The Hidden Risks in Domain Registration

Many businesses entrust the task of domain registration to freelance designers. Typically, these designers register the domain through popular registrars like GoDaddy or 123 Reg, using their personal information and their credit card for payment. It's a standard practice, often done for the sake of simplicity and convenience. But what happens if things go south? I've encountered instances where clients lost their domains due to this practice, the most extreme being because the designer who registered them was incarcerated, and the domains expired without renewal.

A Single Point of Failure

This centralised approach creates a single point of failure. The designer, holding all the keys, becomes the linchpin for the online presence of multiple businesses. If they face personal issues, financial difficulties, legal troubles, or even if they simply become unreachable, the consequences can be drastic.

The Importance of Domain Registration in Your Name

As a business owner, your domain must be registered in your name. This ensures that should anything happen to your web designer or hosting provider, you retain control. As a Nominet accredited channel partner, my company Host Dada ensures every domain registered for our clients is in their name. This provides an extra layer of security and control, safeguarding your online presence.

Direct Access to Your Hosting Control Panel

Beyond domain registration, it's vital to maintain control over your website data and emails. Host Dada provides clients with direct access to their hosting control panel. This empowers you to manage your website and email data independently, ensuring you're not left in the lurch if your web designer becomes unavailable. Also, it means you can't be held to ransom if you want to change your domain, hosting or email provider.

The Domino Effect of Losing Control of Your Domain

1. Website Downtime: If you lose control of your domain, your website goes down. This means potential customers can't find you, leading to lost sales and a damaged reputation. A website is often the first point of contact between you and your customers. If it’s inaccessible, it sends a message of unreliability.

2. Email Disruption: Your business emails are likely tied to your domain. Losing your domain means losing your primary communication channel with clients and partners. This disruption can lead to missed opportunities, confusion, and a perception of unprofessionalism.

3. SEO and Marketing Efforts Wasted: You’ve probably invested time and resources in SEO and digital marketing to rank your website. Losing your domain can wipe out these efforts overnight, making it challenging to regain your previous online presence and search rankings.

4. Brand Image Damage: Your domain is integral to your brand identity. Losing it can mean losing years of building brand recognition and trust. It can also expose your business to the risk of domain squatting, where others may use your lost domain to misrepresent or harm your brand.

How to Ensure You Retain Control

To prevent these scenarios, it's vital to ensure that your domain is registered in your name or your company’s name. As a Nominet accredited channel partner, my company Host Dada takes this seriously. We register every domain in the client's name, providing peace of mind and security.

Questions to Ask Your Web Designer

To safeguard your online assets, consider asking your web designer these questions:

1. Is the domain registered in my name or the company's name?
2. Which registrar is used, and what is the account information?
3. Will I have full access to the domain management settings?
4. Can I access the hosting control panel directly?
5. How are domain renewals handled to ensure continuity?

Take Control with Host Dada

At Host Dada, we understand the importance of maintaining control over your digital assets. We register domains in the client's name and provide full access to hosting controls. With us, you're not just getting a service; you're getting peace of mind and assurance that your online presence is secure and under your control.

In a world where your digital presence is as significant as your physical one, keeping control of your domain name is not just important, it's essential. Choose a partner like Host Dada, where your digital autonomy is our top priority. Visit us today at https://hostdada.co.uk.