’s a simple two step process. But if you no longer have access to the email listed as your domain’s administrative contact, you’ll never receive the authorization request or the security code/ID number needed to complete the transfer.
Now if you’re listed as official registrant, you at least have recourse. You can call your domain company’s technical support and have the necessary changes made. Still, it’s an added hassle, easily avoided by keeping the records up-to-date.
Shameless Plug: We offer domain registration and hosting services through Express Domains and Hosting. Getting set up properly is a straight forward process, but technical support is readily available 24/7 should you need it. We also offer our Web development customers full hosting/domain and email support as part of a complete Web site design package.
Please bookmark this post and pass it on to those who need it. As always, your comments are encouraged and appreciated.
Thanks so much for this insider info. Most times we do not border ourselves with these technicalities and they are what turns out to hurt us later.
I’ve always thought I own my domain name but this info has helped me understand better.
Great post, especially for those who are just getting into the world of running a net-based business.
It’s easy for those who’ve been around for awhile to remember how important it is to share some of the basics with newcomers!
Good rundown of domain basics. This kind of information can be really helpful for those who haven’t been around since the BBS days!
this is a big issue for me but with a blog not a site. I have my own domain name but dont know if I should promote my domain name or the blooger url. I own the domain name so thiink promoting that would be a better idea
Thank you all for your comments.
Music man, why don’t you point your domain name to your blog? You can find the name server settings right inside of Blogger. That way you can keep the blog platform that you’re currently using, but promote your own domain name.
Hey Shari,
This post really covered all of the basics for the beginners out there. I wish I had read this when I first started out (lol). I think the most difficult thing for a beginners is figure out how to generate an income blogging, I know it was for me at least.
Great post,
Best Regards
salenko.
Love your blog and this information you posted.
You know a lot about it which helps me in my on line progress.
Many Thanks