Domain Q&A

Last Updated: October 24, 2025

Your most common domain questions answered. From registration to transfer, renewal to troubleshooting—we've got you covered with clear, actionable answers.

Domain Registration

What is a domain name?

A domain name is your unique address on the internet (like example.com). It's what people type into their browser to find your website.

Think of it like:

Domain = Street address for your website
Hosting = The building where your website lives
Website = The contents inside the building

Structure:

subdomain.yourdomain.tld
www.example.com
│   │       │
│   │       └── Top-Level Domain (.com, .net, .org)
│   └────────── Your Domain Name
└────────────── Subdomain (optional)

How do I register a domain?

Simple Process:

Search for availability
- Visit our domain search tool
- Enter desired name
- Check if available
Choose extension
- .com, .net, .org, etc.
- Consider alternatives if taken
Complete purchase
- Add to cart
- Provide contact information
- Complete payment
Verify email
- Check confirmation email
- Verify contact information
- Domain is now yours!

Time: Instant registration, ready in minutes.

Cost: Typically $10-15/year for standard domains.

Can I register a domain without a website?

Yes, absolutely!

Common Reasons:

1. Reserve for Future Use

Planning future project
Protect business name
Secure personal brand

2. Email Only

Use professional email
No website needed
Example: yourname@yourdomain.com

3. Brand Protection

Prevent competitors from taking it
Protect variations of name
Defensive registration

4. Domain Investment

Purchase valuable domains
Hold for resale
Portfolio building

What You Need:

Just the domain registration
Optional: Email hosting
Optional: "Coming soon" page

How long can I register a domain for?

Registration Periods:

Standard Terms:

Minimum: 1 year (most domains)
Maximum: 10 years (most domains)
Common: 1-3 years

Why Multi-Year Registration:

✅ Benefits:

Lock in current price
Less renewal management
Never forget to renew
May help SEO slightly
Bulk discount (usually)

📊 Cost Comparison:

1 year:  $12.99/year = $12.99 total
2 years: $11.99/year = $23.98 total (Save $2)
5 years: $10.99/year = $54.95 total (Save $10)
10 years: $9.99/year = $99.90 total (Save $30)

Recommendation: 2-3 years for most users, 5-10 years for critical business domains.

What information do I need to provide?

Required Contact Information:

Registrant (Owner):

Full name or organization
Address
City, state/province, postal code
Country
Phone number
Email address

Administrative Contact:

Person managing domain
Can be same as registrant
Receives important notices

Technical Contact:

Person handling technical issues
Often same as admin
Manages DNS settings

Billing Contact:

Receives invoices
Handles payments
Often same as registrant

WHOIS Privacy:

Most registrars offer privacy protection
Hides personal information from public
Usually free or $5-10/year
Highly recommended for individuals

Accuracy Important:

Must be truthful and current
Used for domain recovery
Required by ICANN
Update if changes occur

Can I register an already-taken domain?

If Domain is Registered:

Option 1: Wait for Expiration

Check expiration date (WHOIS lookup)
May become available after deletion
Use backorder/drop-catch service
No guarantees

Option 2: Contact Current Owner

Look up owner via WHOIS
Send polite inquiry
Make reasonable offer
Use escrow for transaction

Option 3: Choose Alternative

Different TLD (.net, .co, .io)
Add word (get-, my-, the-)
Use hyphens (not recommended)
Different name entirely

Option 4: Make Offer Through Marketplace

Sedo.com
Afternic.com
GoDaddy Auctions
Dan.com

Typical Prices:

Common words: $1,000-$10,000
Premium domains: $10,000-$100,000+
Brandable names: $500-$5,000
Negotiate whenever possible

What's the difference between .com, .net, and .org?

Original Purposes:

.COM (Commercial)

Originally for commercial entities
Now: Universal, most popular
📊 47% of all domains
⭐ Best for: Any business or personal site
💰 Cost: $10-15/year

.NET (Network)

Originally for network infrastructure
Now: General purpose alternative
📊 3% of all domains
⭐ Best for: Tech companies, networks, .com alternative
💰 Cost: $10-15/year

.ORG (Organization)

Originally for non-profits
Now: Open to anyone, but NPO association
📊 5% of all domains
⭐ Best for: Non-profits, communities, open source
💰 Cost: $10-15/year

.CO (Company)

Country code for Colombia
Marketed as "company"
⭐ Best for: Startups, companies, .com alternative
⚠️ Can be confused with .com
💰 Cost: $15-30/year

Which to Choose:

.com first choice - Most recognized and trusted
.net if .com taken - Solid alternative
.org for non-profits - Expected extension
.co for startups - Modern feel
Industry-specific - .tech, .app, .store, etc.

