Buying a Domain Name: Do You Need the Add-Ons?

Chances are you’ve heard some version of “Would you like fries with that?” when buying a domain name before.

After you decide on a name and enter your credit card, most domain registrars offer a string of add-ons.  And you wonder, rightly so, if you need any of them.

The most common add-ons include products and services like:

• Additional domain extensions
• Domain variants
• Web hosting
• Domain privacy protection
• SSL certificates
• Website builders
• Web design services
• Domain email
• Auto-renewal protection
• Seo services
• Domain monitoring
• And the list goes on…

The practice of add-on or upselling is not new; you’ll find examples across most industries, from fast food to autos. The poster child for it must be McDonald’s. When someone orders a burger, they hear, “Would you like fries with that?”

By the way, upsells are not limited to fast food and cars; they’re used in healthcare, too. I’ll be sure to cover the topic in an upcoming article.

Some domain add-ons may be useful, while others may be unnecessary and a waste of money. It all depends on where you are in your business and what your practice needs.

A Breakdown

So, here’s a breakdown of the most common domain add-ons and what they are.

But first, what is a domain name?

In a nutshell, a domain name is an easy-to-remember web address that, when typed into a browser, will take you to the website. Domain registrars sell/rent domain names.

A domain name is like a house address: only one house per address.

And just like a house, you pay rent or buy it, so you have the right to live there.

The same concept applies online. To gain the right to “live” at a specific address, you must rent/buy a domain name. Even though we say, “Buy a domain name,” we actually rent it. As soon as you stop paying the renewal fee, you lose the right to use it.

Below are common domain add-ons, a description of what they are, and why you may need them.

1. Domain Name Variants and Extensions

• What it is: Most domain registrars suggest you purchase multiple domain name variations and extensions (e.g., .net, .org, or common misspellings).
• Do you need it? It depends… You may purchase common variants, popular extensions, potential misspellings, and typos to protect your brand from competitors or prevent confusion. Let’s say you’re buying a .com; you may also get the .net, .org, or .biz extensions to protect your name and brand. An example of your website might be “NPsForHealth.com,” which could also be written as “NPs4Health.com. You could purchase both variants or choose a different name to prevent confusion and misspellings.
• Free or paid? Usually, there are no free options. Some registrars may offer a free domain for a limited time, but any variations of the name or extensions would cost a domain registration fee.

2. Website Hosting

• What it is: When you operate a website, you need a domain name and a physical place, aka a server, where the files that make up your website live. Some registrars offer hosting services to store and manage your website’s content and domain name.
• Do you need it? Yes, you do need website hosting. But you don’t need to buy it from your domain registrar. Generally, hosting your website separately from your domain registrar is advisable. This gives you more flexibility and control if you need to switch hosting companies or if the company experiences problems. In either case, your domain name will not be affected.
• Free or paid? Web hosting can range from very little to a lot. It all depends on what you need for your business and which options you choose. Most hosting companies will offer low rates for the first year of hosting, but prices usually increase thereafter. If you already have an account with a hosting company, you can add your new domain name there.

3. Website Builder

• What it is: A website builder is an easy-to-use tool that allows you to create a website without coding or design knowledge. Most builders use drag-and-drop features and offer templates that are easy to customize.
• Do you need it? Possibly. If you don’t know how to build a website, have a web designer or a separate site-building platform, using a website builder might help.
• Free or paid? As with most everything, there are free and paid options. Generally, free options are limited in features, may show ads, or may be branded in some way. Most companies offer paid upgrade options that provide more features. The cost of creating a website depends on the platform used to build it, the complexity and functionality of the site, and the company or individual building it. Shop around for expertise and price, and make sure you know what you want before hiring anyone.

4. Domain Email (Professional Email Address)

• What it is: Most registrars offer email services that match your domain name, so that you’ll be using an email with the same name as your website
• Do you need it? Yes, if you want a professional-looking email address instead of using Gmail or Yahoo. The benefits of a domain email (an email address that is the same as your website) are increased credibility and trust, a stronger professional image and brand, and better name recognition. If you plan to use an autoresponder for your emails, emails will come from the domain you specify.
• Free or paid? Some registrars offer free domain email addresses, while others charge for it. Depending on where you host your website, you may be able to set up a domain email address through your hosting company.

5. Privacy Protection (WHOIS Privacy)

• What is it? Whenever you register a domain, your contact information (name, email, and phone number) becomes publicly available in the WHOIS database unless you purchase privacy protection. When someone performs a “Whois” lookup on a domain name, they can see the domain owner, the registered address, phone number, and perhaps physical address, unless the domain has Whois privacy. If that’s the case, the name and address of the registrar are displayed, not the owner’s.
• Do you need it? Yes. Domain privacy is necessary to keep your personal or business contact information private and avoid spam or scams.
• Free or paid? Some registrars, like Namecheap, offer free domain privacy protection (as of this writing), while others charge for it.

