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Domain Name Structure

Domain Names: Where Does Your Money Go?

Buying a domain name means more than just securing your identity online. It’s also an investment in your future. But how much should you expect to pay, and why? Why does a domain cost what it does? 

Let’s break it down and uncover exactly where your money goes when registering a domain name with WHC or any other provider.

Domain Pricing Breakdown

 
Domain structure

Registry

 
Domain registry structure
 

The majority of your payment goes to the registry, which manages the domain extension (or Top Level Domain / TLD). Registries maintain the database of all domain names under their extension, ensuring availability and functionality. This fee varies depending on the extension or even the specific domain. Some premium domains are significantly pricier than standard registrations. For international suppliers, there may be extra fees for currency conversion and cross border payments.

Technology Provider

 
Domain provider structure
 

Behind every domain name lies a network of backend technologies and software that ensure seamless functionality and reliability. Registrars like WHC rely on robust infrastructure provided by technology providers to power essential services such as DNS (Domain Name System) management, domain search tools, and control panels. While investing in high-quality backend technology is a significant cost for registrars, it’s critical to delivering customers a smooth, dependable experience.

ICANN Fees

 
Domain ICANN structure
 

ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is a global organization that helps manage and coordinate the domain name system through community consensus. ICANN collects a small fixed fee per domain to ensure the stability and security of the internet’s infrastructure. While this fee is a minor part of your domain cost, it plays a crucial role in the broader internet ecosystem. ICANN-accredited registrars such as WHC also pay quarterly and annual fees to maintain their accreditation.

Payment Processor

 
Domain payment structure
 

Each time a customer pays with a credit card, registrars (like any merchant) face transaction fees. They also pay for payment gateways, which securely process these payments, and face additional costs for handling disputes (known as chargebacks), refunds, and fraud prevention. Even alternative payment methods, like PayPal, come with similar fees. These costs add up and are an important part of running a domain registrar.

Registrar

 
Domain registrar structure
 

A registrar like WHC simplifies domain registration and management, helping individuals and businesses establish their online presence. Beyond domain ownership, they offer services to ensure domains are properly configured and maintained.

Running a registrar involves significant costs, including infrastructure (servers, data centers, networks), security (SSL, DDoS protection, compliance with ICANN and privacy regulations), and 24/7 customer support. Additionally, registrars face accreditation fees, software licensing, and continuous service improvements, along with general expenses like salaries, office space, and marketing. This makes operating a registrar both complex and costly.

But wait, there’s more!

And, of course, there are taxes! But those are pretty hard to forget. 🙂

3 Common Misconceptions About Domain Pricing

  1. "Why Are Domain Prices Different Across Registrars?" 

    Domain prices vary because each registrar sets its own pricing based on factors like their business model, the value-added services they provide, and their quality of customer support. Some registrars offer lower base prices but may charge more for extras like WHOIS privacy or DNS management, while others include these features in their packages, making their upfront prices higher but more comprehensive.

  2. "Why Did My Domain Name Price Increase?" 

    Domain name prices can increase due to several factors, such as rising registry fees, which are set by the organization that manages the domain extensions (like .com or .net). Changes in ICANN fees, which apply to all domain names, or higher payment processing costs can also contribute to price hikes. These external factors affect what registrars need to charge to cover their expenses.

  3. "Does WHC Keep All the Money?" 

    No, WHC only keeps a portion of the total domain registration fee. Much of the cost goes to external entities like the domain registries, which manage the domain extensions, ICANN, which governs domain regulations, and payment processors which handle transactions. This is why domain pricing isn't entirely in WHC’s control.

Pricing Transparency

Our Commitment to Fair Pricing

WHC is dedicated to offering competitive pricing without sacrificing top-quality services. By balancing affordable rates with high standards in security, customer support, and reliability, WHC ensures that customers get excellent value without compromising on essential features.

Where WHC Adds Value

In addition to competitive pricing, WHC includes a variety of value-added services with domain registration, enhancing the overall domain ownership experience.

These services include:

  • Domain Protection, acts as a security shield for your domain names, helping to prevent unauthorized changes, accidental errors, or malicious threats.
  • Domain Privacy, which hides personal contact details from public view to protect against spam and identity theft.
  • Domain Forwarding, Email Forwarding and DNS Management allow better control over how the domain connects to websites.
  • SSL Certificates encrypt data to make websites more secure. While these services come with additional costs, they are often essential for protecting privacy, securing sensitive information, and ensuring a professional online presence.

