expertSEM

After dealing with our agency domains for about six months now, I am still learning about the wonderful world of domain management. I came across a great ‘tidbit’ of information today (complete with visual chart!), that while simple, is still great fodder for our tip of the week.

As you probably are aware, when you buy a domain, you don’t actually ‘own’ it. You are essentially just leasing your little chunk of internet property for a pre-determined amount of time (generally a year or two). As your ‘lease’ runs out, the domain approaches expiration.

Image found at snapnames.com

After the domain reaches the expiration date, you have a grace period of up to 40 days to renew. Generally, during this time, you will be able to renew for your regular price; the snag is that your website will not be active at this time. Following the grace period, your domain will then enter the redemption period. For an additional 30 days, you will be able to contact your registrar and for an additional fee, you will be able to retrieve your domain.

Now things get a little serious. If you still haven’t renewed in this two months time frame, the domain goes into pending delete status (bum bum bummm). For five days, the domain is locked and can’t be registered or renewed by anyone. After this, the domain is released onto the open market and the sharks begin circling.

Bottom line? Stay on top of your valuable internet real estate! You know what they say…location, location, location!