Tag Archives: nameservers

How to Transfer a Domain

The post How to Transfer a Domain appeared first on HostGator Blog . There are a multitude of reasons you’ll want to transfer your domain. Maybe you’ve sold a domain, or bought one for a gift? Or, you could be unsatisfied with your current registrar and are looking to migrate? Whether you’re transferring ownership of your domain or migrating to a new registrar, there are certain steps you’ll need to follow. Although it might seem fairly technical, this process exists for a reason—to help ensure that your domain remains in the right hands. Below we look at the things to look for in a new domain name registrar, as well as the processes you need to follow to transfer a domain name to a new registrar, or another party entirely. Why Transfer a Domain? As you learned in the introduction, there are plenty of reasons you might want to transfer a domain name. The most common is because you’re frustrated with your current registrar. Maybe the yearly renewal rate is too expensive? Or, you’re looking for a registrar with more features? For example, by using a domain name registrar like HostGator you can group your domain name and hosting all under one roof. This simplifies the technical steps of setting up your website, as well as the number of invoices you’ll have to remember to renew. There’s nothing worse than letting an important domain lapse because you forget to check in and missed the renewal date. Or, you could have sold a domain , or bought a domain for a friend. In this scenario, you’ll be switching the ownership of the domain along with transferring the domain to their registrar of choice. Whatever your reason we’ll walk you through both processes in the final section below. If you’re not in the market for a new registrar yourself, then feel free to skip to the final section of this post. What to Look for in a New Domain Registrar If you’re transferring your domain because you’re dissatisfied with your current domain name registrar, then you’ll want to make sure you’re not going to make the same mistake twice. Which means you’ll want to make sure your new registrar is high-quality and won’t lead to the same headaches you’re currently experiencing. Here are a few key things to look for as you search for the perfect domain name registrar: 1. Total Feature Set Every registrar will have different features. Some registrars will only offer domain name purchase and management, while others will provide an entire suite of different services. Common features include domain name management , renewal, transfer, and domain privacy protection via WHOIS. However, other registrars will also offer bundled website hosting, website builders, email management and a lot more. If you want your hosting and domain name management all under one roof, then you’ll need a registrar that also offers hosting. Plus, you’ll need to make sure that the host is also very high quality. Make a list of what non-negotiable features you need in a registrar and compare this with the feature set of the registrar you want to switch to. 2. User Friendliness There’s no point in transferring registrars if it’s going to be very difficult to use. You’ll want it to be very easy to manage your domain names, purchase a new domain name , switch over the nameservers to your host, add privacy protection, and a lot more. The last thing you want is to have to spend hours setting up your domain names, just because the platform isn’t easy to use. For this reason, it can be helpful to look for a domain registrar that’s oriented towards beginners, as generally it’ll be much easier to navigate and will use less confusing terminology. Also, look out for tutorials, blog posts, and other helpful information that’ll help save you time and set up your domains the right way. 3. Customer Support You might not need to use customer support all the time, but when you do, you’ll want them to be responsive and helpful. When you’re having issues with your domain name, or any of the associated services, you’ll want a support team that can help you out as fast as possible. For example, if your domain is currently offline for some reason, you’ll want support to be able to quickly resolve this issue. It can be helpful to get in touch with customer support before you decide to move registrars. This will help you get a feel for the quality and responsiveness of the support team before you migrate. Also, make sure they provide the support channels that you prefer to use, whether that’s live chat or phone. At HostGator, we offer 24/7 Live Chat and phone support every day of the year. 4. Domain Protection When using a registrar you’ll want to make sure that your domains are secure and there are features in place to help protect your purchase. For example, is WHOIS privacy protection included free of charge? Will you be notified before your domain name expires ? Are there additional privacy and protection services you can purchase? Beyond protecting your purchase and ensuring that your domain will always remain in your possession (as long as you want it), you’ll want to make sure there are features that allow for the safe transfer of your domain name. Here are a few domain transfer features to look for: Authorization codes. These codes help to ensure that whoever is transferring your domain has permission to do so. Transfer locks. These help to ensure that your domain name can never be transferred to another party without your permission. Transfer confirmation emails. These emails will require authentication to make sure that you’re transferring the domain to the right party. 