Can I register multiple domains?

Yes! And it's often smart.

Why Register Multiple:

1. Brand Protection

Primary: company.com
Protect: company.net
         company.org
         company.co
         companyapp.com

2. Prevent Typos

Primary: example.com
Typos:   exampel.com
         examle.com
         exmple.com

3. Different TLDs

Global:  company.com
UK:      company.co.uk
Canada:  company.ca
Europe:  company.eu

4. Keyword Variations

Brand:   brandname.com
SEO:     best-brand-products.com
Product: brandwidget.com

Management:

Point all to main site (redirects)
Or create separate sites
Bulk renewal discounts
Portfolio management tools

Best Practice: At minimum, register .com and most common misspelling.

What happens if I don't renew my domain?

Domain Lifecycle After Expiration:

Day 0: Expiration Date

⚠️ Domain expires
📧 Services may stop working
⏰ Grace period begins

Days 1-45: Grace Period

✅ Can renew at normal price
⚠️ Website/email may be down
❌ Cannot transfer
💰 Cost: Standard renewal ($12.99)

Days 46-75: Redemption Period

❌ All services completely down
⚠️ Can restore with high fee
❌ Cannot transfer
💰 Cost: $60-$100 restoration fee + renewal

Days 76-80: Pending Delete

❌ Cannot recover
❌ All options gone
⏳ Waiting for deletion

Day 81+: Deleted

✅ Available for anyone to register
🏃 Drop catchers compete for it
💔 You've lost the domain

Total Time: ~80 days from expiration to complete loss

Prevention:

✅ Enable auto-renewal
✅ Update payment method
✅ Set calendar reminders
✅ Check email for notices

Domain Management

How do I point my domain to my website?

Using DNS A Records:

Step 1: Get Server IP Address

Contact hosting provider
Usually provided in welcome email
Example: 192.0.2.1

Step 2: Access DNS Settings

Login to domain registrar
Navigate to DNS management
Find domain you want to configure

Step 3: Add/Edit A Records

Type: A
Host: @
Value: 192.0.2.1
TTL: 3600

Type: A
Host: www
Value: 192.0.2.1
TTL: 3600

Step 4: Wait for Propagation

Usually 5 minutes to 2 hours
Can take up to 48 hours globally
Check with DNS checker tools

Alternative: Change Nameservers

Point to hosting provider's nameservers
They manage all DNS records
Example: ns1.hostingprovider.com

What are nameservers and do I need to change them?

What Are Nameservers:

Servers that store and provide your domain's DNS records.

Think of it like:

Domain = Your address
Nameservers = The directory that knows where you live
DNS Records = Specific directions (turn left, 2nd floor)

Default Setup:

Domain registered at: PUPAM
Nameservers: ns1.pupam.com, ns2.pupam.com
DNS Records: Managed in PUPAM dashboard

When to Change:

✅ Change If:

Using external hosting (cPanel, Plesk)
Using Cloudflare or CDN
Hosting provider requires it
Consolidating DNS management

❌ Keep Default If:

Happy with current setup
Using registrar's hosting
Want to manage DNS yourself
Not technically required

How to Change:

Get nameservers from new provider
Login to domain registrar
Find nameserver settings
Replace with new ones
Save and wait 24-48 hours

Example:

Old: ns1.pupam.com, ns2.pupam.com
New: ns1.cloudflare.com, ns2.cloudflare.com

Can I transfer my domain to another registrar?

Yes! Domains are portable.

