Is transferring a domain name the same as website migration?

If you already have the best domain name but are unsatisfied with your domain registrar. Then, transferring a domain name to another registrar is not a challenging task. However, how will you evaluate whether domain transfer is right for you? 

Domain transfer and website migration are easy procedures but must be accomplished separately. So let's learn the difference between website migration and domain name transfer. So you can easily know why and when to move from another registrar to another.  

Let's get dig into it:

What is Transferring a Domain Name?

A domain name is a specific URL that leads your website—for example, www.google.com. One can only register domain names from domain registrars. Only a single person or an organization has rights to a specific domain. Registration of a domain name doesn't mean that you are developing a website. However, it is just the right address to use the website and let internet users come to visit you. So a business can register a cheap domain name, meet internet people, tell about its products/ services, and much more.

Now when a business moves its same domain name to a new registration company, it means that one is shifting the domain from one registrar to another. 

It is essential to note that relying on the domain extension (.com, .ca, .info, etc.), domain name transfer takes up to seven days. Moreover, some name transfer is carried out without migrating the website content.  

What exactly is Website migration?

Website content refers to the content available on the site while entering a URL like www.google.com. It may include web pages, written text blocks, design, images, videos, etc. The content must be live on a web server, given by a web hosting service, to be searched through a URL. Thus, website migration means duplicating your site content from one server to another. In other words, now the website will be hosted and come live from another hosting server, which may be of the same company or a different company. It is generally a quick method, and the hosting provider does it quickly. All you require is the login documents of the previous host or a comprehensive backup of your website.

While migrating your website content, everything remains the same in the old server; only the host copies your content, don't shift it. The transfer will start offline and do not have any effect on your online website of the previous host. 

So what's the difference?

Domain transfer means changing the domain registration company. In contrast, website migration means moving to a new server or moving to a new hosting company. Thus, site migration and domain name transfer are two different methods. Also, they can't be accomplished simultaneously. So, if you want to do both processes, you must do the site migration first, then execute your domain name transfer afterward. 

Customers might sometimes consider that a site hosting plan means getting your domain name registration. However, many web hosting plans might comprise domain registration; this is not true. Some customers also like registering their domain with another company than the one giving the web hosting service. 

Why is there a need to transfer a domain name?

All domain registrars are not the same, which is the major reason behind people transferring a domain name. They vary in the range of features they deliver and how much they are reliable. There are also many registrars out there than just selling domain names. If you are not getting satisfactory services from your registrar, then you are not bound to stick with the registrar. You can quickly shift to the other. 

So, you must remember certain things while shifting to a new registrar.

Reliable Features

Every registrar gives a suite of reliable features and services, like privacy, security, web hosting, and email. If you don't find all the features you are looking for in your present registrar, you might switch to a new registrar with a better package.  

While comparing the features, it's also crucial to consider the prices of the features and services before implementing them. 

•  Price: you must look at whether these features are included in the price package or they demand additional cost. 
•  Convenient for use: you must see whether implementing these features is convenient. Is your registrar's services, like domain management, easier for you using specific tools?  
•  Support: 24/7 customer support is essential anytime when the customer needs it. 
•  Provider: look at the comprehensive details of the provider. Some registrars provide email and web hosting services, but some provide services by taking third-party partnerships. 

Price

Every registrar has a different pricing policy, so you must see the price structure of your registrar. Some domain registrars demand additional charges for important services. However, some might charge regular fees even for additional services. Some registrars might give an opportunity of the least amount for the first year but gradually increase the renewal rates with time. If your domain registrar demands a higher fee than others, you can shift to another registrar. 

Always keep in mind that price alone might not matter for the shifting to another registrar. Having a registrar meeting your requirements is more important than saving some money annually. While deciding on a transfer, you must consider the perks and drawbacks of each registrar. 

Shifting ownership

You also need a domain name transfer when you want to change the ownership of your domain either from you to the other person or from another person to you. For instance, if an employee has registered your domain for a private account, you must transfer the domain to your business account. In some situations, you might select an option to transfer to another registrar where you transfer ownership.

How will you transfer your domain name easily?

There are so many registrars out there. Thus, it's very convenient for you to transfer your domain. Therefore, every registrar's transferral procedure varies from others. They all have some valuable features in common to authenticate that transfers are safe and secure:

•  Transfer locks mean that nobody can transfer your domain without your permission. 
•  Authentication codes help confirm that you can transfer your domain from the previous registrar to a new registrar. Therefore, they are the "EPP codes" or "Transfer codes."
•  Confirmation emails authenticate that transferring a domain name is taking place to the right person. So, you can't do the transferral process without verification of your identity.

Conclusion:

Now you have learned that transferring a domain name and website migration is not the same. Thus, if you are thinking about your domain transfer or site migration, get the best registrar or the right hosting company offering you the best packages and deals. You can find the best domain registrar for cheap domain transfer globally, offering services to small to large-sized businesses, industries, and other organizations.