What is a Domain Registrar?

A domain registrar, sometimes called a DNS registrar (Domain Name Server registrar), is a business entity that helps users buy a unique domain name for their online identity which no one else can use.

Just like you need a postal address to help people find your office, you need a website address to help people find your website among the vast expanse of the Internet. To do that, your domain must be registered with the relevant registry, and domain registrars are the intermediaries that make it happen.

Every website you visit has a domain name (i.e. website address) which means that every business or website owner of the 1.09 billion websites in the world today has gone through the process of registering their website’s domain name. Without a domain name, it doesn’t matter how beautiful or functional your website is…because no one will be able to visit it. And what good would that do for your business?

Computers use IP addresses to identify websites (for example, 193.0.5.8 is an IP address) but humans can’t remember those! We need memorable names instead. That’s why it’s important to register an alphanumeric domain name that represents the unique IP address for your business website and is easy for people to remember/

In the following blog, we will talk in depth about how a domain registrar works, why you need one, and how to choose the right domain registrar for your needs.

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What Does a Domain Registrar Do?

So how exactly does a domain registrar work?

Before we dive into that, it’s important to note that domain registrars are not the same as domain registries. Different registries manage and maintain different top-level domains (TLDs). For example, Verisign is the service provider that maintains the.com domain registry. 

Everything which comes after the last dot of a domain name is called a top-level domain (TLD). Generic top-level domains (gTLDs) such as .com, .net, and .org are widely used, but other domain name extensions like .biz and .info are also common. However, registries don’t sell domain names directly. Instead, they delegate this responsibility to ICANN accredited registration bodies, known as domain registrars.

In order to operate, domain name registrars must be accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) which is a global nonprofit entity that maintains a central registry for all domain names (in other words, the online address book). 

Once authorized by ICANN, registrars can sell domain names to end users and every time they sell a domain, they register it with the appropriate registry which includes information about who bought the domain.

Having said that, let’s look at a few key functions of domain registrars below.

Domain Name Registration

Let’s say you want to start an online business for hats called, Off The Top Of My Head. You want your domain name to be www.offthetopofmyhead.biz. You approach a registrar such as HOSTAFRICA to register the domain name on your behalf with the domain name registry that manages .biz domains. HOSTAFRICA will inform the .biz registry to reserve the domain name for you and will pay a fee on your behalf, an amount that’s included in the fee that’s collected from you.

If the domain name you want is already taken, the registrar will provide you with a list of alternate TLDs that you could use.

Domain Management

Domain registrars also allow users to manage their domain settings through an easy-to-navigate dashboard for their account.

Here are some common domain management services:

Renewals

Domain names are reserved for users for limited periods of time only, typically a year. After the time limit is over, you are required to renew your domain registration for a fee which is usually slightly higher than the initial yearly fee you paid to first register your domain. Renewal fees may vary depending on the registrar and domain extension.

Many domain registrars such as HOSTAFRICA provide auto-renewal services so that your domain is renewed automatically each year without you having to worry about manual renewal. If you don’t renew your domain after it expires, it becomes available for others to register, and you may lose your free domain benefits tied to certain promotions.

DNS Settings

Using your dashboard, you can also change your DNS settings so that your domain name points users to the correct server and corresponding IP address for your website, ensuring that the correct website shows up on the screen.

DNS settings include redirecting one domain name to another (CNAME), managing mail servers for your specific domain name (MX), and adding encryption to your outgoing mail for added security (TXT).  

Privacy Protection

Domain registrars play a big role in DNS security and domain name privacy by keeping the data of domain registrants (website owners) private using WHOIS protection. This keeps sensitive information like the domain registrant’s name, address, and contact details concealed in the public database. This is especially important given domain hijacking incidents.

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Why Do You Need a Domain Registrar?

There are many reasons you need a domain registrar, including:

Secure Payment Processing

Since you need to pay online for a domain registrar’s services, you need a secure payment gateway for services including domain registration, domain renewals, domain transfers, and other complementary services such as web hosting, website building, and privacy protection.

Resources and Support

You need a registrar that can help you manage your domains easily and effectively. Many registrars provide guides, blogs, FAQs, and 24/7 live chat so that users can easily navigate domain management. Many service providers also send emails about upcoming renewals, updated policies, or new features so that you’re always kept in the loop.

Enhanced Security Features

Enhanced security such as 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) and domain locks allow registrars to provide users with an extra layer of security that protects them against unauthorized access, domain hijacking, and unauthorized domain transfers.