Transfer Requirements:

✅ Domain Must Be:

At least 60 days old
Unlocked (transfer lock disabled)
Not expired or in redemption
Not transferred in last 60 days

✅ You Must Have:

Authorization code (EPP/auth code)
Access to admin email (for approval)
Payment method at new registrar

Transfer Process:

1. Prepare (Current Registrar)

Unlock domain
Get authorization code
Verify contact email works
Disable WHOIS privacy (temporarily)

2. Initiate (New Registrar)

Start transfer process
Enter domain and auth code
Complete payment
Submit request

3. Approve (Email)

Check email for approval request
Click approval link
Or login to approve in dashboard

4. Wait (5-7 Days)

Transfer processes
Can be faster if approved immediately
Or auto-approves after 5 days

5. Complete

Domain appears at new registrar
+1 year added to expiration
Re-enable domain lock
Update auto-renewal

Cost: Usually standard registration price ($10-15) + adds 1 year to expiration.

Downtime: None! Website and email continue working during transfer.

How do I transfer my domain to someone else?

Two Types of Transfers:

Change of Ownership (Same Registrar)

Process:

Login to your registrar account
Find "Change Owner" or "Push Domain"
Enter new owner's email or account
New owner accepts
Ownership transferred

Time: Usually instant or within 24 hours

Cost: Free to $20 depending on registrar

Use Case: Selling to buyer at same registrar

Transfer to Different Registrar

Process:

Unlock domain
Get authorization code
Provide code to new owner
New owner initiates transfer at their registrar
You approve transfer request
Transfer completes in 5-7 days

Best Practice: Use Escrow

Buyer deposits funds
You transfer domain
Buyer confirms receipt
Escrow releases payment
Both parties protected

Popular Escrow Services:

Escrow.com (recommended)
Dan.com (built-in escrow)
Sedo.com (built-in escrow)

Never:

❌ Transfer before receiving payment
❌ Accept PayPal without escrow
❌ Give auth code to unverified buyer
❌ Skip written agreement

Can I hide my personal information in WHOIS?

Yes! WHOIS Privacy Protection.

What WHOIS Shows (Without Privacy):

Your name
Address
Phone number
Email address
Registration/expiration dates

With Privacy Protection:

Registrar's privacy service info
Your info hidden from public
Forwarding service for contact
You remain actual owner

Availability:

Free Privacy:

Many registrars include free
PUPAM: Free on all domains
GoDaddy: Free on most domains
Namecheap: Free

Paid Privacy:

Some charge $5-10/year
Premium privacy options
Extra protection features

How to Enable:

Login to domain management
Find "WHOIS Privacy" or "Privacy Protection"
Toggle ON
Save changes
Takes effect within 24 hours

When Privacy Not Available:

Some TLDs don't support it (.ca, .uk)
Business domains (may require public info)
Government regulations (country-specific)

Important: You're still the legal owner, info just hidden from public WHOIS lookups.

What is DNS propagation and why does it take so long?

DNS Propagation Explained:

What It Is: Time for DNS changes to update across all DNS servers worldwide.

Why It Takes Time:

Caching:

Your Computer → Caches DNS (TTL)
Your Router → Caches DNS (hours)
Your ISP → Caches DNS (hours)
DNS Servers Worldwide → Cache DNS (varies)

Typical Timeline:

5-15 minutes: Many servers updated
1-2 hours: Most users see changes
4-8 hours: Majority complete
24-48 hours: Worldwide completion

Factors Affecting Speed:

1. TTL (Time to Live)

Lower TTL = Faster propagation
Higher TTL = Slower but better performance
Set to 300 (5 min) before changes

2. ISP Caching

Some ISPs cache aggressively
Can ignore TTL settings
Wait or use different DNS (8.8.8.8)

3. Geographic Location

Changes propagate outward
Distant locations take longer
Check multiple locations online

Speed It Up:

Lower TTL 24-48 hours before changes
Make changes during low-traffic hours
Clear your local DNS cache
Use DNS propagation checker tools

Check Propagation:

whatsmydns.net
dnschecker.org
DNS Propagation Checker

Can I use my domain for email only?

Absolutely! Very common setup.

Email-Only Configuration:

Required DNS Records:

MX Records (Email Routing):

Priority 10: mail1.pupam.com
Priority 20: mail2.pupam.com

TXT Records (Authentication):

SPF: v=spf1 include:_spf.pupam.com ~all
DKIM: v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=[public-key]
DMARC: v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:dmarc@example.com

Optional Website Redirect:

A Record: @ → 192.0.2.1
(Points to "Under Construction" or redirect page)

Use Cases:

Professional email without website
Email for domain you'll develop later
Email for redirected domains
Business communication only

Benefits:

✅ Professional email address
✅ Lower cost (no hosting needed)
✅ Simple setup
✅ Can add website later

Email Hosting Options:

PUPAM Email Hosting
Microsoft 365
Google Workspace
Zoho Mail
ProtonMail

Domain Security

How do I protect my domain from being stolen?

