what you need to know about your domain name

This is Dawn. Dawn called me one day a few years ago to come and discuss a new website. As is always the case when I consult with a new customer, I looked up her domain name and to my alarm, discovered that it was expiring THAT VERY DAY! I called Dawn to explain, but she was very busy in her retail business. No worries. I was meeting with her later that day.

I arrived at her business — bustling and prosperous — and among the chaos of her retail space, I tried to explain to Dawn that she needed to take action on her domain name immediately or her site would go offline. Of course, customers coming and going took priority, and she never caught my alarm. I urged her to take action on the domain. I even used my favorite analogy “Your domain is like your phone number. If it isn’t renewed it goes dead and people can’t reach you.” But she said she’d get back to me tomorrow.

Alas, tomorrow came and I got an ANGRY phone call from Dawn claiming that I “made her website go down”. TO THIS DAY Dawn and her business partner think I somehow magically made their website go away. Wish I had that much power.

The takeaway: make sure you know:

1. Where your domain is registered

2. Your user name and password to that domain registrar

3. Which email address receives the renewal notice

If you don’t have the above information, email me. Whether you’re a customer or not, I’m happy to look it up for you.