New to all things domain management? We’ll take you under our wing with our beginners’ guide to why it matters, plus some handy tips.
Hey there, curious about domain management? You’ve come to the right place. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll dive into what domain management is all about and why it matters for your online presence.
Think of your domain name as your online address. It’s how people find you on the Internet. But just like a real address, there’s more to it than meets the eye.
Domain management is like being the super-organised landlord of your online property. It involves handling all the behind-the-scenes tasks to keep your domain secure, running smoothly, and pointing in the right direction.
In this guide, we’ll try to demystify domain management and offer tips to help you become a domain management expert. Read on to find out more.
What Is Domain Management? In a Nutshell
Domain management is like being the boss of your domain name (or more often, names). It’s all about taking control of your online identity and making sure it’s working for you, not against you.
It’s all the things you need to do to keep your online presence running smoothly, like renewing your domain registration, registering DNS, and pointing your domain to the right website or server. You’re tuning up your domain name so that it keeps operating.
What Is a Web Domain?
So, before we get into the details of domain management, we need to make sure we’re all clear about what a web domain actually is.
Put simply, a domain name (or just “domain”) is the URL people type into their web browser to get to your website. It’s your online postal address and the roadmap that guides people to your website’s location on the Internet.
For example, consider your website www.yourwebsite.com. The part “yourwebsite.com” is your domain name. It’s what makes your website yours. There’s only one www.yourwebsite.com on the web.
But a domain is also a technical domain. It’s a network of code that will map your site to the web. Behind the scenes, your domain is linked to a specific IP address (a series of numbers) that tells web browsers where to find your site.
In this way, when a user enters www.yourwebsite.com in their browser, the DNS system transforms your website name into an IP address and takes the user there.
Who Manages Domain Names in the First Place?
So, which group manages the registration of domain names? Surely, it’s not like anyone can just pick a name and insist that they get it?
Interestingly enough, domain names are managed by a very small handful of root servers on the Internet.
The Guys Running the Show
First, at the top of the domain manager food chain comes ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), the domain-overlord of the domain universe who governs the global domain name system and orders people to mind their Ps and Qs, and that sort of thing.
Under ICANN’s authority, there are lots of different domain name registries, which operate different top-level domains (TLDs). Verisign operates the most commonly used TLDs, .com and .net, and Nominet handles the .uk domain.
But as an individual or business owner, you’ll rarely have direct contact with these big-wigs. Instead, you’ll usually work with a domain registrar, which is a company that’s been authorised as an ICANN-accredited registrar to sell and manage your domain name registration for you.
When you register a domain through a registrar, they handle the technical bits and pieces, like communicating with the right registry and updating the global DNS database. They’re basically your domain name middleman, making the process of registering and managing your domain a whole lot easier.
So, although ICANN and the registries pull the strings behind the scenes, your domain registrar is generally the first port of call when it comes to domain name management matters.
So, How Does Domain Management Work?
Registering business domains is usually done through a domain registrar like us at OnlyDomains or through a brand protection company. You choose your domain name, give some contact information such as your name, a phone number and an address, and choose how long you want the domain name registered for (usually in years).
Only after you register your domain will you be able to access all the fun settings in the control panel provided by your registrar.
Some key aspects of managing a domain include:
- Renewing your domain registration before it expires
- Updating your domain’s DNS settings to point to your website or email server
- Configuring domain privacy settings to protect your personal information
- Transferring your domain to a different registrar, if needed
- Setting up subdomains or domain redirects
- Managing domain contacts and administrative info
Yes, it sounds complicated, but almost all registrars provide friendly online tools and tutorials to make the process easier. And if you’re still stuck, their helpdesk support is often just a phone call or an email away.
Why Is Domain Management Important? Why Should I Care?
So, why should you care about domain management anyway? Is it really that important? In short, yes. Domain management is crucial for heaps of reasons.
Here are just a few key benefits of staying on top of your domain management game:
- Website Stays Online: If you forget to renew your domain registration, your domain could expire, and your website could go offline. Effective domain management helps make sure your site stays up and running without any unexpected downtime.
