how forward planning and smart choices can help avoid domain name problems

In this article I’ll show you how to navigate the maze of registrars and contracts, and advise you on the best ways of keeping on top of you web site administration. From choosing a domain name to avoiding renewal scams, I’ll show you how, with a little organised forward planning and common sense, you can have your site running smoothly and cost effectively in no time.

In this article:

• Avoid hyphenated copycat names
• Make sure your name is really yours
• Keep track of renewal dates
• Keep your contact details up to date
• Check out your support options
• Avoid hidden costs
• Watch out for renewal scams
• Concerned about having your details in a public registry?
• A last word about spam

Avoid hyphenated copycat names

Think carefully before you try an alternative version of a domain name that is already registered to someone else. For example, you might consider using a hyphenated version such as design-spring.co.uk. Remember that users typing the name are likely to forget the hyphens so check what they will see if they type the un-hyphenated version into a browser.

E-mail will be more of a problem - what will happen if your customers try to send you an e-mail without the hyphens in the name? The message will go to someone else. I have personal experience of receiving e-mails meant for another company who had registered a hyphenated version of one of my domain names.

Make sure your domain name is really yours

Keep track of renewal dates

Keep your contact details up to date

Be careful about the contact details that you provide - if you change your address, phone number or e-mail, remember to notify the registrar or you may miss out on reminders for renewing your name.

Check out your support options

Avoid hidden costs

Watch out for renewal scams

Any correspondence associated with renewing your domain name should come from ICANN, Nominet or your original registrar. Watch out for reminders for domain name renewals that come through the post demanding urgent payment and don't have your registrar's details on them - they are just another of the many Internet scams and are usually more expensive than using your original registrar. If in doubt contact your registrar. If the letters or faxes are very misleading you can report them to your local Office of Fair Trading.

Concerned about having your details in a public registry?

When you have chosen a registrar you will give them your contact details. These will be added to the central registry and made public. For most businesses this is not a problem, since business contact details are freely available through the phone book and many other sources already. However, some people are uncomfortable with this - usually those with small businesses who are working from home whose concerns tend to be around security.

If this applies to you then consider using a PO box address or renting a 'virtual office' which will give you a business address. Remember that if you ever change that address to make sure that your details are updated in the registry or you may miss out on domain name renewal reminders. Note that Nominet allows non-business users to opt out of having their details made available in the public register.

A last word about spam

Some people suggest that being included in a domain name registry makes you a target for spam. Unfortunately spam (or junk mail) is becoming a fact of Internet life. As soon as your e-mail address is displayed on any web site then there is the possibility that it will be 'harvested' and incorporated into junk mailing lists.

Consider using a filtering service such as Spamcop to reduce the amount of spam in your in-box. You may also find that changing your service provider will help – some do more than others to filter out known spam before it reaches you.

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last updated: 10/08/04