DNAccess has put together this list of domain name frequently asked questions. Many of these questions related to how domain names are set up (such as setting up DKIM, SPF, and DMARC records on your domain name). Other frequently asked questions are related to domain name background checks, and issues that should be checked when performing a domain name background check. Have a question that we haven’t covered here? Feel free to ask.
A domain name is the web address that people type into their browser to visit your website. It’s an essential part of your online presence and can impact the success of your business or personal brand. However, not everyone is familiar with domain names and how they work. In this article, we’ll answer some common questions about domain names to help you understand them better.
What is a domain name?
A domain name is a unique name that identifies a website on the internet. It’s made up of two parts: the name and the extension. For example, in the domain name www.example.com, “example” is the name, and “.com” is the extension. Domain names are used to help people find and remember websites.
How do I choose a domain name?
Choosing a domain name can be a tricky process, but there are a few things you can keep in mind to make it easier. First, choose a name that’s easy to remember and easy to spell. Second, try to make it short and simple. Third, consider using keywords that describe your website or business. Fourth, choose an extension that’s appropriate for your website or business, such as .com, .org, or .net.
How do I register a domain name?
To register a domain name, you’ll need to use a domain registrar. There are many different registrars to choose from, such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Google Domains. Simply search for your desired domain name on the registrar’s website, and if it’s available, follow the instructions to complete the registration process.
What happens if someone else has already registered the domain name I want?
If someone else has already registered the domain name you want, you have a few options. You can try to contact the owner and see if they’re willing to sell it to you. You can also choose a different name or extension. Finally, if the domain name is trademarked, you may be able to file a dispute and try to claim it.
Do I need a website to register a domain name?
No, you don’t need a website to register a domain name. However, you will need a website if you want to use the domain name to create an online presence. You can register a domain name and park it, which means you’re reserving the name for future use.
What is the Domain Create Date?
The domain name Create Date is when the domain name was first registered. If the domain name expired and then was registered again, it will have a new Create Date.
The domain name Create Date is when the domain name was first registered. If the domain name expired and then was registered again, it will have a new Create Date. DNAccess reviews the Create Date of the domain name in the WHOIS record of the domain name. Older domain names that have been registered for multiple years in the past and renewed each year, especially when the domain name has a history of having a live website on it, is a positive thing. DNAccess may review the Create Date of the domain name and the history of the domain name and assign positive points for every year that the domain name has been registered in the past.
What is the Domain Expiration Date?
The domain name Expiration Date is when the domain name will expire. Domain names must be renewed on an annual basis and can be registered for more than one year into the future.
The domain name Expiration Date is when the domain name will expire. Domain names must be renewed on an annual basis and can be registered for more than one year into the future. Domain names may be registered for 100 years (offered by some registrars) or they can be registered for an unlimited number of years in the future and never expire, a service offered by the registrar Epik.com. DNAccess believes that domain names registered for several years in the future (more than one year in the future) may be a positive thing, so DNAccess may assign positive points onto the DNP Score for each year the domain name is registered in the future. Likewise, DNAccess may assign negative points onto the DNP Score if a domain name expires soon or is currently in an on-hold or expired status.
What is the Domain Status?
The current domain status indicates whether or not the domain name is current on its registration, on-hold, expired, or pending expiration status.
The current domain status indicates whether or not the domain name is current on its registration or not. There are several domain name statuses, including ClientDeleteProhibited (domain name is currently registered and in good standing). Other domain statuses indicate whether or not the domain name is on hold, pending delete (going to expire soon), etc. There are 21 different domain name statuses that can be viewed here (https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/epp-status-codes-list-2014-06-18-en). Generally speaking, the domain name should be in a status that does not indicate that it will expire or is on hold. DNAccess may assign negative points to domain names that will expire soon or are on hold.
What is a domain registrar?
A domain registrar is a company that provides registration services for domain names. When you register a domain name, the registrar will record your information and assign the domain name to your account. The registrar will also manage the domain name’s settings and DNS records.
How do I choose a domain registrar?
When choosing a domain registrar, it’s important to consider factors such as pricing, customer service, and security. Look for a registrar that offers competitive pricing and transparent pricing policies. Also, check out their customer service options, including phone support, email support, and chat support. Finally, make sure the registrar provides robust security features, such as two-factor authentication and domain locking.