Domain Security Best Practices:

1. Enable Domain Lock

What It Does:

Prevents unauthorized transfers
Industry-standard protection
Free on all domains

How:

Dashboard → Domain Settings → Transfer Lock → Enable

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Extra Security Layer:

Requires code from phone
Prevents account hijacking
Even if password stolen

Setup:

Account Settings → Security → 2FA → Enable

3. Use Strong Password

Requirements:

✅ 12+ characters
✅ Mix of upper/lowercase
✅ Numbers and symbols
✅ Unique (not reused)
✅ Use password manager

Example: Tr0p1c@L#P@radise!2025

4. Keep Contact Email Secure

Why Important:

Domain recovery sent here
Transfer approvals sent here
Compromise = domain loss

Protection:

Use secure email provider
Enable 2FA on email
Monitor for suspicious activity
Don't use public/free email for critical domains

5. Enable Registry Lock (Premium)

Maximum Protection:

Requires manual verification to unlock
Registry-level security
Prevents all changes

Cost: $20-100/year

Best For:

High-value domains
Critical business domains
Large companies
Investment domains

6. Monitor WHOIS Changes

Set Up Alerts:

Email notifications for changes
Check WHOIS regularly
Review nameserver changes
Verify no unauthorized modifications

7. Use Registrar with Good Security

Look For:

2FA support
Account activity logs
Security alerts
Transfer verification
Responsive support

8. Keep Payment Method Updated

Why:

Prevents accidental expiration
Maintains ownership
Avoids redemption fees

Action:

✅ Enable auto-renewal
✅ Update expired cards
✅ Add backup payment
✅ Check annually

Red Flags:

🚨 Unexpected transfer emails
🚨 Password reset you didn't request
🚨 Login from unknown location
🚨 Nameserver changes
🚨 Contact info updates

If Compromised:

Change password immediately
Enable 2FA if not already
Lock domain
Contact registrar support
Review all recent changes
Check for unauthorized transfers

What is two-factor authentication and should I use it?

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

What It Is: Security method requiring two forms of identification:

Something you know (password)
Something you have (phone code)

How It Works:

1. Enter username + password
↓
2. Receive code on phone (SMS/App)
↓
3. Enter code to complete login
↓
4. Access granted

Types of 2FA:

SMS/Text Message:

✅ Easy to use
✅ Most common
⚠️ Less secure than app
Example: Receive "Code: 123456"

Authenticator App:

✅ More secure
✅ Works offline
✅ Recommended
Apps: Google Authenticator, Authy, Microsoft Authenticator

Hardware Key:

✅ Most secure
✅ Physical device
💰 Costs money
Example: YubiKey, Titan Key

Backup Codes:

Emergency access codes
Use if lose phone
Store securely
Generate new after use

Why You Need 2FA:

Without 2FA:

😱 Password stolen = Account stolen
😱 One barrier to entry
😱 90% of account hacks succeed

With 2FA:

✅ Password + code needed
✅ Two barriers to entry
✅ 99.9% of attacks blocked

For Domain Accounts:

Critical: Domain loss = business loss
Recommended: Enable immediately
Easy: Takes 5 minutes to set up
Free: No cost to enable

Setup Process:

Login to registrar account
Go to Security Settings
Enable 2FA
Scan QR code with authenticator app
Enter verification code
Save backup codes
Done!

Best Practices:

✅ Use authenticator app over SMS
✅ Save backup codes safely
✅ Enable on all critical accounts
✅ Don't share codes
❌ Never disable for convenience

Domain Troubleshooting

My domain isn't working. What should I check?

