What is a Domain Registrar?

TL;DR

• A domain registrar helps you buy, register and manage your website's domain name.
• Registrars act as intermediaries between you and the registries that run each extension.
• Good registrars offer DNS management, renewals, security features and clear support.
• For gTLDs such as .com, ICANN accredits the registrars. For .eg, the Egyptian Universities Network (EUN) runs the registry and sets the rules.
• A .eg name needs documents and a review, so it takes longer to register than a .com.
• HostAfrica sells .eg domains, along with .com, .africa and many other extensions.

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.

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 a domain name that represents the IP address of your business website and is easy for people to remember.

In this article, we 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. For .eg, the Egyptian country-code domain, IANA lists the Egyptian Universities Network (EUN), under the Supreme Council of Universities, as the manager. The registry website is domain.eg.

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 usually sell domain names to the public themselves. Instead, they work through registration bodies, known as domain registrars.

For gTLDs, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) accredits the registrars. An ICANN-accredited registrar registers gTLD names with the gTLD registries. ICANN accreditation does not cover .eg. For .eg, you apply through one of the internet companies that the registry lists, or directly to the registry by e-mail with its application form (domain.eg, how to register).

Once authorized, 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 registry that manages .biz domains. HostAfrica is an ICANN-accredited registrar for gTLDs such as .com and .biz, with IANA registrar ID 664. 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 show you a list of alternative TLDs that you could use.

Domain Management

Domain registrars also let users 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. A gTLD name is typically registered for a year at a time. A .eg name registers for a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years (domain.eg, eligibility and duration). After the time limit is over, you need to renew your domain registration for a fee. Renewal fees may vary depending on the registrar and the domain extension.

Many domain registrars, such as HostAfrica, provide auto-renewal services, so your domain renews without you having to worry about a manual renewal. If you don't renew a gTLD name after it expires, it can become available for others to register.

A .eg name follows its own registry rules (domain.eg, renewal and grace period):

• The registry renews .eg domains automatically, and payment is due within one month.
• If the renewal stays unpaid, the name stops working one month after the due date.
• Three months after the due date, an unpaid name is released for anyone to register.
• A holder may cancel before the term ends by formal request, with no refund (domain.eg, terms and conditions).

DNS Settings

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

DNS settings include pointing one domain name to another (CNAME), managing the mail servers for your domain name (MX), and adding records that help protect your outgoing mail (TXT). Our guide on how to set up DNS walks you through the steps.

For a .eg name, the registration form asks for a primary and a secondary name server with their IP addresses. A later name server change goes to the registry on a signed form on your letterhead, sent by e-mail, and the registry processes it within two working days (domain.eg, modify technical data).

Privacy Protection

For gTLDs such as .com, many domain registrars offer WHOIS protection, which keeps the data of domain registrants (website owners) private. This keeps sensitive information like the registrant's name, address and contact details out of the public database. This is especially important given domain hijacking incidents.

Privacy options differ from one extension to the next. Before you register a .eg name, check what your registrar offers for it, and use contact details that you are happy to show in public, such as a business e-mail address.

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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 and website building. Our how to pay page lists the payment methods HostAfrica accepts.

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 you're always kept in the loop.

Enhanced Security Features

Enhanced security such as 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) and domain locks gives users an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access, domain hijacking and unauthorized domain transfers.

Compliance with ICANN's Legal Policies

For gTLDs, 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 safe, 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 disputes over gTLD names and trademarks, registrars must comply with the UDRP (Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy) to resolve them.

For .eg, the EUN sets the rules. It may cancel a registration that breaks them (domain.eg, terms and conditions).

Choosing a Registrar for a .eg Domain

If you target customers in Egypt, you may want a .eg name. The registry runs direct second-level .eg names, open to all entities, and zones such as .com.eg for commercial use (domain.eg, sub-domain names). HostAfrica sells .eg domains and bills in Egyptian pounds. You can see the current prices on the domains page.

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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 bodies that organizations such as ICANN, or a registry itself, authorize 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 extra 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 to your cart. At this stage, you can also add any hosting services you might want.
3. Fill in your details and choose a payment method. Our how to pay page lists the options.
4. Complete the payment.

A .eg name needs a few more steps, because the registry reviews each application and its documents (domain.eg, registration requirements):

• A company in Egypt: For .com.eg, .net.eg or .info.eg, the registry asks for a commercial register or a tax card, plus a copy of the national ID of the owner or authorised representative.
• A company outside Egypt: For those zones, the registry asks for a certificate of incorporation and a trademark for the name, registered in Egypt or under the Madrid system. An entity without a headquarters in Egypt registers only through an authorised representative or agent in Egypt.
• A name based on a brand or a product: A brand name needs proof that you own the trademark. A product name needs proof that the product exists.
• A direct .eg name: A second-level .eg name has its own review. Approval under .com.eg does not carry over to the same name under .eg.

Registration is first come, first served on a complete application. Because the registry checks the documents, a .eg name takes longer to register than a gTLD such as .com.

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: Shorter and simpler domain names are easier to remember and easier to share with others. For example, www.orangetreeconsulting.com is easier to remember and share than www.orangetreeconsultingandmarketingservices.com.
• Incorporate keywords: Relevant keywords in your domain name can boost your SEO and visibility without sounding forced. For example, if you sell organic coffee beans, a domain name like www.organicbrew.com blends keyword relevance with branding.
• Avoid numbers and hyphens: Numbers and hyphens can create confusion about the exact domain name, especially when you tell someone the name out loud. For example, www.tshirts4you.com could be confused with www.tshirtsforyou.com.
• Choose the right extension: While .com is the most popular TLD, don't be afraid to consider other extensions like .io or .tech for tech companies, or .eg for a business that targets Egypt.

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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 first steps:

Choose a Web Hosting Provider

A web host stores the files needed for your website to operate smoothly. Choose a web hosting service for your domain based on your budget, your expected website traffic and the support the web host provides.

Set Up DNS Settings

Once you've chosen a hosting provider, you'll need to set up your domain's DNS settings so that when users type your domain name into their browser, they reach your web host's server and 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, or go with a website platform like WordPress, Wix or Squarespace. Whatever option you choose, make sure the layout is user-friendly and complements your brand identity. And don't forget to optimize it for mobile users!

Implement SSL Certification

An SSL certificate keeps the data transferred between your server and your website users private. It encrypts that data, which secures your site and can also help your SEO.

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FAQs About Domain Registrars

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Conclusion

Now you know what domain name registration involves, why it's important and what to consider when you register. HostAfrica sells .eg, .com, .africa and many other extensions. See the current prices on our domains page.

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