Preventing Domain Name Loss
A Few Simple Steps Can Prevent Losing a Registered Domain
While domain names can be lost to fraud and theft, most often they are lost to more ordinary causes that can be prevented by the owners.
Though headlines favor domain name theft and domain registrar scams, in reality a domain name can be lost without effort or malice on the part of third parties. According to Web Hosting information site, weekly totals of domains lost are well over 80% of the total of domains gained. Some weeks are close to a wash with little change in the net total of hosted domain names.
While the pages of a website are fully reproducible and transferable, a domain name is unique and can only have one owner. If a business has built traffic and brand name recognition around a Web address, the loss of a domain name can be catastrophic. Following are some simple guidelines to keep a URL intact.
Check and Use the Login to a Domain Account
Often a website developer takes care of domain name registration. Though this practice is common, the client must obtain and use login information for the account. Registrars such as Go Daddy website host over 20 million domains, and the only sure way to controlling a domain account is having the username and password. If the client does not have account access and the website developer cannot be located, the result is a slow and uncertain series of faxes, phone calls, business documents, and notarized signatures.
Ensure the Domain Name Owner is the Account Manager
Though hard to believe, a business or individual can be the documented owner of a domain name, but not have permission to manage the same account. Domain owners must verify that they have or share the role of account manager. An easy way for a domain owner to check their status is to try all the different account functions. If an individual is prevented from using certain account functions, they are most likely not the account manager.
Put Domain Renewal Dates on the Calendar
Though most registrars will send countless reminder emails to clients who need to renew their domains, an incorrect or outdated email address on the account will prevent a client from receiving any information. There are also some registrars that do not send out the barrage of reminders. The final reminder could come in the form of a malfunctioning Web site. In the worst case scenario, the domain owner will have to purchase back the domain at market prices, which are many times greater than the price of registration.
Make Sure the Domain Account Credit Card Has Not Expired
An individual or business owner can follow all the previous steps, but have a credit card on the domain account that has expired. Once the charge has first been rejected, the clock is ticking toward closure of the account. Any failure of communication at this point will lead to loss of the domain. The best prevention is to always check credit card information each time an account is renewed.
Whole marketing campaigns and even a business name can be put at risk in the event that a domain name is lost. As each domain name is unique and has a single owner, efforts to secure and maintain a domain name account will reduce both stress and future expenditures.
