Your domain is your business identity online. It’s tied to your website, email, and brand credibility. If your domain is mismanaged, the impact can be severe: websites go offline, email stops working, and in extreme cases, domains can be hijacked or lost.

Here’s how to manage your domain like a business asset.

Choosing the right domain

A good domain should be:

• simple to spell
• easy to remember
• aligned with your brand
• not too long
• suitable for your market (e.g., .co.za for South Africa)

Avoid hyphens and confusing spellings where possible.

Secure your domain immediately

Domain security basics include:

• enabling domain lock
• using a strong account password
• keeping the admin email current
• limiting who has access

If someone gains access to your domain account, they can redirect your website or take control of email routing.

Understand DNS (the control panel behind everything)

DNS records control where your domain points:

• A record points to your website server
• MX record controls email delivery
• TXT records are used for verification and security
• CNAME supports subdomains and services

One wrong change can break your website or email, so updates should be done carefully.

Renewals and expiry protection

Domains expire if not renewed. If your domain expires:

• your website goes offline
• emails stop delivering
• you risk losing the domain

Use auto-renew and ensure the renewal contact email is correct.

Moving domains (transfers)

If you want to transfer a domain:

• ensure it’s unlocked
• request the transfer authorisation code
• confirm admin email access
• plan the transfer to avoid service disruption

Final thought

A domain is not just a name—it’s a business asset. Manage it securely, keep DNS clean, renew on time, and protect access. When your domain is properly managed, everything else—website, email, systems—runs smoother.