A compelling name for your business is an important part of starting an online venture – it defines the business, forms its identity and helps capture the user’s attention. One of the first things to do for securing a name of your preference is to lease the domain.
A domain asserts the business’s holding in the digital world and creates an internet presence.
If you are wondering how to buy a domain name permanently, here’s an overview that covers all the aspects related to the domain and explains the ways to retain it for a long period.
What is a domain name?
A domain name is the unique address of a website that users type in a browser window to access and visit.
The name usually has alphabets or numbers and creates a distinct identity. For instance, business.paytm.com is Paytm For Business’s domain name.
A registry overlooks the Top Level Domains (TLDs) and partners with registrars to offer it to the end users.
Registrars take care of their marketing, promotional and leasing responsibilities. GoDaddy, Domain.com, and Dreamhost are examples of registrars.
They connect the registries to users (registrants) across the internet who are interested in leasing a specific domain name.
Should I buy a domain name?
The first quarter of 2022 closed with 350.5 million domain name registrations across all top-level domains, an increase of 8.8 million domain name registrations, or 2.6%, compared to the fourth quarter of 2021. Domain name registrations have increased by 13.2 million, or 3.9%, year over year.
It is not very easy to find a domain name of your choice since the title is likely to be already taken. Therefore, it’s a good idea to register your domain as soon as you have a name in mind. This will help you pick the right business name and eventually build a strong identity around it.
Several entrepreneurs secure multiple names in order to use the suitable one when launching a business. Domain names can be easily registered and retained for a pre-specified duration, post which they expire if not renewed.
Domain names usually align with the business name however, if you are looking at the available options here are some tips to follow.
- Keep it short and easy to pronounce/spell
- Opt for the .com extension
- Ensure that your brand name and keywords are a part of the domain name
- Avoid hyphens and even numbers to keep it simple for your users
Is a website necessary to register a domain name?
No. Registering a domain name is the first step to building a website. You can design the website after you are sure about keeping the domain.
You might have come across domains with a landing page that says coming soon – indicating that a website creation is in progress for that particular address.
Moreover, several people buy domain names, not with the intention of using them for their prospective business but to sell them in future to an interested buyer for better profits.
How to buy a domain name permanently?
Technically, it is not possible to buy a domain name permanently but it can be leased and then renewed after the predetermined period.
The minimum registration duration is for a year and if you wish to continue with the domain name, you can visit the registrar’s website and renew your lease before the expiration date.
Long-term leases extend up to 10 years, which is the maximum duration after which a renewal is necessary. Such leases are helpful for businesses as they take away the hassle of annual renewal and can also turn out to be cost-effective.
Some registrars claim lifetime domain registration. It is likely a dicey deal considering that the maximum time allowed by (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) ICANN is 10 years.
Another way to explain this is that while a registrar charges you upfront for a lifetime/100 years registration, they renew the lease for you every 10 years.
But, in such a case, your business is dependent on the registrar and if they shut for any reason you are at the risk of losing the domain name and the money.
Conclusion
Any business big or small, would want to retain its domain name permanently. Although it cannot be bought forever, domain names can be held for years together with timely renewals and long term leases.
Buying a domain name usually follows the finalisation of a business idea. However, it is recommended to lease and secure a domain in advance to ensure availability and pick your preferred name for the business.
Whether you are planning to build a website or want to start a blog, lease a domain name right away and secure an impactful brand name for your venture.
Domain Name Registration FAQs
Which domain extension is the best?
It is always advised to go for .com domains because they are the most popular and can be easily recollected by the users of your website.
There are several other options available including .net and .org but they are less common and hence difficult for your visitors to remember and look up.
What happens if my domain name registration expires?
Once your registration expires you will lose the authority over the domain names. While some companies offer a grace period for renewal, others have an auto-renewal option which is highly recommended to ensure continuation.
How to register a name for free?
It is not possible to register a domain without buying it. However, domain names can be leased at a fairly reasonable price and hence it is rather a wise investment to secure them for your business.
How to own your domain name forever?
The best way to own a domain name for years is by leasing it for a longer period (10 years) and renewing the lease on time.
Can domain names be stolen?
Domain theft does occur and to safeguard your domain name, it is crucial to pick a reliable registrar and set up a strong password with additional authentication.
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