6. SSL Certificate

• What it is: An SSL certificate provides security for your site visitors by encrypting the data sent between your site and the visitors.
• Do you need it? Yes. An SSL certificate is a non-negotiable today, especially if your website collects patient information, has a patient portal, or handles financial transactions.
• Free or paid? There are free and paid SSL certificates. Depending on your hosting company, you may have access to free SSL certificates. However, free SSL certificates may have limitations and are inadequate for handling patient information or financial transactions.

 7. Auto-Renewal Protection

• What it is: This feature ensures that your domain automatically renews before it expires so that you won’t lose it.
• Do you need it? No. However, it prevents you from accidentally losing your domain if you forget to renew it, so auto-renewal might be a good idea.
• Free or paid? Most domain registrars don’t charge for this feature, but some may charge a small amount. Depending on the company, you can turn this feature on and off yourself.

8. Backorder or Domain Monitoring

• What it is: This feature gives you the option to purchase a domain once it expires or if it’s currently taken and then becomes available.
• Do you need it? No. However, if the domain name and/or extension you want is already owned by someone else, it’s something to consider.
• Free or paid? Depending on the company, a free or trial plan might be available. However, most plans are offered as a paid service with tiered pricing.

9. Premium DNS

• What it is: DNS stands for Domain Name System. Premium DNS generally provides enhanced security and faster website loading than standard DNS.
• Do you need it? No. Unless you expect high traffic numbers to your site, need additional security, or require more resources.
• Free or paid? Adding a premium DNS is a paid service.

10. Services like Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

• What it is: Some registrars offer SEO tools to improve your website’s ranking.
• Do you need it? No. Most SEO tools provided by registrars are basic, and you can get better SEO services elsewhere if necessary.
• Free or paid? Aside from offering free SEO plugins, most of these services require a paid subscription.

These are just some common add-ons offered at checkout; there are too many to mention.

Choosing the right domain name and registrar is important for the success of your nurse practitioner practice.

So, before I end, I want to briefly talk about what to look for in a domain name and registrar.

Choosing the Right Domain Name

Of course, you want to pick a strong domain name that reflects you and your practice.

• Keep it short and simple: stay away from long or complicated words (e.g., SmithHealthcareClinic.com is still long, but it is better than SmithAndAssociatesHealthAndWellness.com).
• Make it easy to spell and pronounce: patients should be able to find you without confusion or making mistakes.
• Use keywords if possible: if possible, include words like “NP,” “clinic,” or “health” (e.g., SmithNPClinic.com). Use words and phrases patients would use to find you online.
• Avoid numbers and hyphens: they are confusing when spoken aloud.
• Check for trademarks: ensure your domain name doesn’t infringe on any trademarks to avoid legal issues:
• Consider your branding: the domain should match your business name or be closely related.

Choosing the Right Domain Registrar

Not all domain registrars are equal.

Here’s what to consider when picking the best one for your needs.

Pricing & Renewal Costs

• As mentioned, most registrars offer low first-year prices, but renewal fees are often significantly higher.
• Be sure to check the long-term costs (not just the initial discount).

Customer Support

• What support do they offer: phone, chat, or email support?
• How easy are they to reach?
• Do they offer 24/7 or business hours-only customer support?
• Must you first consult the support database before you can talk with someone if there is a problem?

Ease of Use

• How easy is it to use their product? Is it intuitive or difficult to manage?
• Some have a simple dashboard for managing your domain, while others are complicated and filled with upsells.

Transfer Policies

• If you decide to move to another registrar, check that domain transfers are easy and inexpensive.
• Are there any limitations? Are you locked in for a period of time? Are there any penalties?

Security Features

• Do they offer two-factor authentication (2FA)?
• Domain lock (to prevent unauthorized transfers)?
• Free WHOIS privacy (if possible)?

In Conclusion…

Today, domain registrars offer many add-on products and services when customers purchase a domain name.

The experience can feel overwhelming and frustrating and make anyone feel pressured.

For a Nurse Practitioner practice, the most essential add-ons to consider are privacy protection, SSL certificates, and a professional email address.

Keep in mind that all add-ons are optional, and don’t feel pressured to add them to your cart. Rest assured that you’ll always be able to buy at a later time.

We’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below and tell us what you think.

By Johanna Hofmann, MBA, MAc., EAMP; regular contributor to the NPBusiness blog and author of “Smart Business Planning for Clinicians.”