Your domain name is the first step to getting online. At 1-grid, we make it simple to register, manage, and secure your domain. This guide brings everything you need to know into one place.
What Is a Domain Name?
A domain is your website’s address online (e.g., yourbusiness.co.za). It’s made up of a name (“yourbusiness”) and an extension (TLD) (e.g., “.co.za”, “.com”).
How to Select the Right Domain Name
Choosing the right domain name for your website is important in establishing your online presence and the right visibility. It’s often the first interaction potential customers will have with you or your business.
1. Keep It Short and Simple
- Easy to type and remember.
- Avoid long words, numbers, or hyphens.
2. Match Your Brand or Purpose
- Use your business name (e.g., yourbusiness.co.za).
- For personal projects, use your own name or a keyword.
3. Choose the Right Extension (TLD)
- .co.za → Local South African presence.
- .com → International or general use.
- Speciality TLDs (e.g., .shop, .online, .tech) → Highlight your industry.
4. Think About Growth
- Pick a name that still works if your business expands beyond one product or service.
5. Protect Your Brand
- Register multiple extensions (.co.za + .com).
- Register common misspellings of your domain.
Registering a Domain
1. Log in to your 1-grid Customer Zone.
2. Use the Domain Search tool to check availability.
3. Select your preferred extension (.co.za, .com, or industry-specific).
4. Add to Cart and complete checkout.
Tip: If you have more than one extension to protect your brand (e.g. .co.za + .com) is key.
Renewing Your Domain
Domain Renewal Process for Local and International Domains
- Domains are billed yearly.
- Enable Auto-Renewal in your Customer Zone to avoid downtime.
- If your domain expires, you run the risk of it becoming available for public registration, and someone else may register it.
Transferring a Domain
Transfer to 1-grid
1. Unlock your domain at your current Registrar.
2. Request your EPP/Auth code. These locks need to be disabled with the current registrar before requesting a transfer with 1-grid.
3. Log in to your 1-grid Customer Zone → Start a Domain Transfer order.
4. Approve the confirmation email.
5. Wait 1–5 days for the transfer to complete.
Transfer from 1-grid
1. Log in to your 1-grid Customer Zone.
2. Unlock the domain.
3. Request your EPP/Auth code.
4. Provide it to your new Registrar.
Local domains cannot be transferred within 7 days of registration or transfers between providers.
International domains cannot be transferred within 60 days of registration or transfers between providers.
Managing Your Domain at 1-grid
Update WHOIS Information
- Keep your registrant, admin, and technical contacts up to date in the Customer Zone.
- Update Domain Contact Information
- WhoIs.com
- ZARC – Registry.net
Update Nameservers
- The Domain Nameservers can be updated via your Customer Zone.
- How to Update Your Domain’s Nameservers at 1-grid
Manage DNS Records
What is a Domain Name Server (DNS)?
From your Customer Zone, you can edit and manage:
- A Record – points your domain to a hosting server.
- MX Record – routes your email.
- CNAME – creates aliases (e.g. “www”).
- TXT Record – used for verification, SPF, DKIM, etc.
Troubleshooting Domains
- Website not loading → Check A record and nameservers.
- Email issues → Verify MX records.
- Transfer stuck → Domain may be locked or incorrect EPP code.
- WHOIS details incorrect → Update contact info in Customer Zone.
- Check nameservers are correct and updated.
FAQs
Q: Can I change my domain name after registering?
No. You’ll need to register a new one.
Q: How long does a domain transfer take?
Q: Do I need hosting with my domain?
No, you can register a domain alone. Hosting can be added at any time.
Customer Zone: How to Order New / Additional Services
Your next steps:
- Manage your domain through the Customer Zone
- Register your domain: How do I register a domain?
Additional Resources
What is a Domain Name?
How Do I Register a Domain?
Domains Renewal Process
Transferring a Domain
Registering, Transferring and Managing Your Domain
How to Update Your Domain’s Nameservers at 1-grid
Managing DNS Records
Domains Knowledge Base Category
Need Additional Support?
We’re Here to Help:
Managing your domain can feel technical, but this guide makes it simple. Stuck? Contact our Support Team for help (https://1grid.co.za/contact-us/). They are ready to assist.