While domain registration comes with fixed fees, WHC covers much of these costs upfront to offer a discounted first-year rate. It’s our way of helping our customers establish their online presence with less financial stress, so they can focus on building their website and achieving their goals.

Choosing the Right Domain at the Right Price

Consider the Total Cost of Ownership

When comparing domain prices across providers, it's important to consider the full range of services offered. Some registrars may appear cheaper upfront while charging more for essential features like privacy protection, DNS management, or renewal fees.

Look for Promotions and Discounts

Keep an eye out for promotional offers and discounts from registrars, which can significantly reduce initial costs. However, make sure to check renewal rates and long-term pricing to avoid surprises when the initial offer expires.

Assess the Importance of Added Features

Consider the value of extra features such as enhanced security or email forwarding. These services may not be essential for every website, but they can provide important benefits depending on the site's purpose and needs.

Final Words

When you purchase a domain, your money goes toward registry fees, ICANN charges, and payment processing costs. WHC retains only a portion, reinvesting it into top-tier services like customer support, DNS management, and domain privacy.


WHC is proudly committed to transparency, ensuring customers receive excellent value. Remember to stay informed when embarking on your online journey!

Domain Protection

Keep your domains secure with WHC’s Domain Protection

Your domain name isn’t just your online address. It’s your brand, your identity, and your connection to the online world. That’s why WHC is excited to introduce Domain Protection, a new feature adding an extra layer of security to your domains.

Here’s how it works and why it’s worth adding to your online toolkit.

What is Domain Protection?

Domain Protection acts as a security shield for your domain names, helping to prevent unauthorized changes, accidental errors, or malicious threats. With this feature in place, you can feel more confident that your domains are secure and your online presence stays uninterrupted.

Here’s what Domain Protection offers:

  • Enhanced Security: Risky actions like DNS updates or domain transfers now require explicit consent from the account owner.
  • Ownership Protection: Stop unauthorized changes to your contact details or domain ownership with a secure approval process.
  • Accidental Change Protection: Avoid unintended updates to critical settings like nameservers, zones, or email forwarders.
  • Domain Privacy: Keep your personal info out of public WHOIS databases to avoid spam calls and junk mail. Exceptions may apply.

Why Domain Protection matters

Your domain name is a reflection of your business and reputation. It’s your connection to customers, and losing control of it can lead to disruptions. Domain Protection combines two-factor authentication and secure approval prompts to safeguard your domains against unwanted changes.

  1. Prevent Downtime: DNS mistakes can bring operations to a halt. Domain Protection prevents unintended changes to critical DNS domain settings to keep that from happening.
  2. Guard Against Domain Theft: Protect yourself from unauthorized transfers or malicious attempts to hijack your domain. 
  3. Ensure Your Privacy: Keep your contact details hidden from public view.
  4. Focus On The Good Stuff: With extra security in place, you can concentrate on growing your online presence without worrying about potential risks.

Affordable security for your Domains

Adding Domain Protection is simple and cost-effective:

  • Cost: Just $9.99/year per domain, renewable with your domain.
  • Domain Club Perks: Domain Club members get even better rates, with free protection for Gold members!

Already using WHC’s Domain Privacy feature? You’ve been automatically upgraded to Domain Protection at no extra cost.

Ready to secure your domains?

Activating Domain Protection is quick and easy. Simply log in to your WHC Client Area and enable protection on the domains you’d like to secure.

Stay safe online, folks. 💻🍁 WHC is committed to helping Canadians succeed online, and Domain Protection is just one of the ways we’re making your online journey safer and easier.

Pro Services

Boost Your Online Success With WHC’s Pro Services

Today, we’re excited to launch a complete suite of expert solutions to help you succeed online: professional web design, tailored SEO strategies, and proactive site care and maintenance.


After 20 years of assisting clients with their hosting and domain needs, we’re now making it easier than ever to access expert, tailored support for your website and online strategy. Our team of web experts is here to handle all the technical details, while you focus on what you do best: growing your business.

WHC is here to help you get exactly where you need to be, faster:

  • Website design: Get a stunning website built or revamped to reflect your brand.
  • SEO services: Boost your rankings and attract more traffic with tailored strategies.
  • Care plans: Keep your site running smoothly, securely, and efficiently.

Why choose WHC’s Pro Services?

