AccountingBLOCK - Tax and Accounting Forums

Since forum category is, in a sense, my baby, Id like to kick it off with a warning. This is an internet marketing problem I find a lot in my job, and whenever I get involved with a new firm it's the first thing I check. A lot of accountants don't actually own their own domain names!

If you already have a domain make sure you actually own it!
Don't assume anything. Go online and check using any publicly accessible WhoIs database. These records tend to be incomplete, but you can pretty much always find out who the "domain name registrar" is. The "registrar" is the company that the domain name was registered through. Once you determine this go to the registrar's website. Each registrar will keep its own whois database. There's usually a link to it right on the welcome page. Search it again and look at the results. Are you listed as the domain owner?

The next thing to check is the administrative contact email address. This is the single most important piece of information on your registration. Registrars will use this email address as a security measure. In order to prove that you are who you say you are you need to be able to reply to their emails. If your email address isn't shown here then you may own the domain, but you have no real administrative control over it.

If your email address is listed, but is out of date, don't panic. Registrars have procedures for this. You'll just need to fax identification to prove you are who you say you are and they will reset it for you. If the email shown is someone else entirely you may have a problem.

If you're just getting started, register your own domain
A domain name is an asset of your business -- it belongs to you: There are some simple steps you can take when signing up for service (registering) a domain to ensure the record reflects this. Registering is a simple process and, when done correctly, will ensure that you maintain control of your address even in the event that you change website providers. Domain registration is handled by specialized firms called registrars including companies like GoDaddy, Network Solutions, Register.com, etc.

What to do if someone else owns your domain
If you are not listed on domain name, don't despair, it may be that a web host or other third part registered the domain in their name. Contact the company or person that set up your domain and ask them to change your records. Tell them you want to be listed as the registrant and the administrator, and you want your email address listed as the administrative contact email address. If this does not resolve the problem, you may have to consult with a lawyer with experience in such issues.

Here are some excerpts from one of my blog articles:

Some tips for domain name owners
Don't mark emails from your registrar as spam. You may miss important notices about your domain name, particularly in regards to expiration and billing. Non-payment of domain fees can result in your web site and email service disappearing with no advance notice, as described above. When you change your email address always make sure you log into your domain name registrars site and make sure they have the new email. Small steps like this may save you a huge headache when the time comes to renew your name or if you should forget your password.

Auto-renewal is a great service, but remember... your domain will only auto-renew if the credit card the registrar has on file is up to date! Beware of domain name scammers. Your registrar's competitors can access WhoIs records and they will often try to entice you into switching registrars or registering unnecessary domain names.

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CPA Site Solutions: Profitable Websites for Accounting Firms

Some really good tips. Being a technology geek myself and in the business of buying and selling websites, I know first hand that it is important accountants take out some time register a domain name.

Sooner or later, one of the domain brokers will register your name and you will miss out. Even if you approach the domain name broker, you will be asked to pay a lot more money than mere $8/year right now.

I recommend godaddy, I have all my domains hosted there.

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Zahid Lilani
Manager,

I couldn't agree more. I use GoDaddy for all my personal domain needs. The price is right, they have 24/7 phone support, and their techies know what an SPF record is for.

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CPA Site Solutions: Profitable Websites for Accounting Firms

Do you recommend listing your details on the domain as I had a friend who listed his name and address and got people threatening him on other internet forums. I'm sure nothing came of it although it was slightly concerning that people who didn't know him went to the trouble of finding out his details so easily.

People could set the administration details to private. However the down side of this means if you ever want people to approach you with an offer for the domain they can't find your details to contact you. Unless you guys know a way around this?

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Access Dimensions

Frankly, I don't use privacy services. If my name was Brad Pitt or Dick Cheney then sure, it'd be a no-brainer, but I don't think I need to worry too much about stalkers or terrorists.

My main reason for not using privacy services is accountability and transparency. I always check out domains "WhoIs" records before I do business with a new company, and while it's not a deal-breaker to find the domain contact info protected, it's a HUGE red flag. I'm a business owner. I'm asking people to give me money in exchange for a product I'm selling. They have a right to know who I am and be able to contact me, for better or for worse, at any time before, during, or after that sale.

Another reason I avoid privacy protection is that if they aren't already, it's only a matter of time before Google starts using WhoIs information as part of it's ranking algorythm, and I think you'll find protected domains treated with similar suspicion.

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CPA Site Solutions: Profitable Websites for Accounting Firms

These are some good tips, thank you very much for sharing this. I am planing on registering a domain name soon.

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