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.rw, RICTA runs the registry and accredits the registrars that sell.rwnames. .rwregistration is open, with no residency or citizenship requirement.- HostAfrica is a RICTA-accredited
.rwregistrar, and also sells.com,.africaand 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.
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 .rw, the Rwandan country-code domain, IANA lists the Rwanda Internet Community and Technology Alliance (RICTA) as the manager. RICTA describes itself as a not-for-profit organisation, formed in 2005 to manage .rw and the Rwanda internet exchange point.
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 .rw. For .rw, you register through one of the registrars that RICTA accredits (RICTA, registrars).
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. RICTA confirms a .rw name can be paid for more than one year at a time, and Irembo gives the range as 1 to 10 years (Irembo, FAQs about RW domain registration). 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.
According to the same Irembo page, Irembo sends a renewal notice by e-mail, and a name that is not renewed may become available to the public. If you registered through another registrar, check how it sends reminders. Renew before the expiry date so you don't risk losing it.
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.
Because .rw names are registered through RICTA-accredited registrars, you manage the name servers and DNS of a .rw name through your registrar, in the same way as any other domain.
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 .rw 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.
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, round-the-clock support and 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 .rw, RICTA sets the rules. Its Registry-Registrar Agreement requires registrars to keep registrant WHOIS data accurate, and RICTA may suspend or delete a domain that breaks its WHOIS policy. Disputes over .rw names fall under the .RW Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy, which WIPO describes as a variation of the UDRP. A complaint goes to the WIPO Center or the Kigali International Arbitration Center (KIAC), and the remedies are cancellation or transfer of the name.
Choosing a Registrar for a .rw Domain
If you target customers in Rwanda, you may want a .rw name. The registry offers direct .rw names and zones such as .co.rw for companies, .org.rw for not-for-profits and NGOs, and .net.rw for network companies (Irembo, FAQs about RW domain registration). HostAfrica is a RICTA-accredited .rw registrar (RICTA, registrars) and bills in Rwandan francs. You can see the current prices on the .rw domain page.
How to Choose the Right Domain Registrar
Pricing
This is definitely a key aspect to analyze when choosing a domain registrar. Depending on which TLD you want for your website, the pricing can vary between different registrars. But apart from the upfront cost, there are other costs to keep in mind, such as renewal fees and the cost of additional features. Some registrars offer a low introductory price that comes with higher long-term costs or poor customer support.
Support
A good domain registrar should include excellent customer support as part of its services. To get a feel for what you are signing up for, try asking some questions in the live chat on a domain registrar's website and see how prompt the representative is, and how well they answer your queries. That will be an indication of what's to come.
Reputation
When selecting a domain registrar, choose one that is reliable and easy to work with. Go through customer reviews and research the pros and cons of your shortlisted domain registrars thoroughly to understand which one will be the best fit for your business needs. Even though transferring your domain to another registrar is often an option, it's better to choose a trustworthy service provider to begin with and save yourself a lot of headaches down the road.
Extra Features
It will be beneficial for you in the long run to choose a registrar that offers a range of services beyond domain name registration. Many registrars also offer web hosting, website builders, domain name privacy, SSL encryption, automatic renewals, email address management and a wide range of domain name extensions to choose from. As a busy website owner, it is more convenient to have all your website services under one roof.
For example, HostAfrica also sells web hosting with a free SSL certificate and a free .africa domain, email hosting and a website builder.
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 |
How to Register a Domain with a Domain Registrar
Here's what the domain registration process looks like with HostAfrica:
- Enter the domain name you want, to check its availability.
- Add the domain name to your cart. At this stage, you can also add any hosting services you might want.
- Fill in your details and choose a payment method. Our how to pay page lists the options.
- Complete the payment.
A .rw name follows the same steps. A few registry points are worth knowing first:
- Who can register:
.rwregistration is open. Irembo says there are no specific residency or citizenship requirements, and WIPO describes.rwregistration as unrestricted. - A company name: If you register a domain for a company that pays for it, Irembo advises that it should normally be registered in the company's name. RICTA treats the listed registrant as the domain's owner.
.co.rwis the zone intended for companies. - Restricted zones: Some zones are restricted. Irembo says
.coop.rwneeds documents from the Rwanda Cooperatives Agency..gov.rwis for government entities and, according to Irembo, can only be registered through AOS. - Your statements: Under the .RW Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy, when you register or renew a
.rwname you state that your registration details are complete and accurate, that the name does not to your knowledge infringe anyone else's rights, and that you will not use it for an unlawful purpose.
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.comis easier to remember and share thanwww.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.comblends 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.comcould be confused withwww.tshirtsforyou.com. - Choose the right extension: While
.comis the most popular TLD, don't be afraid to consider other extensions like .io or .tech for tech companies, or .rw for a business that targets Rwanda.
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.
FAQs About Domain Registrars
Can I transfer my domain to another registrar?
For a gTLD such as .com, yes. You can transfer your domain name registration from one accredited registrar to another. All you need to do is start a domain transfer request with the registrar you want to transfer to.
For a .rw name, RICTA's Registry-Registrar Agreement requires registrars to let registrants transfer easily to another registrar. Start the transfer with the RICTA-accredited registrar you want to move to.
What happens if I forget to renew my domain?
For a gTLD, your domain name is deactivated once the registration expires. Services linked to your domain name, such as custom email, also stop working, and the name can become open for other users to buy.
For a .rw name, Irembo says it sends a renewal notice by e-mail, and that a name that is not renewed may become available to the public. RICTA's published policies do not set out a grace or redemption period, so don't count on getting a lapsed name back. Watch for your registrar's reminder and renew in time.
What's the difference between a domain registrar and web hosting?
Domain registrars register your domain name for you with a TLD registry. Web hosting providers store the files your website needs and connect it to the internet.
How long does it take to register a domain?
A gTLD such as .com typically takes between 24 and 72 hours to be registered. For .rw, Irembo, the Rwandan government e-services portal, says a registration through its channel is usually processed in under 10 minutes once payment is confirmed.
Is WHOIS protection necessary?
WHOIS protection is not strictly necessary, but it is useful, because it keeps the personal information of registrants out of public view. Privacy options differ by extension, so check what your registrar offers for the extension you choose.
Conclusion
Now you know what domain name registration involves, why it's important and what to consider when you register. HostAfrica is a RICTA-accredited .rw registrar and sells .rw, .co.rw, .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!