What information do I need to provide to a domain registrar?
When you register a domain name, you’ll need to provide some basic information, such as your name, address, and email address. This information is used to create your account and record your ownership of the domain name. You may also need to provide payment information if you’re registering a paid domain name.
What services do domain registrars offer?
Domain registrars offer a range of services, including domain name registration, domain name transfer, DNS management, and web hosting. Some registrars also offer email hosting and website building services. It’s important to choose a registrar that offers the services you need for your website or business.
How do I transfer my domain name to a different registrar?
To transfer your domain name to a different registrar, you’ll need to follow a few steps. First, check with your current registrar to make sure that your domain name is eligible for transfer. Then, initiate the transfer with your new registrar, who will guide you through the process. You’ll typically need to provide authorization codes and complete some paperwork.
How do I set up email using my domain name?
To set up email using your domain name, you’ll need to use an email hosting service. Many domain registrars offer email hosting as an add-on service, or you can use a third-party email hosting provider. Once you have an email hosting account, you can create email addresses using your domain name and start using them to communicate with your customers or clients.
What is DKIM?
DomainKeys Identified Mail. DKIM is an email authentication method designed to detect forged email addresses in email. DKIM should be set up in the DNS records of the domain name if email is sent or received from the domain name.
DKIM stands for DomainKeys Identified Mail. DKIM is an email authentication method designed to detect forged email addresses in email. DKIM should be set up in the DNS records of the domain name if email is sent or received from the domain name. You’ll need to contact your domain name registrar (where you bought your domain name) or your web hosting service in order to set up DKIM on your domain name. DNAccess believes it is important to set up DKIM on domain names that send and receive email. Setting up DKIM on a domain name can help protect from someone pretending to send email from that domain name, which can lead to email spam and the domain potentially getting blacklisted on email blacklists. For more information about DKIM, see DKIM.org or Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DomainKeys_Identified_Mail
What is DMARC?
Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance. DMARC is an email authentication protocol designed to give domain name owners the ability to protect their domain name from unauthorized use.
DMARC stands for Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance. DMARC is an email authentication protocol designed to give domain name owners the ability to protect their domain name from unauthorized use. DNAccess believes it is important to set up DMARC on a domain name to help protect from business email compromise attacks, phishing emails, email scams and other cyber threat activities. In order to set up DMARC, you need to talk with your website host. For more information, see DMARC.org or Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMARC
What is DNSSEC?
Domain Name System Security Extensions. DNSSEC helps secure certain kinds of information provided by the Domain Name System. The DNS System is the used when someone types in a domain name or an email is sent, for example. Enabling DNSSEC on a domain name helps with potential domain name security issues.
DNSSEC stands for Domain Name System Security Extensions. DNSSEC helps secure certain kinds of information provided by the Domain Name System. The DNS System is the used when someone types in a domain name or an email is sent, for example. It essentially encrypts the data as it passes over the internet. To enable DNSSEC on a domain name, you need to talk to your domain name registrar. Certain domain name registrars will let you enable DNSSEC via your registrar’s dashboard or some will enable it for you if you contact them via a support request. DNAccess believes it is important to set up DNSSEC on domain names to protect them from future risk. Domain names that do not have DNSSEC enabled may receive negative points in their scores. For more information, see the ICANN website about DNSSEC https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/dnssec-what-is-it-why-important-2019-03-05-en
What Does It Mean by Banned in Search Engines?
Is the domain name banned in any of the internet search engine results such as Google or Bing? If the domain name was used for a website and it hosted spam content or the website owner violated search engine guidelines, the domain name could be banned in the search engine, and removed. If the website is a live website on the domain name, and it’s currently banned in the search engine (it’s not found in the search results pages), then that can indicate larger problems that the domain name has or could have in the future. If the domain name is banned in the search results and is a completely new domain name, not registered yet, or has expired (not renewed), it may be banned in the search engine results. In those cases it can get listed again and may not have any future problems. In any case, a domain name that is banned in the search engines typically is not a good thing. DNAccess believes that domain names that are banned in the search engine results can indicate other potential issues, so will assign negative points for domains banned in search engines.
What is an Email Blacklist?
