Login
Contact us

How to choose a domain name registrar

Last updated:

Author: Zoe Brown

Topic: Buying a domain

Time to read: 5 minutes

With hundreds of choices, how do you go about choosing a registrar for your domain name? We’ve got six tips to help you find the right registrar for you.

What is a registrar?

Registrars are the online retailers from whom you can buy and register a domain name for your website and email. A registrar essentially reserves the domain for you and should help you with any questions or additional support needed to manage your domain.

There are many registrars to choose from, all offering a wide range of services. Ultimately, the choice is up to you, but there are some factors that are important to consider and some handy steps to complete. Let’s run through six of these now to get you started.

1. Domain name availability

It’s important to choose a registrar who can offer you your desired domain name (if it’s available) and extension. Not every registrar offers the same top-level domains (the part which comes after the dot in a domain name, such as .co.uk), so it’s a good idea to check before committing to one.

2. Services

To help you get your new website or email address up and running, registrars offer a whole range of different services and add-ons to domain names. It’s a good idea to create a list of everything you’d like to use your domain name for, and what’s important to you. For example, you might want to consider:

  • Email: look for options to add email if you’d like to use your domain name for personalised email addresses
  • Hosting: some registrars also offer website hosting, providing a platform or service that hosts your website files and content on a web server
  • Website builders: some registrars may also offer website builders as part of their packages, providing a platform or service that allows you to build and publish webpages
  • Web design services: some packages may include web design services, offering help with website design and building if you’re not going down the ‘self-service’ route
  • Security/SSL certificates: consider security options for your website, such as SSL certificates

3. Pricing and offers

As with any purchase, price is an important factor and with domain names, you’ll often find offers for first year registrations. It’s important to do some research and investigate what happens after this offer period, how much renewal prices will be, and the cost of any additional services and features for the first year and beyond.

It’s also worth understanding how much domain transfers will be in case you need to transfer your domain name from one website to another or from one registrar to another in the future.

4. Security

The general security of a domain name registrar is important – how will they keep your details secure and your domain safe? Look into reassurances on security protocols and protection against cyber threats.

As mentioned above, if you’re using your domain name to create a website, there are security features such as SSL certificates that can be offered through a registrar. This enables a site to use the more secure HTTPS connection and authenticates your website’s identity.

5. Reviews and customer support

When picking any new product or supplier, it’s a good idea to check out what others are saying and look into their customer support. Choosing a domain name registrar is no different. Be sure to look at any reviews for your chosen shortlist, and if possible, speak to any friends, colleagues or industry connections to see if they can pass on any feedback or recommendations.

Just as importantly, be sure that your chosen registrar offers the right level of customer support for your needs and experience. That may be looking for 27/4 support or online chat options.

6. Terms and conditions

Once you’ve whittled down your choices to the remaining few, make sure you look over any terms and conditions and small print. Look closely at registration and renewal terms, transfer conditions and the specifics of any additional services you’re thinking of adding.

Search for available .UK domains and view registrars using our domain search tool.

Find your .uk domain name

FAQs

Why does it matter which domain registrar I use?

A domain name is a vital part of your online presence, website, and email address. It’s important to choose a registrar who can offer you the services you need, security, and support so you can secure, use, and renew your domain name easily.

Who is the best domain name registrar in the UK?

Choosing a registrar for your domain name is entirely up to you. The best registrar depends on your individual needs, skills, and what is important to you. Use the checklist above to help find a registrar that’s right for you.

Can I use the same registrar for multiple domain names?

Yes, most registrars offer the option to register multiple domain names with them. There are advantages and disadvantages to having multiple domains under the same registrar, so you’ll need to consider the best solution depending on your individual needs.

What happens if I need to switch registrars?

You can switch registrars in the future if you need to, although individual processes will vary and may include additional costs. If you’re looking to switch registrars for a .UK domain name, you can find out more about the process in our Domain Support section.

Who is my domain registrar?

If you already have a registered .UK domain name but you’re not sure who your registrar is, you can find out through our lookup tool.

Looking for more support?

Our Domain Support section provides support and advice on registering and managing a .UK domain. You can also take a look at our e-learning content if you’re ready to embark on the next step of your digital journey and start using your domain name.