Troubleshooting Checklist:

1. Is the Domain Active?

Check Expiration:

whois example.com

Look for: Expiration Date: 2025-12-31

Status:

✅ OK or Active = Good
⚠️ Expired = Renew immediately
❌ Redemption = Expensive recovery needed

Action: Renew if expired

2. Are Nameservers Correct?

Check Current Nameservers:

dig example.com NS

Should Match:

Your DNS provider's nameservers
Usually 2-4 nameservers listed
Recent changes? Wait 24-48 hours

Action: Update if incorrect

3. Check DNS Records

Verify A Record:

dig example.com A

Should Show:

Your server's IP address
If no result: A record missing

Fix:

Login to DNS management
Add A record: @ → your-server-ip
Add A record: www → your-server-ip
Wait for propagation

4. DNS Propagation Incomplete?

Check Globally:

Visit whatsmydns.net
Enter your domain
Check worldwide propagation

If Mixed Results:

Some locations see it, others don't
Normal during propagation
Wait 4-24 more hours

Speed Up:

Clear local DNS cache
Use public DNS (8.8.8.8)
Try different browser/device

5. Clear DNS Cache

Your Computer:

Windows:

ipconfig /flushdns

Mac:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Linux:

sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches

Your Browser:

Chrome: chrome://net-internals/#dns → Clear
Firefox: about:networking#dns → Clear

6. Check Server/Hosting

Is Server Running?

Contact hosting provider
Check hosting control panel
Verify server status

Can You Access by IP?

Try http://your-server-ip
Works by IP but not domain = DNS issue
Doesn't work by IP = Server issue

7. SSL/HTTPS Issues?

Common Causes:

Certificate expired
Wrong domain on certificate
Mixed content (http/https)

Test:

Try http:// instead of https://
Check SSL certificate validity
Use SSL checker tools

8. Recent Changes?

Did You Recently:

Change nameservers?
Update DNS records?
Transfer domain?
Change hosting?

If Yes:

Wait 24-48 hours for propagation
Verify changes were saved correctly
Check for typos in records

Common Error Messages

"Server Not Found"

DNS not configured
Nameservers wrong
A record missing

"Connection Timed Out"

Server down
Firewall blocking
Wrong IP address

"SSL Certificate Error"

Certificate expired
Domain mismatch
Self-signed certificate

"This site can't be reached"

DNS resolution failing
Server offline
Incorrect configuration

Still Not Working?

Contact support with:
- Domain name
- Error messages
- When it stopped working
- Recent changes made
- Screenshots if available

Why does my email go to spam?

Common Causes and Fixes:

1. Missing Email Authentication

Problem: No SPF, DKIM, or DMARC records

Fix:

Add SPF Record:

example.com TXT "v=spf1 include:_spf.pupam.com ~all"

Add DKIM Record:

default._domainkey.example.com TXT
"v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=[your-public-key]"

Add DMARC Record:

_dmarc.example.com TXT
"v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:dmarc@example.com"

Check: Use mail-tester.com to test

2. Poor Sender Reputation

Problem: Your IP or domain has bad reputation

Check:

Sender Score (senderscore.org)
MXToolbox Blacklist Check
Google Postmaster Tools

Fix:

Remove from blacklists
Improve sending practices
Reduce spam complaints
Clean email list

3. Spammy Content

Avoid:

❌ ALL CAPS SUBJECT LINES
❌ Excessive exclamation marks!!!
❌ Spam trigger words (FREE!, ACT NOW!)
❌ Too many links
❌ Large images, little text
❌ Suspicious attachments

Use:

✅ Professional subject lines
✅ Balanced text/image ratio
✅ Relevant, valuable content
✅ Clear unsubscribe link
✅ Proper formatting

4. High Bounce/Complaint Rate

Problem: Too many bounces or spam reports

Target Rates:

Bounce rate: Under 2%
Complaint rate: Under 0.1%

Fix:

Clean email list regularly
Remove hard bounces immediately
Honor unsubscribe requests
Verify email addresses
Use double opt-in

5. Shared IP Issues

Problem: Others on shared server sending spam

Check:

Test your sending IP
Check IP reputation
Ask hosting about shared IP

Fix:

Consider dedicated IP
Switch to better provider
Use email service (SendGrid, Amazon SES)

6. Incorrect DNS Records

Problem: Wrong or missing MX records

Check:

dig example.com MX

Fix:

Verify MX records point correctly
Ensure PTR (reverse DNS) set up
Match forward and reverse DNS

7. New Domain/IP

Problem: No sending history established

Build Reputation:

Start with small volumes
Gradually increase sending
Maintain consistent sending pattern
Engage subscribers

Timeline: 2-4 weeks to establish reputation

Quick Spam Test

Send Test Email:

Go to mail-tester.com
Send email to provided address
Check score (aim for 10/10)
Review recommendations
Fix issues found

How do I check my domain's expiration date?