- Online Brand Protected: Your domain name trademark is a key part of your online identity. By managing your domain name, you can keep others from snagging your domain if you let it expire or from using a similar domain to confuse your customers.
- Website Security Boosted: With the right domain management strategies, you can help protect your website from potential security threats, like domain hijacking or DNS attacks.
- Time and Money Saved: By staying on top of your domain management, you can avoid losing money down the road, like having to pay extra fees to restore an expired domain or dealing with extended website downtime.
What Are Threats to Domains?
Ah, the dreaded threats to domains. While domain management might seem like a simple task, there are plenty of potential pitfalls that can cause some serious headaches and damage to your brand reputation if you’re not careful.
Here are just a few of the many threats that can plague your domain if left unchecked:
- Domain Expiration: If you forget to renew your domain registration, your domain could expire and become available for anyone else to snatch up. This could lead to your website going offline and disrupting your email service. Talk about a bad day.
- Cybersquatting: This is when someone registers a domain that’s similar to your brand name or trademark, often to sell it back to you at a hefty price. It’s similar to extortion, and it can be a real pain to deal with.
- DNS Hijacking: This sneaky tactic involves a hacker gaining unauthorised access to your domain’s DNS settings and redirecting your website traffic to a shady site.
- Phishing Scams: Scammers sometimes create fake websites with domains similar to legitimate brands, tricking innocent users into typing in their personal information. If you don’t have a secure domain name, it could be used in one of these schemes.
- Domain Transfer Issues: If you decide to transfer your domain to a new registrar, the process can sometimes go awry if not handled properly. This could result in your domain being stuck in limbo or even lost altogether.
What Is the Difference Between Hosting and Domain Management?
Hosting is all about the backend storage and performance of your site, while domain management focuses on your website’s address and how it directs visitors to your content.
Kind of like a physical store. A hosting service is like the actual building and utilities that keep your store running, and you’d have a specialist to deal handle issues around it. On the other hand, domain management is more about the signage, ads and the life that help customers find your business.
They both matter, but they play different parts in making your website accessible and successful and are handled by separate service providers.
Let’s break down the differences between domain vs hosting:
| Feature | Hosting | Domain Management |
| Purpose | Provides storage space and resources for your website files, allowing your site to be accessed by visitors | Involves managing your domain name, including registration, renewal, and DNS configuration |
| What it affects | Your website’s performance, speed, and availability | Your website’s web address and how it directs traffic to your site |
| Service provider | Hosting is provided by web-hosting companies like Bluehost, HostGator, or SiteGround | Domain name management services are offered by domain registrars like OnlyDomains |
| Renewal | Hosting plans are typically renewed on a monthly or yearly basis | Domain registrations are renewed annually or for multiple years at a time |
| Transferability | You can transfer your website files to a new hosting provider if needed | You can transfer your domain to a new registrar if you want to |
| Impact on website | If your hosting is down, your website will be inaccessible | If your domain expires or is misconfigured, your website may become unreachable |
| Website requirement | Hosting is essential for your website to function and be accessible online | Domain management is crucial for directing traffic to your website and maintaining your online brand |
What are the Challenges for Domain Management?
Looking after your domain can come with its fair share of challenges. So, let’s explore some of the most common issues with managed domains.
- Keeping Track of Multiple Domains
If you have a few websites or a large organisation with many domains, keeping track of all the registration details, renewal dates, and DNS settings can be a real headache. - Managing DNS Settings
DNS (Domain Name System) settings control the routing of web traffic to your site, and that can get scarily technical if you’re not up to speed with records like A records, CNAME records, and MX records. If you mess up these settings, it can leave your site offline or disconnect your email. - Ensuring Domain Security
Domains can be vulnerable to so many security threats, like DNS hijacking, domain theft, and phishing scams. Setting up proper security measures, like two-factor authentication and domain lock, can be challenging, especially if you’re not savvy in online security best practices. - Keeping WHOIS Information Up-to-Date
WHOIS is a public database that has contact information for domain owners. Keeping this information accurate and up-to-date can be a challenge, especially if you have multiple domains or if your contact details change all the time. Inaccurate WHOIS info can lead to domain suspension or even legal issues.
