Top 5 Domain Registrars That Give You More Than a URL

Ready to build the online presence your business needs for growth and success today? The first step is to register your website domain. You’ll need to work with a domain registrar for this, but your choice of registrar will make a big difference in your overall experience. Some will register your domain and give you a URL and that’s it. Others will provide additional value and ensure that you’re able to create a vibrant website to act as the hub of your online efforts.

Which domain registrar should you choose? Don’t stress. In this guide, we’ll explain what registrars are, what they do, and which are the top-rated if you’re looking for more than just a URL.

What is a domain name registrar? What do they do?

A domain registrar does exactly what it sounds like: it’s an organization that registers domain names. A domain name is what makes it possible to have a website – they were developed as a key part of online accessibility to replace the need to manually enter an IP address.  

Domain name registrars must be accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbering (ICANN). This non-profit organization is responsible for managing all domain names in the world, from Facebook to the smallest local business. Each registrar competes with others to sell domain names and that competition means that registrars differentiate themselves with additional tools and capabilities to help convince you that they’re the right one for your needs.

The top 5 domain registrars you need to know

With a little more information about what registrars are and what they do, let’s explore the top 5 domain registrars out there and what makes each one stand out from the pack.

1. Namecheap

Looking to buy a domain name and get everything else you need to build a thriving web presence? Namecheap should be at the top of your list (it is on ours!). Namecheap has been around for a very long time and has evolved over the years based on customer demands and needs. Today, it’s a one-stop-shop, allowing you to create a thoroughly modern website quickly and without much in the way of hassles. You get free WHOIS privacy, and DDoS protection and SSL certificates are available for additional fees. Namecheap also provide hosting, email service, and more.

• Starts at $1.58 per month to build, host, and publish your site

• WHOIS privacy included at no extra charge

• Great for WordPress lovers

• SSL certificates and DDoS protection available (at a cost)

• Low renewal costs

2. IONOS

If you’re looking for a domain registrar that provides what amounts to a white glove service, look no further than IONOS. With affordable entry rates and low-cost renewals, plus a wide variety of packages, it’s never been easier to get all the services you need in one place. IONOS offers a $1 introductory rate, but you can get it free if you sign up for hosting. IONOS also focuses on sustainability, cybersecurity, and delivering expert support to its clients.

• Starts at $1

• WHOIS privacy available

• Multiple packages and promotions

• Handles virtually all aspects of website building

• VPS available for $2 per month

• Expert support

3. Domain.com

Domain.com offers a solid online presence, a wide selection of domains and extension options, and more than 20 years of experience to give you confidence in your choice. They have premium domains, free DNS management, and email forwarding, and web hosting is available, too. Multi-year registrations can garner discounts, and there’s even a sitebuilder and marketing packages available for your social media and SEO campaigns. The site does charge extra for SSL certificates and privacy protection, but it’s still a bit cheaper than most other registrars. Plus, you can register for up to five years at a time, and their support is always helpful. 

• Starts as low as $1.99/year

• WHOIS privacy available

• Premium domains and country-specific domains available

• Marketing tools included

• SSL certificates are $2.75 per month

4. Bluehost

Bluehost is a web host first, but they also offer domain registration to users. They have affordable prices that are ranked based on the extension that you choose. You can also get it all from Bluehost, but it will be priced individually. If you purchase a bundle, you’ll save a lot of money by getting a free domain for the first year and included extras free. They have 24/7 support via phone and live chat. Email is available, too, for those who need it. 

• Starts as low as $1.99 per year

• Hosting bundles available 

• WHOIS privacy costs extra

• 24/7 live support

• Individually priced services can add up

5. GoDaddy

GoDaddy is one of the most popular domain registrars out there today, and for good reason. They have some great introductory discounts that can get the initial cost down to just one penny per year, and the site offers all-in-one solutions for registration, hosting, email and eCommerce, WordPress, and more. You can search up to 2,000 domains at once and register domains for up to 10 years. While SSL security costs extra, it’s not something people shy away from. 

• Starts at $2.99 per month for registration, hosting, and more

• WHOIS privacy included

• Some domains require 2-year commitment

• Unlimited phone, chat, and text support

• CSV/XLS uploads supported

• SSL security certificates start at $69.99 per year

Once your domain is registered, will you be ready to field the leads?

Building a website that supports your brand and connects with your audience isn’t simple. The right domain registrar can help and will provide more than just a URL. However, you’ll need the right support in place once you start fielding calls and emails. That’s where Smith.ai can help.

We can provide 24/7 phone answering, email and SMS follow-up, lead intake, appointment setting, and so much more. 

To learn more, schedule a consultation to discuss what our virtual receptionists can do for you, or reach out to hello@smith.ai.