Verifying that your domain was registered correctly by your developer is crucial to secure your brand identity and maintain control over your online assets. Here are essential steps Nigerian business owners and entrepreneurs should follow:
- Confirm Domain Ownership Details: Use public WHOIS lookup tools, such as Who.is or DomainTools, For .ng to view the registrant information for your domain. The details should reflect your business not your developer’s specifics. If not, request an immediate update.
- Check the Registration Email: All critical alerts regarding renewal and security are sent to the email associated with the domain registrant. Ensure this email is one you control. If incorrect, it puts your domain at risk of unauthorized changes. Though some registry has been keeping some information private for privacy and spamming sake, but you should see basic information to show you own the domain.
- Inspect Domain Registration Duration: Review the expiry date and renewal period of your domain. Ideally, it should be registered for one or multiple years to avoid suspension. If you wish to transfer your domain, check out this step-by-step guide to domain migration.
- Verify Nameserver Settings: Confirm that nameservers point to your chosen web host. Incorrect settings can lead to downtime or misdirected visitors. Learn how to change nameservers here.
- Ensure Access to the Domain Registrar: You should have full login details for the domain registrar platform. This allows you to renew or modify domain settings as needed. Visit this toolkit for quickly verifying domain ownership.
- Validate Nigeria-Specific Requirements: If your domain ends in .ng, ensure compliance with Nigerian Internet Registration Association (NIRA) policies. Read our .ng domain guide for further insights.
- Look Out for WHOIS Verification and Pending Issues: Ensure any requested WHOIS verification is completed to prevent suspension of your domain. Check emails for verification requests and address them promptly by reviewing supplied guidance for pending verification.
Check Domain Status via WHOIS
The WHOIS database is a fundamental tool for retrieving essential information about any domain name, such as expiry dates and contact details. Regularly checking this information is crucial, particularly for Nigerian businesses. Utilize WHOIS lookup services to confirm:
- Registrar Name: Which company manages your domain.
- Registrant Contact: Should reflect your business name.
- Domain Status: Check for any restrictions impacting transfers.
- Registration Dates: A reminder for upcoming renewals.
If you encounter discrepancies, initiate a transfer process to ensure proper registration. More info can be found in our guide about migrating your domain.
Ensure Correct DNS Settings
Accurate DNS configuration is vital for smooth website function. Key records include:
- A Record: Directs your domain to the hosting server’s IP.
- MX Record: Determines email routing; errors can disrupt mail flow.
- CNAME Record: Aliases one domain to another, like “www” to “yourbusiness.com”.
For verification, utilize DNS lookup tools or registrar dashboards. Ensuring proper configuration prevents accessibility issues. Review our comprehensive domain migration guide for more detailed checks.
Confirm Domain Email Setup
A properly set up domain email enhances professionalism. Access your domain control panel to set up vital addresses (e.g., info@yourbusiness.ng) and implement DMARC, SPF, and DKIM records for security. This setup reduces spam risks and enhances email deliverability. For detailed steps, see our email setup guide.
Regularly Monitor Domain Expiry Date
Monitoring your domain’s expiry is critical to avoid lapses in online presence. Set automated reminders for renewals and keep your contact information updated. Consider multi-year registrations to ensure continuity. Learn more in our migration guide.
Use Domain Management Tools
Utilizing management tools streamlines monitoring of renewal dates and WHOIS info. Platforms like GoDaddy and Cloudflare offer user-friendly dashboards. For improved security, ensure you enable two-factor authentication. Tools can significantly reduce errors and help maintain your digital identity, as described in our guide about choosing hosting in Nigeria.
Engage with Your Developer
Maintain clear communication with your developer about the domain’s registration and maintenance. Request transparency regarding registrar details and ensure you have full control. Deeper insights into transferring domains can be found in our migration guide.
Final Thoughts
Ensuring your domain is correctly registered is vital for your company’s digital presence. Follow these steps to confirm ownership, secure credentials, and enhance overall management. For more guidance on domain management, explore our complete guide to migrating your domain.
