New website owners have much to think about after registering a new domain. A new website brings a whole world of possibilities, and often some smaller details of website ownership can easily be forgotten. However, one thing that should never be ignored after acquiring newly registered domains is that depending on how you registered, you could leave yourself open to a barrage of unwanted messages from spammers, telemarketers, and other promotional agencies.
The Dangers of Newly Registered Domains
Whenever you register a new domain name, the hosting company will ask for your personal contact information like your name, address, and phone number. These details are then entered into a database where they will remain linked to your domain for the duration of its existence. This record is easily accessible to anyone with an internet connection by conducting a Who-Is Public Internet Directory search.
This means that potential scammers can look up your new web address and find out exactly who you are and how to reach you. In fact, spammers routinely conduct automatic searches of this data-rich registry, harvesting hundreds of names, phone numbers, and email addresses to later bombard their advertisements.
So what can novice webmasters do to prevent themselves from getting caught in the spammer’s data drag-net? Fortunately, there is a way to enjoy the benefits of website ownership while preserving your privacy online.
How to Avoid Spam with Private Domains
Domain providers have responded to their user’s security concerns by allowing the registering of new domains as private. This means that instead of your personal information being listed in the Who-Is database, they register their contact details under your domain name. This includes a unique, dedicated email filtered for spam but still allows legitimate messages to reach you.
Registering a new domain as private is as easy as clicking the “Private Domain” option in the web host’s sign-up form. While most reputable hosting companies will offer this as a free service to their customers, some don’t, so make sure to check if there is a fee when signing up.
Why You Should Always Consider Registering New Domains as Private
Not only can you avoid spam with private domains, but as a business owner, private registration puts you in control of how and when you can be contacted. It’s up to you to decide which emails or phone numbers are appropriate contact details by putting them on your website.
Even if your domain registration is ending soon, switching to a private registration will prevent spammers who search for just expired domains from soliciting you for more services. Many people believe that once their domain expires, their information will be gone for good. Still, the reality is that even for just expired domains, personal information will remain on the Who-Is database for around 90 days from the date of expiration.
Whether starting a new website or a seasoned webmaster concerned about your privacy, maintain control of your personal information by always registering new domains as private. You can check the domain availability and whois data at Whois99
