10 Best Domain Name Registrars to Use for Businesses (2024)

Ryan Patrick

• 9 min read
10 Best Domain Name Registrars to Use for Businesses (2024)

As a business owner, having a website for your brand is key to your business growth. To own a business website, you would need a unique domain name. This name must be registered with a domain name registrar before you can start and complete your website set-up.

There are varieties of domain name registrars in the market and each offers several amazing features and tools. It could be confusing to choose the best for your use. But not to worry. In this guide, Incorpuk explores the 10 best domain name registrars so you can make the best decision.

What is Domain Name and Domain Name Registrar?

A domain name is a unique name used in identifying a website from another while a domain name registrar is the company or brand from which a domain name is purchased and registered. There are several domain name registrars and they offer varying domain prices, features, extensions etc.

What to Look Out for When Choosing a Domain Name Registrar

There are several domain name registrars you can choose for your domain. However, selecting the most suitable one is key. You should understand the point discussed below before deciding on the one to use.

1. Pricing

One of the first things to check when deciding on a Domain name registrar is the pricing. While some companies might offer lower prices on the first purchase, they could offer a higher price when renewing. Similarly, you might be required to pay more if you decide to transfer your domain.

Most domain name registrars would require that you register your domain name for at least a year while some could be up to 2 years. There's always the chance to renew your domain name once the first subscription expires. With that, you can turn on the auto-renewal option during your first registration.

If you are just starting a business, going for the 1-year registration would be best if you're managing funds. Moreover, you'll be able to gather first-hand experience that could guide your decision in the following years.

2. Domain Transfer

With every domain name that you choose and use for your business, you can decide to change registrar. This means you can move your domain from one domain registrar to the other.

This is usually a straightforward process, but some registrar companies could make it complicated for you. On the other hand, they could even outrageously charge for it.

So it's best to understand the transfer policies of the registrar companies before using them. Also, it is worth knowing that you can only transfer your domain name after 3 months of registration with a company.

3. Adds on Services

After registering a domain name, there are several settings you'll need to do before your website can be active and running. Many registrars offer additional services and tools to aid this, but you need to check the type of add-on they offer and even if they offer one.

Some of the add-on Services include SSL, email hosting services, domain parking etc.

4. User's Experience and Reviews

Looking out for past user's experiences and reviews is important when selecting a domain name registrar. You should be able to gauge what several users have to say about their domain use, customer support and so on.

If a domain name registrar offers several add-on services and an affordable domain registration fee but their website is complicated to use, then it makes no sense to go for that type of company especially if you're a new start-up company.

You should also be ready to check for their reviews online. Plenty of positive reviews of a company could mean their services are great. However, too many negative reviews could mean otherwise.

5. Expiration Policy

If you register a domain name, you'll be required to renew in subsequent years. Several companies have different domain expiration policies and you must be sure of it before deciding on a registrar.

Also, you should ensure that the company has an auto-renewal option that automatically renews your purchase when it expires. While some companies allow your domain name to renew even after the expiration date, others do not. This simply means that your domain name will be made available to another buyer once you fail to renew on the expiration date. So it's important to be aware of the expiration policy of a registrar company before using them.

6. Security

Another crucial factor to look out for is the level of security associated with each domain name company. Be sure to look for the kind of security measures provided for domains as there are many unscrupulous individuals who are ready to take over your domain. They could hijack your domain account, access your email addresses and retrieve sensitive information about your business.

7. Customer Support

Of utmost importance is their customer support service. Even if you don't need it during domain registration, you might need it at a later time. Be sure to check what their support service is like. You can get to know this by checking for reviews online. Be sure to ascertain if they have a 24/7 support service. Are they available to answer your call or respond to your chat? Can you easily reach them via email, website or social media handles? All of these would contribute to the kind of experience you would have with them.

10 Best Domain Name Registrar

Domain name registrars offer so many amazing features, tools, services, support etc that make them stand out from the rest. Here are our 10 best domain name registrars.

1. Bluehost

Bluehost is a popular and widely known registrar company also recommended by WordPress. In terms of cost, they could be more expensive than some other companies, but they offer several amazing tools. Apart from that, they have a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you aren't satisfied with their service.

Their domain management service is top-notch. Even as a beginner, you will be able to easily navigate your domain interface. You also have the chance to enable or disable the auto-renewal option, so you don't lose your domain name when your registration expires.

Pros

  1. Autorenewal option is available
  2. Offers great domain management services
  3. Have a live chat, phone call and email support
  4. Gives 30 days money back guarantee
  5. Easy-to-navigate interface
  6. Offers free domain name registration if you purchase with hosting

Cons

  1. Quite Expensive

2. GoDaddy

GoDaddy has been around since the late 1990s. It remains one of the largest and oldest domain name registrars. Beyond that, it offers Web hosting, Web building and so on.

It also offers some domain management services that allow you to organize your domains easily. While on their platform, you can easily use their tools to check if your selected domain name is available. Also, you can transfer your domain or adjust some settings without stress.

Pros

  1. Easy to use and navigate
  2. ICANN Accredited
  3. Has good adds-on services
  4. Great customer support

Cons

  1. Prices could increase after the first registration

3. Hostinger

Hostinger is another reputable domain name registrar and Web hosting company. They are ICANN Accredited, offer a 100% money-back guarantee and provide reliable customer support.

Hostinger Boost of several tools that you can use to manage your domain including free SSL certificate, autorenewal, DNS protection and so on.

Pros

  1. Offers free domain name with Web hosting
  2. Affordable hosting prices
  3. ICANN Accredited
  4. Good Customer support service

Cons

  1. Extra charges apply for privacy protection

4. Namecheap

Namecheap is also one of the top domain registrars that has been around for a long number of years. They offer domain name registration, Web hosting, domain transfer etc. They also give many add-on services like secure DNS, email forwarding service and so on.

