What a registrar does
The registrar records that you hold the domain, handles yearly renewals and lets you change settings like contact details and which DNS servers the domain uses. Registrars for common endings like .com are accredited by ICANN.
Registrar versus host
The registrar holds your domain. The host stores your website files. Some companies do both, but you can keep them separate and point the domain to any host through DNS.
Common choices
Well-known registrars include GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare and Squarespace, which took over Google Domains in 2023. Prices, renewal costs and features like free privacy protection vary, so compare renewal prices, not just the first-year deal.
Why Domain Registrar matters
Your domain is one of your most important business assets. If a registration lapses or the account is lost, your website and email can go down and the domain can even end up with someone else.
The domain an old agency controlled
A small business found its domain was registered in a former web agency's account. Getting it transferred took weeks of back and forth. Since then, the owner keeps the domain in a company account with two-factor login and auto-renew on.
Common mistakes
Registering in someone else's name
Keep the domain in your company's name and account, not an employee's or agency's.
Ignoring renewal prices
Cheap first-year deals often renew at much higher prices. Check the renewal cost before you buy.
Weak account security
Turn on two-factor login and registrar lock to protect against hijacking and unwanted transfers.
Where we work on this