Multiple Methods:

Method 1: Your Registrar Dashboard

Steps:

Login to registrar account
Navigate to "My Domains"
Find your domain in list
Expiration date shown

Look For:

example.com
Status: Active
Expires: December 31, 2025
Auto-Renewal: Enabled ✅

Method 2: WHOIS Lookup

Online Tool:

Visit whois.pupam.com
Enter domain name
View results

Command Line:

whois example.com

Look For:

Expiration Date: 2025-12-31T23:59:59Z
Registry Expiry Date: 2025-12-31T23:59:59Z

Note: Sometimes shows two dates:

Registry expiry (actual expiration)
Registrar expiry (may differ by 1 day)

Method 3: Email Confirmation

Check:

Original registration confirmation
Previous renewal confirmations
Subject: "Domain Renewed" or "Registration Successful"

Contains:

Domain: example.com
Renewal Date: October 24, 2025
New Expiration: October 24, 2026

Method 4: Browser Extension

Tools:

Domain Age Checker (Chrome)
WHOIS Lookup extensions
One-click domain info

Usage:

Install extension
Click when on domain
View expiration instantly

Set Reminders

Best Practice:

✅ Calendar alerts (90, 60, 30 days before)
✅ Enable email notifications
✅ Enable auto-renewal
✅ Track in spreadsheet

Track Multiple Domains:

Domain | Expires | Auto-Renew | Status
-------|---------|------------|--------
site1.com | 2025-12-01 | ✅ Yes | Active
site2.net | 2026-03-15 | ✅ Yes | Active
site3.org | 2025-11-20 | ❌ No | Expiring Soon!

Domain Pricing

Why are some domains more expensive?

Premium Domain Pricing Factors:

1. Length

Shorter = More Valuable:

1-2 letters: $10,000-$1,000,000+
3 letters: $1,000-$50,000
4 letters: $500-$5,000
5-6 letters: $100-$1,000
7+ letters: $10-100 (standard)

Example:

ai.com = $11 million (sold)
web.com = $18 million (sold)
cars.com = $872 million (sold)

2. Common Words

Dictionary Words Premium:

insurance.com - $35.6 million
hotel.com - $11 million
loans.com - $3 million
pizza.com - $2.6 million

Why Expensive:

High search volume
Commercial value
Instant brand recognition
SEO benefit

3. Industry Value

High-Value Industries:

Finance: loans, insurance, mortgage
Medical: health, doctor, medical
Legal: lawyer, attorney, legal
Real Estate: homes, property, realty

Premium Pricing:

.insurance domains: $500-5,000/year
.finance domains: $500-3,000/year
.attorney domains: $100-1,000/year

4. Registry Pricing

Some TLDs Have Premium Pricing:

.tv - $50-200/year (broadcast industry)
.io - $40-70/year (tech startups)
.ai - $80-120/year (AI companies)
.co - $15-30/year (company alternative)

5. Aftermarket Demand

Investor-Owned Domains:

Bought for investment
Listed on marketplaces
Priced based on perceived value
Negotiable

Marketplaces:

Sedo
Afternic
GoDaddy Auctions
Dan.com

6. Brandability

Memorable Names More Valuable:

Easy to spell
Easy to pronounce
One word
No hyphens/numbers
Unique sound

Examples:

Google, Twitter, Amazon
Short, brandable, memorable

7. SEO/Traffic History

Aged Domains Premium:

Existing backlinks
Previous traffic
Domain authority
Brand recognition

Check:

Archive.org (Wayback Machine)
Backlink checkers
Domain authority tools

Standard vs Premium

Standard Domain:

randomname2025.com = $12.99/year
longtechcompanyname.com = $12.99/year
mysite-blog-2025.com = $12.99/year

Premium Domain:

tech.com = $50,000+
insurance.io = $2,500/year
loan.app = $15,000
ai.net = $8,000

Negotiating Premium Domains

Tips:

Research comparable sales
Start 30-50% below asking
Show serious intent
Be patient
Use domain broker
Offer payment plan
Use escrow service

Are domain renewals the same price as registration?

