The benefits of transferring to a better registrar

In a constantly changing online world, understanding what’s out there is key. With so much choice and declining attention, it’s easy to waste time, and easy to waste money.

AI and voice-activated tools are set to simplify online experiences. But what about managing domains?

From small businesses to domain managers, everyone should get the most, from doing the least, and for as little money as possible.

So if you’re not getting those now, then it’s time to transfer your domain to a better registrar.

Common reasons for transferring a domain

Clunky navigation, crowded interfaces, and limited functionality are everywhere. You need simplicity, clarity, and easier control for all your domains. When you find a registrar that supports your life online, you’ll have everything you need to grow, quicker and for less.

So what should you look out for? 

Saving on renewal costs

It’s what you pay to keep the registration active after the first registration period. Top-level domains (TLDs), promos, and renewal periods all affect renewal prices.

Renewal costs are common with domains, so consider it a priority. You might pay a few dollars to renew, but you could also pay hundreds depending on providers. 

Check renewal costs yourself so you get the idea. 

Moving all your domains

Consolidating all domains with one registrar helps you simplify management. Instead of juggling multiple accounts and renewal dates, a single portfolio makes it easier to track expirations, billing, and security settings. 

Saving time with simplicity and better organization makes things effortless. Do you really want the stress of switching between registrars with different products and functionality? And, while you save time with domains in one place, you reduce the chance of missing payments across providers too.  

More customization and control

Customization optimizes each domain’s performance, security, and processes. You can improve load speeds, use specialized services, like product connections, and enhance security features.

More control means managing how you want. Tools like advanced DNS, subdomain management, and custom email give you more power over your domains. 

It’s all about the right registrar.

Customization and DNS Management

Managing your Domain Name System (DNS) settings is key. They control domain traffic and optimize site performance, security, and accessibility. 

Transferring for advanced DNS tools can improve your site’s performance. Faster DNS resolution and more control over TTL (Time to Live) settings means better domain performance too.  

Sound complicated? It shouldn’t be. 

You want a registrar offering DNS presets for quick and simple configuration and deeper editing for the pros, with clarity and ease guaranteed. Advanced DNS tools also improve site loading times and uptime, which are crucial for user experience, SEO, and website trust.

Management tools

Not all registrars have time or incentive to offer you the best. But if you don't have simple and deep management tools, you're wasting a lot of time — and missing a lot of potential. 

Look for next-level domain management, with specialist tools for managing domains, portfolios, and even transfers. 

From refined searches to faster loading times, live trackers to bulk actions — every second saved is time well spent.

Security

Simple and speedy doesn't mean safe. So what should you look for in a registrar’s security measures?

DNS authentication 

Online attackers redirect visitors from your address to a dangerous site. DNS authentication stops this, and a big part of DNS authentication is DNSSEC. 

Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) add a layer of security to your domain. Simply, they verify the authenticity of DNS data. It’s like a security check online, keeping your visitors safe from redirects. 

What’s important is how your registrar offers it. Better registrars offer DNSSEC by default, enabled already so you don't have to think. 

DNS DDoS prevention

Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) drives fake traffic to your site. This surge of traffic can take you down online. DDos protection keeps your site up during high-traffic or cyberattacks — this means uninterrupted access for customers and visitors. 

With a sea of security threats to businesses online, be it e-commerce, customer support, or content, you’ll want to rest easy with solid DDoS defense.

A secure and efficient content delivery network (CDN) is the answer here. It secures your content across multiple servers in a global network, which secures availability, speed, and protection against traffic surges. 

Free SSL-protected redirects

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encrypts data between users and websites. A secure, seamless user experience across all domains is crucial for visitor trust. 

Most registrars offer SSL-encrypted redirects for free. So, if you find a registrar that doesn’t, realize — they’re in the minority, and they don’t prioritize user protection.  

Free domain privacy

Domain privacy services mask personal contact info. This is usually in the WHOIS database. It hides your identity from the public and protects you against spam or harassment. 

This level of privacy is a strong reason to transfer. Essentially, your business is safe. Domain privacy is a hot topic in the world of domains, and the right registrar should do all they can to offer it. 

Many will have it free with no setup hassle, so use registrars that save time here.

Choosing the right registrar

When it comes to the right provider, it’s not just what they offer  — it's how they offer them.

Transfer speed

Most registrars let you transfer to and from their service. But not at all give you options, monitoring, and management to help speed things up. 

Transfers don’t take long. But things can go wrong. And choosing a provider that monitors your transfer and offers a boost is always worth it.

Maybe you’re transferring multiple domains to beat a price change, or bad customer support is costing you money. Either way, you want to make the move. So why wouldn't you want it to be as smooth as possible? 

Look out for registrars with bulk transfers, auto-complete times, and DNS solutions (to speed up transfers from DNS issues). Spaceship houses this all-in-one with Transfer Manager, but some will have them separated, or not at all. 

Trust and transparency

Clarity in what a registrar can and can’t do is the difference between a good and bad relationship. 

When you transfer your domains, prices need to be authentic, disclaimers clear, and processes transparent. 

This extends to privacy, renewal, security, and the rest — trusting in your online process means trusting your registrar too.  

Simplicity and support

People want things done efficiently and in a way they can rely on. Registrars can fail on customer support, leaving you confused and frustrated and, maybe even out of pocket. 

Good providers offer 24 hour support with different channels to talk through. Check support options before transferring to avoid unnecessary setbacks. 

Going live

Propagation is the time it takes for DNS updates to spread, so your domain points to the right location. You change your nameservers, your site might go down, and it will need to propagate again.

The process is known for confusion, and you might be worried about downtime. Propagation is a big part of transferring domains so you’ll need a provider who solves those issues. 

Registrars like GoDaddy tell you that propagation can take up to 48 hours. Others go a little further with a function breakdown. But some help you stay up to date with detailed progress trackers. 

Look for registrars that have propagation location maps. They tell you where your site is live, alongside region counters and DNS file requirements.

More info, better usage. 

Enhanced features

From Namecheap’s Account Panel to Hostinger’s AI domain search, enhanced features can change your domain game entirely. Common features like Two-factor authentication (added security) and account settings are expected. But you should look out for more powerful tools like site builders and professional email too. 

Tools that make product management easier, smarter, and domain organizing easier are game changers. They exist. So look out for them. And the right registrar should be looking for ways to innovate tools over time. 

Time to transfer

With Spaceship, transferring your domains is quick, secure, and built for your needs — all in one place. Start your transfer today, and experience the difference of a registrar that keeps things simple, so you can focus on what matters most.

Remember too, domain transfer costs vary. Most domain transfer offers include a 1-year renewal period. But check with the provider first, you don’t want to miss out on affordable transfer charges.