One of the interesting features that makes most customers attracted to Namecheap is the domain privacy service that they offer free of charge. No matter the domain name that you select, your domain security is assured. They have an easy-to-navigate domain search tool and their customer support service is great.

Pros

  1. Provides good security
  2. Domain is straightforward to transfer
  3. Great customer support
  4. ICANN Accredited
  5. Offers adds-on services

Cons

  1. Expensive domain extensions

5. Domain.com

Domain.com has been in existence since 2000 and it was founded in the US. It has an easy-to-use domain search tool that allows you to quickly find a suitable domain name. Included in it are domain management system which you can use to edit and organize your domain.

Aside from domain name registration, domain.com also offers services like Web hosting, website building, professional emails etc. It also offers privacy protection and SSL certificates at a fee. There are also a lot of articles on their platform to aid your domain management. Alternatively, you can always contact their customer support for help.

Pros

  1. Highly reputable company
  2. Offers a free domain name with hosting
  3. Exceptionally organized system
  4. Customer Support is great
  5. Offers fair prices

Cons

  1. Privacy protection and some other features aren't free

6. HostGator

HostGator is also a popular company known for its domain registration, Web hosting and building. Their platforms allow you to search for your desired domain name and make suggestions for the ones available.

There are varieties of add-on services on HostGator and you can transfer your domain easily from the company even as a beginner. If you transfer your domain from another registrar to HostGator, you'll be allowed to renew your domain and lock it for free. Also if you don't meet up with the domain renewal on the expiration date, you'll be given a little grace to save your domain name.

Pros

  1. Easy to navigate domain interface
  2. Good Customer service support
  3. Easy domain transfer
  4. Has a grace period that could save your domain name after expiration

Cons

  1. Privacy protection is quite expensive

7. Name.com

Name.com is another domain registrar that has been gaining customers all over the globe. They also provide services like Web hosting and building, email hosting etc. They also offer a free domain name if you aim to do your Web hosting with them. Their domain search tool is easy to use and there's a live chat support to help you.

Pros

  1. Web hosting comes with a free domain name
  2. High security is ensured
  3. ICANN Accredited
  4. Several added features

Cons

  1. Domain transfer is quite expensive

8. GoogleDomains

GoogleDomains is a domain name registrar owned by Google. So even if you aren't familiar with other domain companies, you'll surely know this. To buy a domain name, simply go to their search name tools and look out for the name availability. You can save the names searched in favourites till you're done. Prices of domain names are relatively fair as you can get one for 10 pounds per year. Also, privacy protection is free for all domains purchased.

Pros

  1. Easy to use and navigate
  2. Privacy protection is free
  3. There are availability of learning centres
  4. Reputable and popular brand

Cons

  1. Non-availability of many extensions

9. NetworkSolutions

NetworkSolutions is one of the biggest domain companies in the world. They also offer Web hosting, building and business email addresses. Beyond that, they have a top-notch 24/7 customer support service. With this company, you can decide to lock down your domain for up to 100 years, however, you'll be required to pay a fee for it.

You can opt-in for relatively cheap domains from them and you can also buy the high-priced ones depending on your desire. There's a 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren't satisfied with their service.

Pros

  • Have varying prices to suit different categories of businesses
  • Easy-to-navigate interface
  • Great customer support
  • Web hosting is cheap

Cons

  • Hosting solutions are few.

10. IONOS

IONOS company offer relatively cheap domain names. Apart from domain registration, they also provide services like Web hosting and building, email hosting etc. With this company, you can easily get all the tools needed for your website in a place.

There is also a transfer lock available for every domain you purchase, so anyone won't be able to transfer your domain without your knowledge.

Pros

  1. There's no hidden fees attached
  2. Relatively cheap
  3. Varieties of add-on services
  4. Good Customers support

Cons

  1. Has a complex interface

Things to Note When Choosing a Domain Name

Here are some of the points to note when choosing a domain name:

1. Keep it short and simple

Your domain name should preferably be short and simple. This would enable your audience to easily remember and search for your brand when needed. Using a long name could make it hard for people to remember your brand. All of these could lead to a reduction in traffic and sales.

2. Make use of keywords

Using the right keyword in your domain name could enhance your website visibility. When potential customers make searches for a product or service through search engines, they are most likely going to use a keyword that is related to the product or service.

Using the proper keywords in your domain name simply tells the search engine what your website is all about which makes it easier for customers to find you when needed.

3. Avoid using numbers and hyphens

Using numbers and hyphens in your domain name could unnecessarily complicate things for you. When you are being asked of your domain name and you say it out, people won't easily understand if the number will be spelt out in words or written as a figure.

Also, people could easily forget where hyphens and numbers are in your domain name. They could forget where to put them or even miss out on them totally. All of these make it hard for people to easily search for your website let alone visit it.

4. Do not restrict your brand

While selecting a domain name, you should avoid restricting your brand. If you use a name related to a product you sell at the moment, then the name might not fit any longer when you begin to add several other products. For example, if your business deals with diamond-made jewellery and you choose a domain name like diamondbiz.com, this might not fit anymore when your business expands to selling gold, silver and other jewellery materials.

5. Register your domain name earlier

Essentially when you've figured out the domain name to use, it's best to register it on time. Several thousands of domains are registered throughout the world every day. So you don't have to spend a lot of time before registering your domain so other businesses don't register the name before you.

Conclusion

Although there are several domain name registrars around, our guide provided a detailed explanation of the 10 best taking into consideration factors like privacy protection, add-on tools available, ease of use, past customer's experience and reviews, prices, customer support service efficiency, etc. Do you have any questions about the best domain name registrars to use for business? Kindly contact one of our experts here for help today.