Usually, but not always!

Standard Domains (.com, .net, .org)

Typical Pricing:

First year: $10-15 (sometimes discounted)
Renewal: $12-15 (standard price)
Transfer: $12-15 (includes +1 year)

Example:

Register: $9.99 (promotional)
Renew Year 2: $12.99
Renew Year 3: $12.99
Renew Year 4: $12.99

Watch For:

Promotional first-year pricing
Standard renewal price higher
Read terms carefully

Premium Domains

Always High Renewal:

Premium .com:
Register: $2,500
Renew: $2,500/year
Every Year: $2,500/year

Set by Registry:

Price determined by registry
Cannot be negotiated
Stays premium forever
Factor into budget

Special TLDs

Variable Renewal Pricing:

.TV Domains:

Register: $40/year
Renew: $40/year

.IO Domains:

Register: $60/year
Renew: $60/year

.AI Domains:

Register: $99/year
Renew: $99/year

Promotional Pricing

First Year Discount:

Normal: $12.99
Promo: $0.99 first year
Renewal: $12.99 (back to normal)

Always Check:

What's the renewal price?
How long is promo valid?
Any hidden fees?
Auto-renewal at what price?

Price Locks

Some Registrars Offer:

Lock-in pricing for multi-year
Protection against price increases
Available with 5-10 year registration

Example:

Register 10 years at $11.99/year
Lock in price: Total $119.90
Future increases don't affect you

Bulk Discounts

Multiple Domains:

5+ domains: 5-10% discount
10+ domains: 10-15% discount
25+ domains: 15-20% discount
Negotiate for large portfolios

Transfer Pricing

Domain Transfer:

Transfer fee: $12.99
Includes: +1 year added to expiration
Essentially: Free transfer + renewal

Good Deal:

Transfer = Renewal cost
Get extra year
Switch registrars "free"

Check Before Buying

Always Verify:

Registration price
Renewal price
Transfer price (if needed)
Privacy protection cost
Total annual cost

Compare:

Different registrars
Multi-year discounts
Promotional offers
Included features

Domain Best Practices

Should I enable auto-renewal?

YES! Absolutely recommended.

Why Auto-Renewal is Critical:

Benefits

1. Never Lose Your Domain

Automatic payment before expiration
No manual tracking needed
No risk of forgetting
Peace of mind

2. Avoid Redemption Fees

Normal renewal: $12.99
Redemption: $60-100+
Save significant money

3. Prevent Service Disruption

Website stays online
Email keeps working
No downtime
Business continuity

4. Protect Brand

Prevent domain squatters
Maintain ownership
No competition grab
Long-term security

How to Enable

Steps:

Login to registrar account
Select domain
Find "Auto-Renewal" settings
Toggle ON
Verify payment method valid
Save changes

Verify:

Domain: example.com
Auto-Renewal: ✅ Enabled
Payment Method: Visa •••• 1234 (Exp: 12/2026)
Next Renewal: October 24, 2026

Safety Nets

Multiple Layers:

Layer 1: Auto-Renewal

Primary protection
Automatic payment

Layer 2: Valid Payment Method

Current credit card
Sufficient funds
Backup card on file

Layer 3: Email Notifications

60 days before: First notice
30 days before: Second notice
14 days before: Urgent
7 days before: Final warning
After expiration: Immediate action needed

Layer 4: Calendar Reminders

Set your own alerts
Multiple reminders
Don't rely solely on registrar

When to Disable

Only Disable If:

Letting domain expire intentionally
Transferring to another registrar
Closing business
Consolidating domains

Never Disable:

For budget reasons (renewal costs known)
Temporarily (might forget to re-enable)
On important business domains

Best Practices

Annual Check:

✅ Verify auto-renewal still enabled
✅ Update expired payment methods
✅ Check all domains have it enabled
✅ Review expiration dates
✅ Add backup payment card

Documentation:

Domain Checklist (Annual):
□ Auto-renewal enabled
□ Payment method current
□ Email notifications enabled
□ Calendar reminders set
□ Contact information accurate
□ WHOIS privacy enabled
□ Domain lock enabled

Failed Auto-Renewal

If Payment Fails:

Registrar attempts several times
Email notifications sent
Grace period activated
Manual renewal still possible

Action:

Update payment method immediately
Manually renew if needed
Don't wait for auto-retry

Cost Planning

Budget for Renewals:

5 domains × $12.99 = $64.95/year
10 domains × $12.99 = $129.90/year
20 domains × $12.99 = $259.80/year

Multi-Year Option:

Register for 3-5 years
Reduces renewal frequency
Locks in pricing
Less management

How many domains should I register?

