Most people think of domain registration as an easy, cheap purchase – as few as several dollars. Thing is not so simple. The price you provide at the cashier is not all. In order to actually know what you are getting in exchange of money, one has to go past the registration cost and look at the entire life cycle of being a domain owner.
Be it starting your own blog or creating a business Web site, knowing these expenses will save you cash and assist you in making a better choice, particularly when you are researching domain registration in Kenya.
The registration fee is the initial expense that you will face. It is the cost that you incur to enable your domain name to be secured within a particular time frame, which is normally one year. This cost is usually so low and when there are promotional offers, it appears very low and that is why many people leap into it.
These introductory prices are however usually discounted. After the first term, the renewal can be very expensive. This is where most domain owners are taken by surprise.
The domain name does not constitute a one-time buy rather it is a subscription. In order to retain ownership, you have to renew it on a regular basis. Depending on the domain extension (.com, .co.ke, .org, etc.) and the provider one selects, renewal fees can vary.
To businesses in Kenya, particularly those with local extensions, domain registration in Kenya can be competitive and cheaper than other countries, however, you should always compare the renewal rates as compared to the first year cost. Over time, these fees add up and can become a significant part of your website budget.
Domain names do not have equal prices. The cost is significantly influenced by the extension that you select. To illustrate this, a typical .com domain can be pricier than a lesser-known extension, whereas the high-quality domains can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Local domains (e.g., .co.ke) will tend to be cheaper and can offer a nice regional identity. It can be a cost-effective and a strategic decision to businesses that aim at Kenyan audiences.
This is where the actual and the hidden costs of registering the domain begin to emerge. Most registrars have more services that they can provide to your domain however, at a premium cost.
Some popular add-ons are:
Some of the providers offer these features at no cost, whereas other providers charge them on a yearly basis. It’s important to check what’s included before making a decision.
A domain name does not make your web site visible. Web hosting will also be required so that you can get your site online. Here is where of your site files are stored and sent to visitors.
Email hosting can also be essential to have branded email addresses (e.g. [email protected]) in case you are establishing a professional presence.
These services are frequently provided with domain registration, in some cases as part of a package.
When evaluating the total cost, it’s important to consider how your domain integrates with web hosting in Kenya and email services. Selecting a provider to provide all three can streamline the management and can even cut the total costs.
Certain domain names are said to be premium domain names since they are short, catchy or key word rich. These areas are usually at a premium price, yet can be of great benefit in terms of branding and marketing.
To illustrate, a good domain name can enhance trust, simplify your business to locate, and even enhance search presence. The greater initial expense can be a worthy investment in such instances.
Not all domain providers are created equal. Others are oriented on low initial expenses whereas some emphasize on long term value by incorporating the necessary features in the prices.
In choosing a provider, you need to consider:
Providers such as HostJaer will provide web hosting in Kenya like domain registration and email hosting that will allow businesses in Kenya to have everything under one roof.
The actual price of registering a domain is not limited to the registration fee. It encompasses renewal, add-ons, hosting, and value in general what your domain is contributing to your brand.
Do not settle on the cheapest but rather what you are actually receiving. A little bit of price increase can give you necessary features that can save you money and hassle in the long run.
Real cost of domain registration will enable you to make informed decisions and avoid surprises. You may be searching into domain registration in Kenya or you may be planning to expand on your online presence, but it is important to see the big picture.
The basis of your online identity is your domain. When it comes to spending, you need to invest in a wise manner so that it can not only sustain your vision but over a number of years.
