Web Hosting Reviews & Ratings

June 07, 2011

Domain Auto-Renewal: A Web Hosting Necessity

Registering and securing a domain name for your website is the first step in launching website ventures.  Just as important as registering a unique domain name is keeping the domain live.  Often website owners experience website downtime with no glimmer of hope for repairing itself because the domain name has expired.  Once a domain name expires, it’s not uncommon for owners to completely lose the domain.   Auto-renewal, however, is a safe and secure precaution to ensure domains don’t expire; thus creating unnecessary havoc.

Benefits of Auto-Renewal

Obviously, the greatest advantage of renewing domain names automatically is the fact it guarantees ownership of the registered domain.  Most web hosts in compliance with ICAAN grant a 30-day auto-renew grace period in which allows the domain to remain live, however, after the limited time the hosting provider has the right to reassign the domain name to another user desiring the same domain.  Although the grace period is typically across the board as a standard, it’s always important to check with your web host before signing the user agreement.

Another advantage is cost-savings.  Many web hosts offer specials and discounts on domains purchased for a longer duration of time as compared to annual renewal fees.  Again, it’s essential to read respective web hosts’ pricing structures for hosting packages and plans.

Murphy’s Law never fails to disappoint.  This is usually true when a renewal is required.  Often website owners find themselves wrapped up in business matters, family affairs or unfortunately, unexpected emergency situations that prevent them from renewing a domain.  By selecting auto-renewal, however, website owners can rest assured that their website remains live and valid for at least one more year.

Auto-Renewal Notifications

Not to be confused with spam and junk e-mail, web hosting providers usually send out auto-renewal notifications to the e-mail address assigned to the account user.  Different hosting providers send notifications at various intervals, however, expect to receive some sort of notice via e-mail at least a week before the domain expires demanding immediate attention.  A month’s notice is also not uncommon.  In order to receive notification, it’s imperative that the contact information assigned to the user account is current and valid.

Payment Methods

Deciding on the best payment method for renewal is often as confusing as choosing the web host itself.  If you’re satisfied with the services provided by your current web host, then there’s no reason not to select auto-renewal.  This is especially true if you plan on maintaining a website with the same host paying via credit card, debit card or PayPal.

The problem arises, however, when the web host provides lousy service and continues to bill your credit card even after terminating the service.   Many website owners testify to the headaches of trying to ditch unsatisfactory web hosts at literally all costs.  If you’re unsure about a web host’s ability to deliver services, opt to pay via PayPal instead of providing credit card information.

Conclusion

Domain auto-renewal is a quick and convenient way to ensure ownership of a domain.  An ounce of prevention in this case means securing a unique website domain for years to come that visitors and customers won’t soon forget.

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