Depends on Your Needs:

Minimum (1-2 Domains)

For:

Personal website/blog
Small business
Single project
Limited budget

Register:

Primary domain (.com)
Optional: One alternative (.net or .co)

Example:

✅ mybusiness.com
✅ mybusiness.net (optional protection)

Annual Cost: $12-25

Standard (3-5 Domains)

For:

Growing business
Brand protection
Multiple variations

Register:

Primary (.com)
Main alternative (.net)
Common misspelling
Hyphenated version
Country code (if applicable)

Example:

✅ company.com (primary)
✅ company.net (alternative)
✅ companyshop.com (variation)
✅ company-store.com (hyphenated)
✅ company.co.uk (if UK business)

Annual Cost: $40-75

Comprehensive (6-10 Domains)

For:

Established business
Multiple products/services
Strong brand protection

Register:

Core brand (.com, .net, .org)
Product-specific domains
Service-specific domains
Geographic variations
Common typos (top 3-5)

Example:

Brand:
✅ techcompany.com
✅ techcompany.net
✅ techcompany.org
✅ techcompany.co

Products:
✅ techcompanywidget.com
✅ tcwidget.com

Protection:
✅ techcompny.com (typo)
✅ techcompani.com (typo)
✅ tech-company.com (hyphenated)

Annual Cost: $75-150

Enterprise (10+ Domains)

For:

Large corporation
Multiple brands
International presence
Maximum protection

Register:

All core TLDs (.com, .net, .org, .co)
All product domains
All country codes for markets
All common misspellings
Defensive registrations
Future product names

Example Portfolio:

Core Brand: (10 domains)
✅ brand.com, .net, .org, .co, .io
✅ brand-variations × 5

Products: (15 domains)
✅ product1.com, .net, .io
✅ product2.com, .net, .io
✅ product3.com, .net, .io
...

Geographic: (8 domains)
✅ brand.co.uk, .ca, .au, .de
✅ brand.fr, .es, .it, .jp

Protection: (12+ domains)
✅ Common misspellings × 6
✅ Competitor-related × 6

Annual Cost: $300-1,000+

Decision Factors

Register More If:

✅ High-value brand
✅ Competitive industry
✅ International business
✅ Multiple products/services
✅ Budget allows
✅ Long-term investment

Register Fewer If:

✅ Personal project
✅ Limited budget
✅ Testing concept
✅ Local-only business
✅ Niche market

Prioritization

Priority 1 (Must Have):

Primary .com domain
Main business name

Priority 2 (Should Have): 3. .net alternative 4. Most common misspelling

Priority 3 (Nice to Have): 5. .org version 6. Hyphenated version 7. Country code (if applicable)

Priority 4 (Optional): 8. Product-specific domains 9. Additional misspellings 10. Defensive registrations

Management Strategy

For Multiple Domains:

Use All Redirects:

Point extras to main site
301 redirects for SEO
Capture typo traffic
Consolidated management

Or Separate Sites:

Different products
Geographic markets
Distinct brands
Separate purposes

Portfolio Tools:

Spreadsheet tracking
Domain portfolio manager
Bulk renewal
Unified dashboard

Contact & Support

Still Have Questions?

Domain Support:

Email: domains@pupam.com
Phone: +1 (555) 123-DOMAINS
Live Chat: Available 24/7

Technical Support:

Email: support@pupam.com
Phone: +1 (555) 123-SUPPORT

Sales Inquiries:

Email: sales@pupam.com
Phone: +1 (555) 123-SALES

Response Times:

Live Chat: Immediate
Email: Within 4 hours
Phone: Immediate
Ticket: Within 24 hours

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