Domain Registrations

Registering Your Domain Name

Registering your domain name is an important step in getting your web site online. Your domain name should reflect your business name or describe your business. Consider the following when registering a domain name.

A shorter domain name may be better. Most people don't want to type a long domain name. If your business name is long, consider registering a shorter version your company's name as your domain name. The shorter version of your domain name could contain the first letter of each word in your company name. You may also want to register the complete name of your business to keep competitors from registering the name and diverting business from you to them.

If the domain name you want is not available, you can use a hyphen between words. There are advantages and disadvantages to using hyphens. Customers may forget to type the hyphen(s) but search engines will be able to read each word of your domain name and use it to return your site as a match. Consider using hyphens if the non-hyphenated version of your domain name is not available and you are unable to find a domain name that suits your business.

You may search for your domain name here or contact us and let us help you choose a domain name that will promote your business. The most important reason for allowing us to register your domain name is that we will maintain the information in your domain record so you won't have to. If you don't understand DNS, MX, SPF and A-records, you may want to have us register your domain name for you and we will update those key components for you.

When registering a domain name, we suggest you also register the .info, .net, .org, .us, and .biz names as well. Doing so will prevent your competition from registering the same domain name as yours with one of those extensions and diverting business from your web site to their web site.

Transfer Your Domain Name

The benefits of transferring your domain name to us are simple: we will save you time and money. We will maintain your domain record so you won't need to get an education about how DNS, MX records, A-records and SPF records work. These components of your domain record are critical to visitors finding your web site and the delivery of your e-mail. Errors in your domain record may cost you valuable business.

We prefer to handle the domain transfer process and will involve you only if needed. Transfer your domain name to us so you can focus on running your business.

If you want to maintain your domain record but want to transfer your domain name to us click here, and then select the Transfer a Domain Name link that is in the Register A Domain Name box.

Private Domain Name Registration

Are you aware that when you register a domain, your name, address, e-mail address, and phone number are immediately available to anyone who searches your domain record? It's true! You can keep your information private and unavailable to potential SPAMers, telemarketers, etc. by making your domain registration private. A private domain registration "unlists" your private information. Protect your personal, private information; contact us today to change your new or existing domain record's public registration to a private regisration. (Transfer of your domain name from your current registrar to SBIS is required to add privacy.)

New ICANN Rules, Information, and Links

Starting January 1, 2014, new rules issued by Internet Corporation of Assigned Names & Numbers (ICANN) go into affect. All existing domain records and new registrations must have complete WHOis information. Existing registrants are required to verify the email address in their record whenever the first name, last name, or email address changes. New registrants are required to verify their email address upon registration of a domain. The registration process involves responding to an email that is sent to the registrant. Registrants are required to respond within 15 days to keep their website (if one exists) from going offline.

Registrants' Benefits and Responsibilities

Domain Name Registrants' Rights

Your domain name registration and any privacy/proxy services you may use in conjunction with it must be subject to a Registration Agreement with an ICANN Accredited Registrar.

You are entitled to review this Registration Agreement at any time, and download a copy for your records.

You are entitled to accurate and accessible information about:

The identity of your ICANN Accredited Registrar;
The identity of any proxy or privacy service provider affiliated with your Registrar;
Your Registrar's terms and conditions, including pricing information, applicable to domain name registrations;
The terms and conditions, including pricing information, applicable to any privacy services offered by your Registrar;
The customer support services offered by your Registrar and the privacy services provider, and how to access them;
How to raise concerns and resolve disputes with your Registrar and any privacy services offered by them; and
Instructions that explain your Registrar's processes for registering, managing, transferring, renewing, and restoring your domain name registrations, including through any proxy or privacy services made available by your Registrar.

You shall not be subject to false advertising or deceptive practices by your Registrar or though any proxy or privacy services made available by your Registrar. This includes deceptive notices, hidden fees, and any practices that are illegal under the consumer protection law of your residence.

Domain Name Registrants' Responsibilities

You must comply with the terms and conditions posted by your Registrar, including applicable policies from your Registrar, the Registry and ICANN.
You must review your Registrar's current Registration Agreement, along with any updates.
You will assume sole responsibility for the registration and use of your domain name.
You must provide accurate information for publication in directories such as WHOIS, and promptly update this to reflect any changes.
You must respond to inquiries from your Registrar within fifteen (15) days, and keep your Registrar account data current. If you choose to have your domain name registration renew automatically, you must also keep your payment information current.