Is the domain name currently on any email blacklists? Domain names should generally not be listed on any email blacklists unless there is a history of spam being sent from it.
Is the domain name currently on any email blacklists? Domain names should generally not be listed on any email blacklists unless there is a history of spam being sent from it. If the domain name is listed on any of the email blacklists that DNAccess checks, we believe that it can have a negative effect on the deliverability of email sent from that domain name. There are several public email blacklist checks that you can access. If the domain name is on an email blacklist, DNAccess recommends that you take steps to remove the domain from the appropriate email blacklists. DNAccess believes that a domain name on email blacklists will have an effect on future use of the domain name and it poses a risk. Therefore, DNAccess may assign negative points based on the number of email blacklists where the domain name appears and which email blacklists the domain name appears.
What is a Trademark Search at USPTO?
Is the word or string of characters in the domain name (minus the TLD Top Level Domain like .com, .net. ,etc.) in the United States Trademark Search database? if the word or string of characters is listed, there may be a trademark issue with the domain name.
Is the word or string of characters in the domain name (minus the TLD Top Level Domain like .com, .net. ,etc.) in the United States Trademark Search database? if the word or string of characters is listed, there may be a trademark issue with the domain name. DNAccess checks the United States USPOT trademark database called TESS. If part of the domain name (the part without the domain ending) appears in this database, then there may be a trademark issue with the domain name. If this is your domain name then that is OK–if there is no match in the trademark search, DNAccess may assign positive points as a part of the DNP Scoring Process. You can search the USPTO trademark database https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-application-process/search-trademark-database.
What is a WIPO UDRP Search?
World Intellectual Property Organization, the organization responsible for maintaining and taking care of UDRP domain name disputes. The domain name should not have any UDRP decisions, ideally.
World Intellectual Property Organization, the organization responsible for maintaining and taking care of UDRP domain name disputes. The domain name should not have any UDRP decisions, ideally. DNAccess searches the database of prior UDRP domain name disputes. If the domain name was the subject of a domain name dispute in the past, DNAccess may add negative points as a part of the DNP Scoring system. We recommend you review the case if a domain name dispute was filed on a domain name. You can search the WIPO UDRP database here: https://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/search/
What is Malware?
Does the website that is on the current domain name have malware associated with it? Malware should not be associated with the domain name.
Does the website that is on the current domain name have malware associated with it? Malware should not be associated with the domain name. Is there a history of the domain name hosting malware in the past? DNAccess believes that malware is certainly a problem and can have a negative effect and cause website visitors issues if the domain name contains malware. DNAccess may assign negative points to the DNP Scoring system for the domain name if it ever hosted malware in the past or if the domain name currently contains malware.
What is Domain Reputation?
Several different services offers domain name reputation services and will check a domain name. Most of these are based on the IP address of where the domain name currently resides. Domain names should have a good or acceptable reputation.
Several different services offers domain name reputation services and will check a domain name. Most of these are based on the IP address of where the domain name currently resides. Domain names should have a good or acceptable reputation. DNAccess uses several different services to determine the domain name reputation. If the domain name is deemed to have a bad or unacceptable reputation, then we may assign negative points as a part of the DNP Scoring system.
What is the Domain Registrant History?
Has the domain name been registered to more than one individual or company in the past? Does the domain name have a history of being registered but then different owners have owned the domain name? What is the history of the domain name registrant?
Has the domain name been registered to more than one individual or company in the past? Does the domain name have a history of being registered but then different owners have owned the domain name? What is the history of the domain name registrant? DNAccess believes that if a domain name has been registered over and over again (registered, then expired, then registered, expired, then registered again, etc.) or the domain name has had a lot of different registrants, it might indicate a potential risk. We realize that a few registrant changes are perfectly legitimate. However, if the registrant has changed more than 5 or 10 times in the same year or in the past few years, this might indicate a risk for the domain name. DNAccess may assign negative points based on the number of times a domain name is registered or the number of times a domain name has changed registrants if we determine it is excessive.
What is a Domain IP Address?
Where is the domain name currently hosted? What is the IP address of the website where it is hosted? Certain IP addresses or web servers can be “bad neighborhoods” where particular spammy or “bad websites” are hosted. So, we review the current IP address.