5. Overall Price Finally, you’ll want to consider the price of the new registrar. Price is important, but it shouldn’t be the main factor in deciding to pick a new registrar. Choosing based upon price alone can leave you with a low-quality registrar that’ll end up being detrimental to your website as a whole. When examining the price of a new registrar make sure you consider any additional fees. Some registrars will include services for free that others will charge an add-on fee for. Some registrars will have very low introductory rates but jump up tremendously when it’s time to renew. Find a domain registrar within your budget, but don’t let price be the sole determining factor in your selection. How to Transfer a Domain The general process for transferring a domain will be similar no matter what registrar you’re using. Below we’ll show you how to transfer a domain, whether you’re migrating to a new registrar, or you’re moving your domain to another party. 1. Transfer a Domain to Another Registrar Moving your domain to a new registrar isn’t difficult, but there’s a series of steps you’ll have to complete. These steps exist in order to protect the domain that you own. But, if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, then here’s how you can transfer your domain to a new registrar. For the sake of this tutorial, we’re going to assume you’re moving your domain over to HostGator. Before we dive in there’s an important point to cover. You can only transfer a domain if it’s been in your possession for 60 days. If you’ve owned your domain for more than 60 days, then you’re good to go. If not, then bookmark this post and come back in 60 days. 1. Prepare for the Transfer The first thing you’ll need to do is disable the existing protection protocols and prepare your domain name for a transfer. If you want a smooth transfer process, then make sure you do the following: Update your nameservers to reflect your new host (if you’re also migrating your hosting ) Disable your WHOIS privacy protection, if it’s currently enabled Make sure that your domain contact information is up to date Unlock your domain name at your current registrar Obtain your EPP authorization code, you might have to reach out to your current registrar to obtain this Now, your domain is successfully prepared and ready for transfer. 2. Start the Domain Transfer Initiating the transfer process with HostGator is easy. Head over to the HostGator Transfer page and enter the domain name you want to transfer. This tool will then run through the pre-transfer checklist to make sure that you’ve satisfied all of the requirements. If there are any issues with the domain you want to transfer then these will be displayed in the pop-up box. If everything is good to go, then you’ll be able to complete the transfer. To finalize the transfer you’ll need to pay for a yearly registration at your new registrar. Since you’re using HostGator, just click the ‘Continue to Checkout’ button. Here you’ll enter your billing information and complete your purchase. Once you’ve submitted payment the transfer process will begin. 3. Verify the Domain Transfer To complete the domain transfer you’ll need to go through the email verification process to ensure you’re transferring the domain to the right person. Navigate to the email inbox for the email address that’s associated with the current domain. You should see a verification email. Here you’ll need to enter your EPP key or your authorization code. Once this has been verified the transfer process will be done. Now you just have to wait for the transfer process to finish. 2. Transfer a Domain to Another Party If you’re currently using HostGator for your domains and you want to transfer your domain to another third party, then following the steps below: 1. Unlock Your Domain and Prepare for Transfer In order to transfer your domain, you’ll need to prepare your domain for transfer. To do this navigate to your control panel and head over to the ‘Domains’ tab. Then, select the domain name you want to transfer and unlock the domain. Then, turn off privacy protection, if you have it enabled. If the person you’re transferring the domain to has another host enabled, then you’ll need to point the nameservers to the new host. But, if not, then you can leave the nameservers alone. Finally, you’ll need to obtain the EPP/Authorization Code from the ‘Transfer EPP’ tab. With all of this, you’re now ready to initiate the transfer. 2. Confirm the Third-Party Transfer The transfer will need to be initiated by the third party who’s accepting the domain name. This will be done from their own account on their registrar of choice. Once the transfer has been initiated you’ll need to log back into your Domain Manager and accept the transfer. To finalize the transfer you should receive a confirmation email that deals with identity confirmation and your EPP codes. Domain Transfer FAQ Hopefully, the above information covered the process in depth, but you still might have a few questions. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions related to a domain transfer. How long will the domain transfer process take? In total, the transfer should be completed in 5-7 days. This is the standard allotment, but usually, the domain will be switched over prior to that. But, if you have any issues, then it might take a bit longer to resolve everything. How long does it take to initiate a domain transfer? Preparing the domain and initiating the transfer shouldn’t take long at all. At most, it should take an hour or two. You should set aside some time to do the transfer without any interference. If you wait too long the security codes might expire, so you’ll want to everything at the same time. Can domain information be altered during a transfer? No. That’s why you’ll need to make sure all of the contact information, especially the contact email, is correct before you initiate the transfer. You can only change the domain contact information once the transfer is complete. If you need to change any domain information while the transfer is taking place you’ll need to get in touch with customer support. Ready to Transfer Your Domain? Hopefully, you have a better understanding of the domain transfer process and everything it takes to properly migrate a domain name. If you’re switching to a new domain registrar, then the information above should help point you in the right direction. Transfer your domain to HostGator today. Find the post on the HostGator Blog Continue reading

