Registering a domain can be simple but if it goes wrong you’ve got chaos.com: The key steps and costs to setting up your own website

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Domain names enable us to create personalised emails and websites, but if the technology crashes it can be both inconvenient – and costly.

Just such a crisis has hit thousands of customers of web-hosting provider Easily. An ‘upgrade’ caused chaos with many people temporarily locked out of their websites and unable to access emails.

The problems at Easily highlight how vulnerable many people are in the internet age, reliant on technology for day-to-day business and leisure needs.

Internet domain providers are often eager to take advantage of consumer ignorance and tech fears, overcharging for a service not always up to scratch.

Mark Anders works for digital development agency MB Interactive. He says: ‘Some providers happily leave customers in the dark. They look upon website technology as a foreign language no one should understand but themselves. The idea is to ensure customers are reliant on their help.

‘If you are investing in a domain name and want to run your own website then you need to feel comfortable with the process. You do not need to understand all that technical jargon but it can be important to have a real person available at the end of a phone to provide help with queries or problems.’

The first step is to find an available domain – a word that can be used for a personalised email address or website. This involves buying from a name registrar. There are dozens from which to choose – including 123 Reg, GoDaddy, Google Domains, Easyspace, Hover, Namecheap, NetNames, Porkbun and Tsohost.

The cost of a name with a British ‘.uk’ suffix usually starts from about £10 a year, but it can be £20 or more for a memorable name or domain with a US ‘.com’ suffix.

It is important to take your time and also enjoy the experience – picking an imaginative domain name can be fun.

But you also need to consider whether you will want the registrar to offer a web-hosting service if you plan to use the domain for a website. Often website design support is offered as part of a package. It may also include storage space used for emails or website capacity. This cost is usually on top of that for the domain name – perhaps £10 a month.

It is important you feel comfortable that what is offered matches up to your needs – and is affordable. But opting for the cheapest is a false economy if it fails to offer what you want.

Anders, whose firm is based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, says: ‘Consider your priorities. Some may prefer the security of an outfit such as Google – because if that fails the whole system comes crashing down.’

He adds: ‘Others might be more interested in the personal touch. Providers such as Tsohost have a good name for providing assistance.’

The key steps (and the costs) behind your site

REGISTRATION

The use of a domain name requires you to rent it. This can be done through a number of name registration companies, usually costing £10 or more a year. It is important to re-register ‘ownership’ when a rental agreement comes to an end to avoid losing it.

HOSTING

If you want to set up a website or need somewhere to store your emails, you will require a host to look after it. Most domain registrars offer this service. Depending on space required – for photos or video clips – expect to pay between £5 and £30 a month.

WEBSITE BUILD

Templates and online tools are often offered by a web service provider that enable you to build a website. They often come as part of a domain-hosting deal. You can also pay a specialist to design and build a website for a one-off £500 to avoid monthly fees.

INTERNET SUPPORT

When buying a package consider phone support – even if it costs extra. Also consider bolt-on options such as email storage, the ability to transfer a domain name and being able to use a website to sell online. This adds at least £10 a year to your overall costs.

As reported on: [url]http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/bills/article-5723229/Registering-domain-simple-goes-wrong-youve-got-www-chaos-com.html
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