Selecting a Domain Name Registrar - How to Avoid Getting Burned
* Make Sure You Own It
First of all, when you register and buy your domain name you want to make sure you are buying it and that it is yours. You don't want to simply register a domain name under someone else's control. This looks unprofessional and does not give you the presence on the web you are looking for. Instead, ask the registrar if you are buying the URL and if you will own it, the answer might surprise you.
* ICANN Accreditation
No matter what domain name registrar you choose make sure they are accredited by ICANN, which stands for the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers. If they are accredited, then they are more than likely a legitimate registrar with which to do business.
* Expiration Date
You also need to ask how long you are buying the URL for and what the expiration date is. There is nothing worse than not knowing how long your registration is good for and then all of a sudden having you URL expire. Don't let this happen to you! Instead, register your domain name for as many years in advance as possible and if the address is about to expire let your registrar know you expect to receive notification.
* Contact Information
Contact information for your domain name registrar should be readily available and they should be available at all times that they say they are. You might want to test this to make sure they are available before you buy from them. There is no particular registrar you must buy from, so if you are uncomfortable with one simply move on to another.
* Hosting
Another important question to ask your domain name registrar is if they offer hosting services as well. Many of them do and frequently a two in one package is an easy and effective way to go. However, make sure you have all the information and answers you need before buying a domain name or signing up for hosting.
About the Author
Michael Turner reveals his foolproof way to increase website traffic in his free 7 part mini-series. Grab it free right now at http://www.powertraffictactics.com/