Well, I’m here to help! Here are the most common domain name questions I’ve been asked over the years by studio owners such as yourself:
1. How do I choose a good domain name?
2. My first choice for a domain name IS available, but it costs an arm and a leg. Why??
Your first choice is likely considered a premium domain name by the domain registrar. A premium domain name is a web address that is considered more valuable than regular domain names due to various factors such as its length, keyword relevance, memorability, and potential for search engine optimization.
Premium domain names are often short, easy to remember, and may contain keywords that are highly relevant to a specific industry or niche, in this case, dance. Domain registrars take this perceived higher value and, yep, charge more. Whether it is worth the extra dough to obtain that specific name is up to you. If you can’t/won’t cough up the money, you’ll need to find an alternative domain name for your studio.
3. What if the domain name I want is already taken??
4. What is a domain registrar? Which is the best one?
A domain registrar is a company that allows you to register and manage your domain name. Popular registrars include GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Google Domains. I find them to be pretty much interchangeable. Still, do your due diligence and research domain registrars; you can then make a choice based on customer support, pricing, and additional services.
Beware, though! A search for “the best” domain registrar can take you down quite the rabbit hole. I’d recommend setting a timer for 20 minutes as a time limit. Alternatively, if you’re using a website builder such as Squarespace, you may find it easier to purchase your domain name through them.
5. How can I check for domain name availability?
Any domain name registrar, such as the ones listed above, will happily allow you to search domain availability from their homepage. After all, if you find one you like on their site, you’re likely to secure it through them!
6. What is the relationship between a domain name and hosting?
A domain name is your dance studio’s website address, while hosting is where your website’s files and data are stored. They are separate but work together in order for your website to function.
7. I want one or more domain-based email addresses so I can stop using my gmail (or, shudder, aol) email address for my studio. How do I get those?
Some domain registrars offer integrated email services. You should be able to find information on the topic by searching for your domain registrar’s name plus “custom email address” or “domain based email address”. Alternatively, you can choose an email service provider (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365) for domain-based emails. Follow their setup instructions to link your domain and create professional email addresses for your dance studio.
8. How long does it take for a domain name to become active?
Typically, a domain becomes active within 24-48 hours after registration. However, it can take up to 72 hours in some cases due to DNS (domain name server) propagation.
9. I want/need to change my domain name. Can I cancel the old one?
I would strongly recommend keeping the old one active for at least a year, to ensure a smooth transition. You’ll want to put an “automatic redirect” in place, so that traffic will instantly and automatically be redirected from the old domain to the new one. You can then start advertising your studio’s new website address. And the good news is that those who type in the old website address (or click on an outdated link online) will then be automatically taken to the new one, instead of landing on an error page.
10. I already have a domain name for my existing website. Can I use it with a new, different website?
Yes, you can repurpose your existing domain for a new website. To do so, point your domain name to the new hosting account. Don’t know how to do this? Contact your website agency or follow the instructions in your domain registrar’s help section.
11. Can I redirect my old domain name so it takes people to a new one?
Yes, you can set up redirects to ensure visitors are directed from the old domain to the new one. This is important, actually, because it maintains your search engine optimization as well as your users’ experience. To do so, you’ll need to set up a redirect (or forward) in your domain name account. This process varies, so consult your hosting or domain registrar’s support for specific steps.
12. Should I transfer my domain name?
At our dance studio website design company, only rarely do we recommend transferring a domain name. The main reasons to do so are if: a) you don’t have (and can’t get) full access to your domain name account because it’s controlled by someone else, or b) you’ve had a really bad experience with your current domain name company. Otherwise, there is little benefit to transferring a domain. It can slow down a website’s launch and quite frankly, can be a pain in the tuckus.