To Pay or not to Pay the Extra Fee for Private Domain Name Registration
That is a question I often get asked by new business entrepreneurs. In this episode, I explore the pros and cons of each so you are fully informed the next time you register a new domain name.
When you register your new domain name do you wonder if you should pay extra for private registration or not?
First it is important to understand that all of our domain names are governed by ICANN (The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers).
They require that your contact information be associated with the domain you are registering.
They then publish those domains in the WHOIS database, which is accessible by anyone.
If you have a .ca TLD at the end then CIRA (Canadian Internet Registration Authority) is the governing body because those are Canadian. They automatically register those as private so you don’t need to worry about privacy for .ca domains.
Pros to Privacy Registration
When selecting privacy as an option, then users will not be able to see your address or contact information associated with your domain.
As a result of the public not being able to see who owns the domain, you’ll get far less spam emails and solicitation.
The other benefit of going private is you can pick and choose what information is displayed.
If your competitors are a concern, then privacy will keep them from finding who owns the domain they’re researching.
Cons to Privacy Registration
ICANN will not associate you with the domain as the registrar if privacy is selected. If there are ever any legal issues pertaining to the domain, then the claimant of the domain would be the registrar. It’s slim-to-none that this will be an issue but it’s worth noting the possibility.
Privacy also incurs the annual dues charged by the registrar.
Alternative Options to Going Private
You can leave off privacy and sign up for a PO Box for the mailing address and secondary email specific to that URL to catch all the spam and you’ll still be able to maintain it.
At the end of the day if privacy is a concern, then it’s well worth investing in. You are the best one to judge which is right for you and your business. We hope these tips help you make the right decision.
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To your business success,
Susan Friesen
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About the Author, Susan Friesen
Located in the lower mainland of B.C., Susan Friesen is a visionary brand strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of British Columbia’s premiere boutique web development and digital marketing agency, eVision Media.
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she is an expert in helping businesses establish their online presence and create a strong brand identity.
Her passion for empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners to succeed in the digital world has earned her a reputation as a leading authority in the branding and marketing industry.
Visit www.BrandIdentitySteps.com and download your FREE guide: "Unlocking Customer Trust and Business Growth: Your 7-Step Guide to Defining a Compelling Brand Identity that Appeals to Your Perfect Clients".
