Domain Registration Best Practices
Proper domain registration and management is essential for security, functionality, and long-term domain value. Following best practices ensures your domains are secure, properly configured, and ready for use.
Whether you're registering a new domain or managing existing ones, understanding registration best practices helps you avoid common pitfalls and maintain domain security. At Brutal Domains, we handle domain registration and management for all our listed domains, ensuring proper setup and security.
Choosing a Domain Registrar
When selecting a registrar, consider:
- Reputation: Choose established, reputable registrars with good track records
- Security: Strong security features and two-factor authentication
- Pricing: Competitive renewal prices (not just first-year discounts)
- Support: Good customer support and help resources
- Features: DNS management, email forwarding, domain locking
- Transfer policies: Easy domain transfer process if needed
Privacy Protection
WHOIS privacy protection considerations:
- Benefits: Protects personal information from public WHOIS databases
- SEO impact: Minimal impact on SEO, privacy is generally safe to use
- When to use: Recommended for most domains to protect privacy
- When to avoid: May need to disable temporarily for domain transfers
- Cost: Usually $5-15 per year, often included with registration
Domain Security
Essential security practices:
- Strong passwords: Use unique, strong passwords for registrar accounts
- Two-factor authentication: Enable 2FA on all registrar accounts
- Registrar lock: Enable domain lock to prevent unauthorized transfers
- Email security: Use secure email for domain-related communications
- Monitor activity: Regularly check domain status and account activity
- Backup contacts: Maintain backup contact information
DNS Configuration
Proper DNS setup is crucial:
- Nameservers: Configure nameservers for your hosting provider
- A records: Point domain to correct IP addresses
- CNAME records: Set up subdomains and aliases
- MX records: Configure email if using domain email
- TTL settings: Set appropriate TTL values for DNS records
Ongoing Domain Management
Best practices for managing domains:
- Auto-renewal: Enable auto-renewal to prevent accidental expiration
- Contact updates: Keep contact information current
- Regular monitoring: Check domain status monthly
- Renewal reminders: Set reminders for renewal dates
- Documentation: Keep records of registration and renewal dates
Common Registration Mistakes
Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Letting domains expire: Always enable auto-renewal
- Using weak passwords: Always use strong, unique passwords
- Ignoring security: Enable 2FA and domain lock
- Outdated contacts: Keep contact information updated
- Poor DNS setup: Ensure DNS is properly configured
Tip: Always use reputable registrars, enable privacy protection, and implement strong security measures including two-factor authentication and domain lock. Keep contact information updated and enable auto-renewal to prevent accidental expiration. At Brutal Domains, we handle all registration and management details for our listed domains, ensuring proper security and configuration.