10 Domain Management Best Practices
Here are 10 domain management best practices to help you manage your online presence like a boss:
- Trademark a Domain Name
Protect your brand by trademarking your domain name. This will stop others using similar names that could confuse your audience or damage your reputation. - Consolidate Your Domains
If you manage more than one domain, putting all your domains with the same registrar makes it simpler to renew your domains, manage your DNS records, and do other domain-related work. - Enable Auto-Renewal
Just make sure your domains are set to auto-renew so they won’t lapse by accident and face the risk of being lost to another registrant. - Use a Reliable Registrar
Your domain registrar can have a massive influence on the fate of your domains, so pick one that has a good track record with customer service, security, and reliability. - Keep Your Contact Information Up-to-Date
Make sure the WHOIS information for your domain is complete, truthful, and current so that notifications reach the correct party. This information includes your contact information in the official registration records. It’s important to make sure it’s kept up to date so that if a third party tries to grab your domain, they have the contact info they need. - Implement Domain Security Measures
Add two-factor authentication, a domain lock and DNSSEC as cybersecurity measures to limit your domains’ vulnerability to loss, theft, spoofing and hijacking. - Monitor Your Domains for Infringement
Check for signs of cybersquatting, typosquatting, and other forms of domain infringements at least weekly, and take defensive measures where you need to. - Use Descriptive, Branded Domain Names
Pick descriptive, easy-to-remember, and brand-based domain names, and avoid generic or confusing ones. They make it harder for people to find your website. - Keep Your Domain and Hosting Separate
While it may be easier to register your domain and host your website with the same provider, keeping them separate can give you more flexibility and control over your online presence. - Regularly Audit Your Domain Portfolio
Finally, regularly audit your domain portfolios. All your domains need to be made to work properly, be renewed when needed, and kept in line with your business goals. This can help you spot and take care of any issues before they become major problems.
Why a Strong Brand Protection Strategy Should Include Domain Management Services
You probably know all about how important it is to have a strong online presence for your brand. But here’s the thing. It’s not just about having a website and calling it a day. Oh no. You have to protect your brand online, too.
And that’s where domain management comes in.
By securing and managing your domain names, you prevent cyberattacks from messing with your reputation, stealing your traffic or getting hold of sensitive information.
Think about it. If someone gets their hands on a similar domain name to yours (say with a common misspelling) they could use it to host phishing websites filled with all sorts of nasty stuff that could make your brand look bad. Or they could try to sell it back to you for a crazy price. No fun, right?
But you can take pre-emptive action with domain management by registering multiple related domains before anyone else can. It’s the online version of “dibs”.
Also, maintaining consistent and on-brand domain names makes it easier for people to find you online and keep you in mind.
There’s the legal part, too: trademark infringement and cybersquatting disasters. With domain management, you can help make sure these don’t happen and protect your brand against abuse.
Domain Management Tools Protect Your Online Presence
Alright, so we’ve talked about why domain management is so vital for protecting your brand online. But how do you actually do it? There are two routes. One you do it manually with your domain registrar’s build in domain management tools. You can find ours in your dashboard.
That’s fine if you’ve got one webpage to look after. But if there’s more, you might want to consider getting domain management specialists.
These are people with the tools to be your brand’s personal bodyguards. They’re a trusted line of defence to track all your domain names and make sure there’s no shifty cybersquatter out there stealing your customers. They’re looking out for your digital backbone, while you’re focused on the business.
Our sister company, BrandShelter, are absolute experts in the field, and will give your brand’s online presence the protection it deserves. They’ve got everything you need to look after a portfolio of domain extensions, as well as your Brand’s overall online reputation.
Make Domain Management a Breeze
BrandShelter has all the features you need to secure and manage your domain names with ease, with expert domain consultants there to work out the scope of what you need, and then help you achieve it.
Their hands on approach means that even if you’re not a tech expert, they’ll be able to make sure you’re not just fully protected and but you’re prepared for whatever the future brings.
And if you ever need a hand, their connection with OnlyDomains means you know you’re covered with top-notch customer support.
