domain registration should be a reasonably painless process. There are dozens of registrars available online and they may all seem to offer the same thing, but it is worth doing some research and shopping around before you pick one, as a bad registrar can make the process a lot more complicated.

Firstly, it's worth looking for a domain registrar who offers telephone support. Here at Domainmonster.com, we're always getting appreciative comments from customers who are grateful to be able to speak to a real human being when they need help with some aspect of their domain application or administration. It can be very frustrating to have to wait forever to get a response to your emails when you need a rapid solution.

Of course, it is also worth comparing prices. Many of the domain registrars you see topping the search engine rankings are selling their domains at a premium, so don't just go for the first one you see. Look out for offers such as bulk registration discounts. Also, check the fine print very carefully before you register a domain. Make sure that there are no hidden costs for transfers or other services.

It's also extremely important to make sure that the registrar you choose will register your Domain Names in your name with your contact address, rather than their own. Although the practice is less prevalent now, you should make absolutely sure of this, because if your registrar goes bust, if the domain is registered in their name and not yours, you will probably lose it as proving your ownership will be considerably more difficult than if it is registered with your name and details.

Check that the features you want are offered. You may want to choose a host who gives you a free custom homepage, email and web forwarding, or search engine submission. Make sure that it's easy to administrate your domain yourself, online, rather than having to call or email your registrar every time you want to make a change. Work out precisely what you want before you register and choose a registrar which offers everything you need. If you're not sure which features you need, forums and message boards can be valuable sources of useful information about what to look for.

On a related note, it can be worth looking for customer reviews of the registrar you are interested in. Reports of a high standard of customer service and affirmation that there are no hidden charges are good news. Another indications to look out for are Nominet and ICANN membership.

By Natalie Catchpole