Too many UK small businesses do not understand the issues
surrounding domain names and how to make best use of their Web
sites, according to a new survey.
Some businesses feel ripped off when they find they don't actually
own the domain name for their Web site or find advertisements for
third parties popping up when users access their site.
Problems such as these were highlighted in a survey from Internet
marketing agency Neutralize, conducted on behalf of the
government's UK Online for Business initiative.
Neutralize studied the Internet usage of 39 companies and found
that more than a third were surprised to discover that they were
not the legal registrant of what they thought was their own domain
name.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) told CW360.com that this
is just one example of problems faced by SMEs regarding the issue
of domain names and Web hosting.
FSB national IT chairman Peter Scargill said: "There appears to be
a fundamental lack of knowledge in the SME sector as to what they
are getting when investigating or purchasing a domain name. The
inherent technical expertise in this activity tends to alienate
many users."
The FSB fears that too many users are simply bolting a domain name
onto their Web site without understanding the real benefits.
Scargill also warned SMEs to be wary of relying on technical
specialists.
"SME's should be aware of all of these issues and shop around, but
be aware that as in everything, there is a balance between price,
service, reliability and choice," he said.
The FSB has compiled seven Best Practice points to help SMEs get to
grips with the key issues of domain names and site hosting.
1. Are you buying a name to use or just for "brand"
protection? If you wish to use the name you need Web pointing for
which many service providers charge extra.
2. Be aware that cheaper services may include advertising
from third parties. Some ISPs offer cheap domain names, but their
advertisement pops up every time a user accesses a site they
host.
3. Look for real customer support. Web-based help with no
access to a human being is fine when everything is working,
extremely frustrating when it is not.
4. Check for lock-in fees. Some providers charge you to
transfer out your domain name if you wish to move hosting of your
site elsewhere. Charges can be steep.
5. Do you own or rent the domain name of your site? Is it
registered in your name or that of the domain providers? Make sure
you actually own the name - check the "who is" service and your
account details.
6. What features are provided free? You need Web pointing to
use your domain name and e-mail forwarding allows you to use your
domain name as your e-mail address. Check about charges for
additional e-mail addresses.
7. Look for an established provider. Transferring domain
names can be disruptive.