Posted in HostGator, Hosting, VodaHost | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on How to Transfer a Domain

How To Buy A Website Domain

The post How To Buy A Website Domain appeared first on HostGator Blog . If you want to establish yourself online and build up a personal brand or online business, the first step to start is to buy a domain name . Without a domain name, you won’t have a website. Plus, buying the wrong kind of domain name, or paying too much, is only going to set back your online success. Below you’ll learn how to get a website domain, why your domain name is important, and learn the answers to common questions about purchasing a domain name. How to Buy a Website Domain Name When the time comes to get a website domain name you’ll have a few different options. You can often get a free domain name by signing up for a new hosting account, or You can purchase a domain name separately through a domain name registrar. Many hosting companies also act as domain name registrars, however, there are also registrars that focus solely on helping you secure a domain name. If you want your hosting and domain name all under one roof then it’s recommended that you find a hosting company that also lets you purchase a domain name (HostGator is one of these!), as companies who function primarily as a dominant name registrar, but also have add-on hosting might not be able to offer your site the hosting performance you require. Now that that’s out of the way it’s time to buy your very own domain name. 1. Sign up for a new hosting account and get a domain included. One of the easiest ways to purchase a domain name is to buy it through a hosting company that also offers domain registration services, like HostGator. Some companies even offer a free domain name when you purchase a hosting package. Since you’re going to have to purchase hosting anyways, you can take advantage of the “all in one” purchase price that some companies offer. To buy a website domain from HostGator, follow the steps below: Navigate to https://www.hostgator.com/domains Input your URL of choice to see if it’s available Go through the steps to purchase your domain and set up your account You’ll also have the opportunity to add hosting to your existing domain before checkout if you don’t have a hosting account already. 2. Purchase a Domain Without Hosting If you aren’t ready to launch your website yet, but you want to reserve your perfect domain, consider purchasing a domain without hosting. You can buy your domain name now and select a hosting plan later. Many website companies will allow you to transfer a domain name that you already own. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to forward your nameservers towards your hosting account (that you purchase separately), and add the domain to the backend of your hosting account. If this process sounds too technical for you, then it’s recommended that you purchase a domain from a provider that also offers hosting. Common Domain Name Questions Chances are you probably still have questions related to getting your domain name. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions: What’s the best domain name extension? A domain name extension is the part of your URL that follows the period, so, .com, .org, .net, etc. There are tons of different extensions for you to choose from, but the best is still .com. It’s one of the easiest to remember and is the most authoritative out of the bunch. What are nameservers? Your nameservers will forward your URL to your host, so it can display your website’s files. To change your nameservers you’ll need to navigate to your domain manager within the registrar you’ve chosen. Next, find the nameservers for your current domain, select, ‘use custom nameservers’, and change those nameservers to the ones provided by your host. Should I buy a domain at auction? Sometimes you’ll be able to find a single word domain that’s available at auction. It can be tempting to pick up these domains, but often they’ll be incredibly pricey. Sometimes they range up into the multiple thousands of dollars. For those just getting started online, it’s recommended to avoid purchasing a domain through auction and instead, purchase your own cheaper custom domain. Hopefully, you have a better understanding of why a domain is important and the steps you can take to get your very own domain name . Why Is a Domain Name Important? Choosing the right domain name is important for a few different reasons: Your domain name tells your visitors what your site is about. Choose a poor domain and you’ll send visitors scampering for the back button. On the other hand, choosing the right domain can inspire trust and confidence in your visitors. Your domain is the embodiment of your brand. It’s the foundation for your online efforts moving forward, so choose wisely. If you’re in the local arena choosing a domain with the right keywords can actually help you rank in the search engines. Plus, it’ll give you a leg up by letting your visitors know exactly what your site is about. Now that you have a better understanding of why your domain name is important, it’s time to start the process of actually getting a domain name for your new website! Visit HostGator’s domain name checker to see if your domain name is available! Find the post on the HostGator Blog Continue reading