Compliance with ICANN’s Legal Policies

Domain registrars are responsible for adhering to ICANN’s policies in order to maintain a high standard of service. These responsibilities include:

• Maintaining WHOIS data: Registrars must keep registration information accurate, updated, and accessible for transparency and accountability. 
• Updating registration information: If any registration information changes, registrars must report it promptly to the relevant registry.
• Investigating reported issues: In case of any inaccuracies or discrepancies in registration information, registrars must look into it and correct the errors.
• Data escrow compliance: To keep registration information private and secure, registrars must regularly submit their database of registration information to an escrow agent to maintain data integrity in case of a security breach.
• UDRP compliance: In case of any disputes involving domain names and trademarks, registrars must comply with the UDRP (Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy) to resolve them.

Choosing a domain registrar in South Africa can be a strategic move for local businesses, especially when dealing with a South African audience. Working with a South African ICANN-accredited registrar provides the assurance of local support, competitive pricing, and familiarity with local market needs. Moreover, some South African registrars offer unique perks, such as faster local server speeds and pricing in local currency, which can be beneficial for businesses focused on the South African market.

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How to Choose the Right Domain Registrar

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Domain Registrar vs. Domain Reseller

At this point, it’s important to understand the difference between domain registrars and domain resellers.

Domain Registrars

As you’ve already understood by now, domain registrars are accredited and licensed bodies authorized by organizations such as ICANN to offer domain registration services. They’re responsible for handling domain name applications, domain renewals, and registration information.

Pros	Cons
Direct access to TLD registries, allowing instant updating of information	Higher prices due to their adherence to regulatory frameworks
Secure transactions	Limited personalized customer support compared to smaller resellers
Regulatory compliance, reducing risk of domain issues

Domain Resellers

Domain resellers are businesses that offer domain registration services without being accredited with the central registry themselves. They work by purchasing domain names from accredited bodies and then reselling them to end users for a finder’s fee.

Pros	Cons
Competitive prices and budget-friendly options	No direct registry access which may cause delays or having to complete additional steps to complete registration
Tailored services for specific customer needs	Potential instability in offering long-term customer support
	Higher prices in the long run since maintenance and service fees can add up

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How to Register a Domain with a Domain Registrar

Here’s what the domain registration process looks like with HOSTAFRICA:

1. Enter the domain name you want to check its availability.

2. Add the domain name you want to your cart and also select the payment method from the right-side panel. At this stage, you can also add any additional premium hosting services you might want.

3. Click on the green Pay Now button. You will be led to a pop-up which will ask for your personal information.

4. Fill in the details and click on the green Continue button. You will be redirected to a payment gateway.
5. Complete the payment.
6. Voila! You now have a registered domain name in just a few simple steps.

Choosing a Domain Name

When choosing a domain name, keep the following tips in mind for better visibility and memorability:

• Keep it short and simple: Since you’re running a business, you want domain names that are short and sweet because shorter and simpler domain names are easier to remember and also easier to share with others. For example, www.orangetreeconsulting.com is easier to remember and share than www.orangetreeconsultingandmarketingservices.com.
• Incorporate keywords: Strategically incorporating relevant keywords in your domain name can boost your SEO and visibility without sounding forced. For example, if you sell organic coffee beans, then a domain name like www.organicbrew.com will blend keyword relevance with branding.
• Avoid numbers and hyphens: Numbers and hyphens can create some confusion about what the exact domain name is, especially when telling someone verbally. For example, www.tshirts4you.com could be confused with www.tshirtsforyou.com.
• Choose the right extension: While .com TLDs are the most popular, don’t be afraid to consider other extensions like .io or .tech for tech companies or .uk for country-specific ones.

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What to Do After Registering a Domain

Now that your domain name is registered, what should you do next? Here are the most important initial steps: 

Choose a Web Hosting Provider

A web host stores the files needed for your website to operate smoothly. You should choose a web hosting service for your domain based on your budget, estimated website traffic, and the support provided by the web host.

Set Up DNS Settings

Once you’ve chosen a hosting service provider, you’ll need to set up your domain’s DNS settings so that when users type your domain name into their browser, they’re directed to your web host’s server and, consequently, to your website. Your host will give you the information you need to manage your DNS settings.

Build Your Website

Many domain registrars also provide web hosting and website building services. You could use these complementary services at a lower cost than other website building services or go with a dedicated website builder like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace. Whatever option you choose, ensure that the layout is user-friendly and compliments your brand identity. And don’t forget to optimize it for mobile users!

Implement SSL Certification

SSL certification is an important step in keeping the data transferred between your server and website users private. SSL certificates encrypt data so that it secures your site and also improves your SEO ranking.

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FAQs About Domain Registrars

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Conclusion

Now you know what domain name registration entails, why it’s important, and what factors are important to consider during the process of registration. With HOSTAFRICA’s domain registration services, you can register a domain using a wide range of TLDs at affordable prices.

Establish an online presence for your business with a carefully chosen domain name and watch your business grow with the right domain registration partner!