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Managing Your Domain Name Efficiently

Renuka Savant
Your domain defines your space on the Internet, and looking after your domain name is not too different from taking care of your real estate. Multiple domain names, being assets, require extra attention. Here is a guide on domain name maintenance.
A domain name is the name of your website; in other words, it is a mark of your identity on the web. Your customers or visitors associate your company with your domain name. Upkeep of domain names, therefore, becomes extremely crucial. Further, it can also become a part of your email address, and that of your employees, if you happen to have a company.
Your job does not end at registering your domain name; in fact, that is just the beginning. A domain name requires constant upkeep and maintenance, and you really can't afford to get lax with it.

Domain Name Maintenance

Watch Out for Expiration
Your ownership of domain names is subject to expiration, and it is essential that you keep a tab on it. The company you have registered with, does send you renewal reminders; but, if you forget to implement a renewal, you obviously lose control over your domain name.
Linking renewals to your online payment account will save you a lot of trouble of remembering payment deadlines. If you have multiple domain names under your control, the renewal dates tend to vary. Consult with your name registrar to club these dates together, which will make renewals easy.
Duration of Registration
Speaking of renewals, domain names are registered to be operated by you for a specific period. Registering it for a relatively short period of, say, one year doesn't make good sense.
After all, you are looking at operating your website for the long haul, isn't it? Why not register it for the maximum duration permitted and bypass the hassle of yearly renewals? Another advantage of longer registration is that your site will be deemed trustworthy from the search engine point of view, making your SEO department happy.
Keep it Updated
As your domain name is your identity on the web, the updating should be prioritized. Do ensure that the contact details and other important information are instantly updated on your website and with your name registrar, in the event of any change. Viewers, clients, even registrars are potential users of this vital information, so slacking in this regard is a strict no-no.
Review the Security
Contact details were mentioned in the previous point, and I guess you already know that it classifies as sensitive information.
Domain name registration service providers do share this information, so registering with companies, which ensure private registration services is a good idea. Instances of personal information available on the Internet being misused by thugs is well-known, so it doesn't hurt to be supremely cautious.

Manage Multiple Domain Names

Protect your Property
The domain names you own are your property, and you need to lock them in order to prevent any misuse. Locking will give you the advantage of protecting your contact details and illegal domain name transfers. If you are concerned about unlocking procedures, then rest assured that it can be done within minutes.
About the P-word
While we are on the topic of protection, your password holds the key to your domain security. Making it complicated enough to guard it from password generators, ensures safety. Also, do remember to keep replacing your password from time to time. Keep in mind the basics of logging in from secure computers, avoiding phishing mails and logging out every single time.
Rent Your Space
You may have bought several domain names with a view of selling them eventually for a plump sum of money. So, until that day arrives, how about making some cash off it as it stays with you? Advertisers will pay you a neat sum for letting them space to make their presence felt. You no longer have to wait to sell off your domain name and earn money. Do it while you still possess the names.
Auction Options
Hogging domain space for no reason does not make any sense at all. Yes, I can hear you put up the 'save it to sell it later' argument, but there is no harm in testing the earning waters, isn't it? Putting it up for auction will allow you to fix a base price, and check how much extra you can earn. This way, you get to decide whether to save it or sell it.
Hired Help
Sourcing help from domain name management services will save you from all the hassles related to purchasing a coveted domain name; for a hefty price, of course! They will do the dealings on your behalf, and get you the name you desire. This service is excellent for those desperately seeking a particular identity.
The worth of an exclusive domain name is invaluable. This is why their protection should gain utmost priority from the owners. Whether or not you choose to keep them or eventually sell them, their security should not be compromised.