There are many different ways that a business with a new website can complete its domain name registration, including through the Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission (CIPC).
A business website is an important marketing and sales tool for all businesses. Some of the benefits you can expect from your website are exposure to a global market, being able to communicate with your market, and direct sales through your e-commerce website.
What is a domain name?
A domain name and web hosting services go hand to hand in successfully going live with your website. Your domain is the ‘name’ of your website and functions as the address where your website can be found; while your web hosting works as a place where your web files are stored.
Beyond pointing to the location of your website, your domain is an important part of your online brand identity. As such, it’s important to secure your domain name early on to avoid a competitor acquiring your preferred name.
You have the option of an international domain (.com) or a local domain (.co.za). A local .co.za domain is beneficial for South African businesses as it ensures your business is locally relevant and protected through the Alternative Dispute Regulation (ADR).
You also have the option to choose from three .za domain name categories:
- Basic: (this is a registered domain name with no website. The domain name owner registers the name, parks it while conceptualising the web creative or look and feel. The domain name holder will then have to pay an annual fee for their domain name to avoid deletion of the name on the .ZA zone.)
- Average: (basic website)
- Advanced: (e-commerce site)
How do I get a domain name for my business?
You have the following options for securing a domain for your website.
- Buy directly from an accredited .ZA Domain Name Registrar (e.g Domains.co.za; Afrihost.com; Xneelo.co.za, etc.).
- Secure a domain with any hosting package.
- Register via the CIPC.
Domain name registration with the CIPC
Since 2018 businesses have been able to register for a .co.za domain name when they register a new company. This is as a result of a collaboration between the CIPC, the ZA Domain Name Authority (ZADNA) and the ZA Central Registry NPC (ZACR).
How do I register my domain with the CIPC?
Before you can register your domain you must first have a registered company. New businesses can do this on the CIPC website.
To get started, register on a CIPC eServices portal to get access to the full suite of services, including domain registration. The entire process happens online, including payment.
You will need the following to register:
- Your enterprise number
- Director/s ID number/s
- Proposed domain name, e.g www.example.co.za
- Alternative domain names
All domains registered through the CIPC will have to be transferred to an accredited registrar within a year to avoid deregistration.
How much is CIPC domain registration?
The co.za domain name registration costs R63.25.
