5 Things to Check Before Buying a Domain

Buying a domain seems straightforward—you find an available name, pay a few dollars, and you're done. But rushing through domain registration without doing proper research can lead to hidden costs, technical limitations, and long-term regrets. Whether you're launching a startup, building a personal brand, or creating your first website, understanding what to look for before purchasing a domain can save you money and headaches down the road.

1. Check Long-Term Renewal Costs, Not Just First-Year Prices

The advertised price is rarely what you'll pay long-term. Registrars use aggressive first-year discounts to attract customers, but renewal fees tell the real story.

What to look for:

• Annual renewal price after the promotional period ends
• Multi-year renewal rates (sometimes offer better value)
• Price lock guarantees or potential for sudden increases
• Total cost of ownership over 3-5 years

A domain advertised at $2.99 might renew at $19.99 annually. Over five years, that's nearly $82 instead of $15. Use iGotDomain to compare both initial and renewal pricing across multiple registrars before committing to a purchase.

2. Verify the Domain Extension Fits Your Needs

Not all domain extensions are created equal. While .com remains the gold standard for credibility and memorability, other extensions have specific uses and varying costs.

Consider these factors:

• .com domains are universally recognized and trusted by users
• Country-specific extensions like .co.uk or .ca may have residency requirements
• New generic extensions like .tech or .store can be expensive to renew
• Premium domains within any extension come with inflated pricing

Some extensions require documentation or have restrictions on who can register them. Always verify these requirements before purchase, especially for country-code domains. The wrong extension can hurt your brand's credibility or limit where you can market your website.

3. Check Domain History and Reputation

A domain name might be available for registration, but that doesn't mean it has a clean slate. Previously owned domains can carry baggage that affects your website's reputation and search rankings.

Essential checks to perform:

• Search the domain in the Wayback Machine to see previous website content
• Check if the domain appears on spam or malware blacklists
• Review existing backlinks using SEO tools to identify spammy sources
• Verify the domain wasn't used for adult content, scams, or illegal activities

A domain with a questionable past can make it harder to rank in search engines, get approved for ad networks, or build trust with visitors. Spending ten minutes on research can prevent months of reputation recovery work later.

4. Review What's Included (and What Costs Extra)

Domain registration rarely includes everything you need. Registrars often charge separately for essential features, and these add-on costs accumulate quickly.

Common extra charges:

• WHOIS privacy protection to hide your personal information ($8-$15/year)
• DNS management and email forwarding may have limitations or fees
• Domain transfer fees if you want to move to another registrar
• SSL certificates though many hosts now include these free

Some registrars advertise low domain prices but make up the difference through mandatory add-ons or expensive renewals on privacy protection. Always review the complete checkout price, not just the base domain cost. iGotDomain shows you the true cost including these common add-ons, helping you compare apples to apples.

5. Confirm Transfer and Ownership Policies

Your domain is a valuable asset, and you need the freedom to manage it without restrictions. Some registrars make transferring domains difficult or lock you into unfavorable terms.

Key policies to check:

• Transfer lock periods (most require 60 days after registration)
• Transfer fees and whether transfers include a renewal year
• Authorization code access for initiating transfers
• Account closure policies and domain portability

You should own your domain outright with the ability to transfer it whenever you choose. Avoid registrars known for holding domains hostage, charging excessive transfer fees, or making the process deliberately complicated. Check reviews specifically about transfer experiences before selecting a registrar.

How to Make Smart Domain Decisions

Before purchasing any domain:

• Use iGotDomain to compare pricing across multiple registrars
• Calculate total five-year ownership costs, not just year one
• Read recent customer reviews about renewal practices and support
• Verify all included features and identify hidden charges upfront
• Check the registrar's reputation for transfers and customer service

Recommended Registrars for Transparent Pricing

While individual needs vary, these registrars are generally known for straightforward policies:

• Cloudflare Registrar offers domains at wholesale cost with no markup
• Namecheap provides competitive renewals and includes free WHOIS privacy
• Porkbun features transparent pricing with no surprise fees

Conclusion

A domain name is more than just a one-time purchase—it's a long-term investment in your online presence. Taking time to check renewal costs, verify what's included, review domain history, confirm the right extension, and understand transfer policies can prevent costly mistakes. Before clicking "buy," use iGotDomain to compare options and make an informed decision that serves your needs for years to come.