The best domain registrar features to look out for.

The best domain registrar features to look out for.

When looking at a domain name registrar it’s important to look out for the following features.

1. Up front and honest pricing is essential.
   Many have fallen foul of low-cost introductory offers only to be met with overpriced renewals.  Watch out for hidden costs should you want to move away to another provider.
2. Full DNS and Nameserver control.
   It’s essential to have full control over your Nameservers and DNS from an easy to use control panel.  Most have these features, but some make it difficult entering specific settings, an example being a TXT entry for validation by a third party service like Office 365 or Google G Suite.
3. Support
   Check reviews to make sure that customer support is responsive and available around the clock.  It’s also worth checking to make sure your provider has signed up to one of the industries code of conduct.  The best domain registrars will have signed up.
4. The right to transfer
   Check what the terms and conditions are in relation to transferring your domain to another provider.  If you are not happy you might want to transfer your domain to another provider, such as your Web hosting provider.  Personally, my preference and recommendation are that you keep your registrar separate from your web hosting provider.  Also, check who the domain will be registered to, you really want that to be you and not the registrar. The best domain registrar will most certainly register it in your name.  If they will not register it in your name I would highly recommend moving on to another registrar.
5.  Privacy features
   Look out for the options for hiding your registration details, the best domain registrar will hide your details for free, where others will charge.  Check if the TLD (Top Level Domain) will allow the privacy feature, as it’s not available for all.  It is a worthwhile feature even if you have to pay for it,  I can be a testimony to this.  When I registered a recent domain with a well known UK provider I didn’t take the option and every since I have been spammed by web design companies asking if I need a website or SEO.