Where is the domain name currently hosted? What is the IP address of the website where it is hosted? Certain IP addresses or web servers can be “bad neighborhoods” where particular spammy or “bad websites” are hosted. So, we review the current IP address. DNAccess may determine that the IP address of where the domain name is hosted (which web server it is on) can be positive or negative. DNAccess may assign positive or negative points as a part of the DNP scoring system based on the IP address of where the domain name is hosted.
What is Moz Domain Authority?
Moz Domain Authority is a calculation by Moz.com that indicates the quality of the domain name.
Moz Domain Authority is a calculation by Moz.com that indicates the quality of the domain name. A higher Domain Authority DA number indicates better quality websites are linking to this website. DNAccess may use the Moz Domain Authority as a part of the DNP Scoring system. You can see your own Moz DA score at Moz.com.
What is Moz Ranking Keywords?
Moz Ranking Keywords is the number of keywords that the website on the domain name is ranking for in the Google search engine. More ranking keywords is better.
Moz Ranking Keywords is the number of keywords that the website on the domain name is ranking for in the Google search engine. More ranking keywords is better. DNAccess may use the Moz Ranking Keywords as part of the DNP Scoring system. We believe that if a domain name ranks for more keywords then it is a positive thing and we may add positive points. However, if the domain name has been around for an extended period of time and the Moz Ranking Keywords is low then it can indicate a potential issue. In that case we may assign negative points to the domain name. Learn more at Moz.com.
What is Ahrefs Domain Rating?
Ahrefs Domain Rating is a calculation by ahrefs.com that indicates the quality of the domain name.
Ahrefs Domain Rating is a calculation by ahrefs.com that indicates the quality of the domain name. A higher Domain Rating DR indicates better quality websites are linking to this website. DNAccess may use the Ahrefs Domain Authority as a part of the DNP Scoring system. You can see your own ahrefs DR score at ahrefs.com.
What is Ahrefs Domain Authority?
Ahrefs Domain Authority is a calculation by ahrefs.com that indicates the quality of the domain name.
Ahrefs Domain Authority is a calculation by ahrefs.com that indicates the quality of the domain name. A higher Domain Authority DA number indicates better quality websites are linking to this website. DNAccess may use the Ahrefs Domain Authority as a part of the DNP Scoring system. You can see your own ahrefs DA score at ahrefs.com.
What is Majestic Trust Flow?
Majestic Trust Flow (TF) is a calculation by Majestic.com that indicates the quality of the domain name. A higher Trust Flow TF number indicates better quality websites are linking to this website.
Majestic Trust Flow (TF) is a calculation by Majestic.com that indicates the quality of the domain name. A higher Trust Flow TF number indicates better quality websites are linking to this website. DNAccess may use the Majestic Trust Flow as a part of the DNP Scoring system. You can see your own Majestic Trust Flow number at Majestic.com.
What is Majestic Citation Flow?
Majestic Citation Flow (CF) is a calculation by Majestic.com that indicates the quality of the domain name. A higher Trust Flow TF number indicates a high number of lower quality web pages are linking to this website.
Majestic Citation Flow (CF) is a calculation by Majestic.com that indicates the quality of the domain name. A higher Trust Flow TF number indicates a high number of lower quality web pages are linking to this website. DNAccess may use the Majestic Citation Flow as a part of the DNP Scoring system. You can see your own Majestic Citation Flow number at Majestic.com.
What is Meant by Name Server History & Changes?
Every domain name must point to a name server that tells web browsers where the website is located for the domain name. Each domain name needs web hosting for websites to be accessible in a web browser. If the name servers have changed often it could indicate a risk for the domain name.
Every domain name must point to a name server that tells web browsers where the website is located for the domain name. Each domain name needs web hosting for websites to be accessible in a web browser. If the name servers have changed often it could indicate a risk for the domain name. DNAccess reviews the name servers where the domain name is hosted. We also may review the number of changes that have occurred in the past, as frequently changing name servers may indicate a risk for the domain name even if the domain name registrant did not change.
Domain Names
A domain name is an essential part of your online presence, and understanding how it works is crucial. By answering these common questions about domain names, we hope to have provided you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your online presence. Remember to choose a domain name that’s memorable, easy to spell, and appropriate for your website or business.