Putting Your Company Online with the right domain
Putting your company online starts with a domain. From using a company name domain to a keyword related domain, either way these have the utmost importance. It’s the first thing clients see advertised, making it short and easy to remember plays a pivotal role in driving traffic to your website.
Choosing the Right TLD
Different TLDs show different intent. For example, .co.za is a South African based company, and is essentially saying that. Target marketing and distribution is essentially local but not limited to. However, a .com branded domain would most likely show everyone a global presence and distribution, and not just local.
The domain you choose should also make sense for your business. A short name is easier to type, easier to tell someone over the phone and usually easier to put on advertising. You don’t want customers trying to remember a long web address after seeing it advertised.
Keep Your Domain Easy to Remember
Your name is also part of your online brand. It will appear on your website, email addresses and marketing material, so choosing the right name early can save you from having to change it later.
For a South African business, a .co.za domain can make the local connection clear from the start. On the other hand, a .com can be useful if the business wants to present itself to customers outside South Africa.
There are no hard rules that say a company must use one particular TLD. The important thing is that the domain fits the company, is easy to remember and gives customers a clear idea of where to find you online.
Domain Registration FAQs
1. What is a domain name?
A name is the address people type into a browser to visit your website, such as yourbusiness.co.za. It gives customers an easy way to find your business online without having to remember a numerical IP address.
2. What is domain registration?
Domain registration is the process of registering a name for your use. Once registered, you can use it for your website, business email and other online services, subject to the domain extension’s rules and your registration terms.
3. How do I register a name in South Africa?
Start by choosing a name that suits your business, then check whether it is available. If it is, select the relevant domain extension and complete the registration process through a registrar such as Starcom.
4. How do I check if a name is available?
Use a name checker to search for the name you want. The result will indicate whether the name appears available for registration. Availability can change, so it is best to register a suitable name as soon as you have made your decision.
5. How much does registration cost in South Africa?
The cost depends on the TLDR extension, the registrar and the registration period. Some extensions may have different renewal prices from their introductory prices. Check Starcom’s current pricing before placing your order.
6. What is a .co.za domain?
A .co.za domain is a popular South African extension commonly used by businesses, organisations and individuals. It can help identify your website with the South African market.
7. Should my business use a .co.za or .com domain?
Choose the extension that best suits your audience. A .co.za domain is a natural option for a business focused on South Africa, while .com is widely recognised internationally. If both are available and fit your budget, registering both can help protect your brand.
8. Can I register a domain name for my new business?
Yes, provided the name is available and meets the registration rules for the chosen extension. It is worth checking your business name, spelling and brand identity before registering so that your domain is easy for customers to remember.
9. Can I register a name without having a website?
Yes. You can register a name before building your website. This allows you to secure the name you want and arrange your website or email services later.
10. Can I register a name without hosting?
Yes. Domain registration and web hosting are separate services. You can register your name first and connect it to a hosting package when you are ready to publish your website.
11. How long does registration take?
The time depends on the extension, the registrar and whether any additional verification is required. Some registrations are processed quickly, while others may take longer. Check the expected processing time before ordering.
12. How long does a registration last?
The registration period depends on the domain extension and the term you select. Domains need to be renewed according to their registration terms to keep them active.
13. Do I need to renew my domain name?
Yes. Most domain registrations require periodic renewal. If you do not renew your domain in time, it may expire, affecting your website and email. Keep your contact details up to date and monitor renewal notices.
14. What happens if my domain name expires?
An expired domain may stop working, which can affect your website and email. Depending on the extension and its rules, there may be a grace or recovery period, or the domain may eventually become available for someone else to register. Renewal deadlines are important.
15. Can I transfer to Starcom?
Domain transfers may be possible, depending on the extension and the domain’s current status. You may need approval from the current registrar or an authorisation code. Contact Starcom to confirm the transfer requirements for your transfer.
16. Can I transfer away from Starcom?
In many cases, yes. The process depends on the domain extension and the applicable transfer rules. You may need to unlock the domain and obtain an authorisation code before the new registrar can complete the transfer.
17. Will transferring my name affect my website?
A domain transfer does not automatically mean your website has to move to a different hosting provider. However, incorrect changes to DNS or nameserver settings can interrupt your website or email. Check the existing settings before making changes.
18. What is DNS in domain registration?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It directs a name to the appropriate online services, such as your website or email server. Correct DNS settings help visitors reach your website and allow your email services to work.
19. What are nameservers?
Nameservers tell the internet which DNS service manages your domain’s records. When you connect a name to a hosting provider, you may need to update its nameservers or make specific DNS changes supplied by that provider.
20. Can I use my domain for business email?
Yes. A name can be used for professional email addresses such as info@yourbusiness.co.za. You will need an email service configured for your domain. Check which email options are available with your chosen Starcom package.
21. Can I register more than one name?
Yes. You can register multiple names for different projects, brands or markets, provided each name is available and meets the relevant registration rules.
22. Should I register different versions of my business domain?
Registering common variations or relevant extensions can help protect your brand and make it easier for customers to find you. Consider likely spelling mistakes, alternative extensions and the markets you serve, while keeping your costs in mind.
23. Can I change my name after registering it?
You generally cannot simply rename an existing registration. Instead, you would register a new name and move your website and email services where necessary. Plan the change carefully to reduce disruption and protect your existing search visibility.
24. Does my name affect SEO?
A relevant, memorable domain can support your branding and make your website easier to recognise. However, the name alone will not guarantee high Google rankings but Useful content, site quality, relevant links and a good user experience also matter.
25. Should I include keywords in my domain name?
You can include a relevant word if it makes the domain clear and memorable. Avoid awkward names created solely to include keywords. A straightforward business or brand name is often easier for customers to recognise and remember.
26. What is the difference between registration and hosting?
Domain registration secures the right to use a domain name for the registration period. Hosting is a broader term that may refer to managing the domain’s DNS or providing services associated with it. Web hosting, separately, stores the files that make your website available online.
27. Can I point my domain to an existing website?
Yes. If you have an existing website hosted elsewhere, you can usually configure your DNS settings to point to it. The correct settings depend on your website host and how your domain is configured.
28. Who owns a registered name?
The registrant is the person or organisation recorded as holding the registration rights, subject to the extension’s terms and applicable rules. Make sure your own details or your business’s details are recorded correctly when registering.
29. What should I do if the name I want is already taken?
This means that someone else has already registered that name . You could try a different extension, a variation of the name or a short, memorable alternative. However if the name is already registered, you may be able to contact its current holder to ask whether it is available for purchase, and because of this a sale is not guaranteed.
30. Where can I register a name with Starcom?
Visit Starcom’s Registration page to explore domain options and check availability. Choose a suitable extension, review the current price and registration terms, and follow the order process to register your online name.