Just because you purchase a domain name once does not mean it is yours forever, you have to do a domain name renewal regularly. This article will cover tips on getting a domain name and keeping your domain name at the time of domain name renewal.

One of the most important things a business or individual can have is a Web address. Your domain name is an important part of who you are on the Internet. However, it is important to understand that when you have a domain name, it isn’t yours after just buying it once. Indeed, cyber real estate is more like a rental. You have to keep renewing your domain name.

Getting a domain name

You can’t just set up shop and have any domain name that you want. Instead, you have to go through an accredited registrar. This domain name also has to be one that is not registered elsewhere. It needs to be original. Most registrars have a search feature. You type in your desired domain name, and your desired ending (.com, .net, .org, .biz, etc.). The search then lets you know whether or not your preferred domain name is available. If it is, it is only a matter paying for it and moving forward.

If your desired domain name is not available, you will have to try some other options, or variations. However, it is important to be careful not to change things so that customers won’t recognize you. Also, you will have to be aware that adding random numbers to your domain name won’t do you any favors, either. You can also search for expired domain names and domain names that are about to expire, and try to secure those instead.

Keeping your domain name

Once you have a domain name, it becomes important that you keep it. You don’t want to end up with your domain name expiring on you. If you don’t keep paying for your domain name (on average, this costs between $7 and $35 per year), you can lose it. In many cases, it is possible to secure a domain name for between two and five years, paying a larger fee each time, but making sure you have the domain name for a longer period of time. 10 years is the current and accepted limit, although there are some attempts to get 99 year registrations.

Most registrars will remind you as your renewal period approaches. This is extremely helpful, since you will be able to see when a renewal is needed, and act accordingly. Some also offer automatic renewal, so that the renewal fee comes out of your bank account or credit card account regularly without you having to do anything. In these cases, though, it is important to remember that expiration dates on credit cards or changes to your bank account can mean that you miss a renewal. So remember that domain name renewal is a regular bill that needs to be paid.

Even if you do miss your renewal date, there is a 30 day grace period. This grace period provides you the opportunity to renew your domain name, without interrupted service, and for the same rate you already pay. If you miss even the grace period, your service will be interrupted. But you will still have first claim on your domain name for the next 60 days. You may have to pay an additional fee, though. If you still haven’t paid for your domain name, it is revoked and becomes available to others. If you want it back at this point, you will have to try to reclaim it. If others want the name as well, you might have to out bid them.

In the end, it is much easier just to renew regularly. Most domain names are relatively inexpensive, and it counts as a business expense. Set up automatically, or arrange for regular reminders. This way, you will be able to renew as needed, and you won’t risk losing your domain name.

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