Posted in HostGator, Hosting, VodaHost | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on How To Buy A Website Domain

How do I find out who the host is for this site? It’s a .es

This is the site .lineaverdelapuebladealfinden.es But all it gives are the nameservers, so how do I find the actual host? I need to send … | Read the rest of http://www.webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?t=1704284&goto=newpost Continue reading

Posted in HostGator, Hosting, php, VodaHost | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on How do I find out who the host is for this site? It’s a .es

5 Steps To Take After Buying Your New Domain Name

The post 5 Steps To Take After Buying Your New Domain Name appeared first on HostGator Blog . What to Do After You’ve Bought Your Domain Name Purchasing your domain name is the first step towards getting started online. With your domain in hand, it’s time to start building your online presence. However, there’s a lot that needs to be done before you have your own piece of online real estate. Below we highlight five different things you can do once you’ve purchased a new domain name. 1. Sync Your Domain and Hosting If you’ve purchased a domain name for the purpose of creating a website, then you’ll also need a hosting account. Depending on where you purchased your domain you may be able to purchase hosting from the same source. HostGator offers a great plan for beginners that will make hosting and setting up your site a breeze. Regardless of where you decide to purchase your hosting, you’ll need to transfer your nameservers , so they point to the location of your host. If that sounds a bit technical don’t worry, the process is incredibly straightforward. To start, login to your domain name registrar where you purchased your domain and locate your nameservers. Then, you’ll want to copy and paste the nameservers provided by your host into the box where your existing nameservers are located.   2. Setup a Domain-Specific Email Address Chances are you’ll also want a domain-specific email address to go with your new domain name . This will help your site appear more professional. The total number of email addresses you can create will depend on your hosting plan. Typically, you’ll be able to create at least one without an added charge. You’ll be setting up your branded email address from within your hosting account. If your host offers a control panel like cPanel for managing your hosting account, then you’ll look for an app called Email Accounts . Here you’ll enter your email address and select the associated domain name from the drop-down box. 3. Secure Matching Social Media Handles Getting social media handles that match up with your website will help to establish your brand online. Even if you don’t plan on using the social media platform right away it can be helpful to lock down specific usernames. If the branded version of the username is already taken, then trying adding a qualifier to the end of it. Getting an exact match isn’t the most important thing, but try and get it as close as possible. For every social media profile, it can be helpful to try and match your usernames across various accounts. This will make it easier for your fans to find you across different platforms.   4. Create Goals for Your Website Before you start building your website it’s important to create an actionable plan for what you actually want to accomplish. After all, there are numerous directions you can take with your new site.    Are you building out a personal blog ?    Are you creating a site for an online service business?    Are you starting an e-commerce store ?    Are you creating a news style website? The type of website you create and the end result your looking for will help to establish your direction. It’s important to sort this out beforehand as it will determine the style of site you end up building. 5. Start Building Your Website Your website is the center of your online presence. Now, with your domain and hosting setup, it’s time to start building your website.  If you’re choosing to build your own website, then you’ll have numerous directions you can take. If you’re using HostGator, you can even use the included site builder . If you prefer to build out a site that allows for greater content development, then consider using a CMS like WordPress . Most hosts, including HostGator, offer one-click installs that will install WordPress on your site with the click of the button. Then, all you have to do is choose a WordPress theme and customize it to your liking.   Hopefully, the tips above will help you take your brand new domain name and start to lay the foundation for a successful website. Find the post on the HostGator Blog Continue reading

Posted in HostGator, Hosting, VodaHost | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on 5 Steps To Take After Buying Your New Domain Name

CloudFlare Virtual DNS Shields DNS Infrastructure from Advanced DDoS Attacks

CloudFlare’s new Virtual DNS service lets web hosts, registrars and enterprises protect themselves from an emerging type of Distributed Denial of Service attack that targets the application layer without having to change their nameservers. Continue reading

Posted in HostGator, Hosting, VodaHost | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment