Whether you’re a local Qatari business or a global brand venturing into the Qatari market, a .qa domain can become a crucial part of your online identity. So, why not seize the opportunity? In our Buyer’s Guide, we walk you through the process of securing your piece of the Qatar internet.
Check Availability
The very first step to securing your domain name under the .qa top-level domain (TLD) is to check whether it is available. After all, you wouldn’t want to get your hopes up for bestburgers.qa only to find that this specific domain is already taken by Bob down the road.
Start Your .qa Domain Search right here.
Who Sells .qa Domains?
Now that you’ve got your heart set on the .qa domain extension and checked its availability, the question is where to get it. Well, you can’t just nip down to the corner shop and pick up a .qa domain like a quart of milk. Domains are sold by accredited registrars like OnlyDomains. These are companies authorised by the registry to sell .qa domains.
Where to Buy .qa Domains?
If you are uncertain which domain registrar to choose, go through the checklist below and make sure they tick all the boxes.
- Price: Each registrar sets their price for a domain name, which can vary widely.
- Customer Support: You don’t want to be left high and dry when you’re in need of help. Reliable customer support is crucial.
- Additional Services: Some registrars offer extra services like hosting services, SSL security, or email accounts. If you need these services, it might be a good idea to choose a registrar that offers them in one package.
So, before you buy a .qa domain, do your research. As the old saying goes, “Don’t put all your domains in one basket!” Or was it something else?
How Much Does a .qa Domain Cost?
The answer is: it depends. There are a few different factors that come into play here. For instance, the registrar you choose, the duration for which you’re registering the domain, and whether you’re adding any additional services or features, such as privacy protection or Business Email.
That being said, a .qa domain registration at OnlyDomains starts at QR202.00/ year. This might seem a tad expensive when compared to standard .com or .net domains, but remember, you’re not just buying a domain, you’re securing a piece of the digital world that connects you directly with the Qatari market.
Can Any Country Get a .qa Domain?
Besides .qa being a country code top-level domain (ccTLD), .qa doesn’t require a local presence for domain registration. International companies as well as locals can register .qa domains.
While it may be alluring to have a .qa domain, it might not be the best fit for everyone. If your audience is predominantly in Qatar, the .qa domain would make perfect sense. But if your audience is more global, a .com or .net might be a better pick.
Pro Tip: Since there are no requirements to register .qa, the domain is a prime candidate for domain hacks (no, not those type of hacks).
Can You Permanently Buy a .qa Domain?
You can’t permanently buy a .qa domain or any domain for that matter. Domain name registration is like renting a flat with a posh address, not buying it. Domains are not sold for life; they are leased for a specific period, typically 1-10 years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, buying a Qatar domain name can be a strategic move for businesses, particularly those looking to establish or expand their presence in Qatar. This process, however, involves several steps, starting from checking the domain’s availability, figuring out where to buy, and determining the cost. In the end, however, you will have your own online presence in the Qatari market. It will be worth it.