Your website is more than just a URL. It’s your brand, your reputation, and your growth engine. We know that not everyone has the bandwidth or know-how to achieve their online dreams. That’s where we step in. We’re here to help you save time, reduce stress, and deliver results. Here’s what makes us different:

  • White-glove service: We handle the heavy lifting while keeping you in control.
  • Easy collaboration: Our team works with you to bring your vision to life.
  • Tailored solutions: Every service is customized to fit your goals and needs.

Think of these services as an extension of your team. From start to finish, we work closely with you to understand your goals and deliver solutions that align with your needs. Our team uses a dedicated virtual collaboration mode to ensure your input shapes the process in real time, supported by WHC’s intuitive tools that allow for streamlined communication and updates. Together, we’ll take your online presence to the next level.

Discover our services

Pixel-perfect website design

Your website is more than just a digital space. It represents your brand. Whether you’re launching a new website, refreshing an outdated design, or creating a custom online store, our web design team tailors each project to suit your unique needs.

What we do:

  • Custom build: Perfect for businesses ready to create a one-of-a-kind online home.
  • Redesign: Give your existing site a modern upgrade with better usability and visual appeal.
  • Online store: Sell your products or services with a seamless, user-friendly platform.

We prioritize collaboration throughout the design process, ensuring your ideas and feedback shape the final result.

SEO solutions to boost visibility

A stunning website is only effective if your audience can find it. Our tailored SEO strategies are designed to improve your search rankings, attract relevant traffic, and convert visitors into customers.

We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we create strategies aligned with your specific business goals, making sure the results are impactful and measurable.

Comprehensive care plans

Your website should work as hard as you do. That’s why our site care service offers proactive site maintenance that includes updates, backups, and security monitoring to ensure your site stays secure and efficient, day in and day out.

Here’s what we provide:

  • Routine updates and performance checks
  • Reliable backups for peace of mind
  • Advanced monitoring to prevent downtime or vulnerabilities

No technical expertise is required on your end. We handle the nitty-gritty so you can focus on running your business.

A message to agencies

To our valued agency partners: whether you’re a client or have referred clients, we truly appreciate the trust you’ve placed in us. It’s a meaningful collaboration we’ve built together over the years. That’s why we want to reassure you that our new services are here to complement your work, not compete with it.

Interested in collaborating with us? Reach out today.

Ready to get started?

Discover WHC’s suite of Pro Services today and see how we can help you succeed online and unlock your full potential. And remember, we’re here to do all the heavy lifting!

WordPress 6.7 Rollins

WordPress 6.7 “Rollins” Is Here!

The latest version of WordPress, 6.7 “Rollins,” has arrived, and it’s packed with game-changing updates. Named after innovative jazz legend Sonny Rollins, this release is all about smooth performance, vibrant creativity, and better accessibility. 

Whether you're building your first website or you’re a seasoned developer, WordPress 6.7 is here to make your workflow more efficient and intuitive.

What’s New?

Say Hey to Twenty Twenty-Five

WordPress 6.7

The Twenty Twenty-Five theme is a minimalist powerhouse designed for flexibility. Whether you’re running a personal blog or a complex site, this theme has you covered with customizable patterns, colour palettes, and design tools.

Zoom Out and Think Big

WordPress 6.7

The new Zoom Out feature lets you edit large sections of your site at once. Rearrange content, tweak layouts, and see the bigger picture—all without breaking a sweat. Easier design, on your own terms.

Custom Fields and Blocks Made Easy

WordPress 6.7

Dynamic content creation just got a major upgrade. A new, streamlined user interface connects custom fields with blocks, giving you the flexibility you need to build something awesome.

Typography, Your Way

WordPress 6.7

New to the Styles interface, WordPress 6.7’s enhanced typography tools let you create and customize font sizes that look great on any device and screen size.

Faster, Smarter, Better

WordPress 6.7 delivers on speed and performance. Expect quicker pattern loading, smoother previews, and better compatibility with the latest PHP versions. With over 65 accessibility improvements, you can rest assured that your site is welcoming to all users.

Upgrading to WordPress 6.7

You can upgrade to WordPress 6.7 from either your WordPress dashboard or cPanel. If you need help with your upgrade, our Manually Update WordPress and WordPress Plugins guide has more info!

Using one of our Pro Managed WordPress plans? You can create a staging site to test out the new version. This will create a copy of your live website in a separate staging environment for testing, without affecting your production site.

Getting Started With WordPress

If you’re planning on installing WordPress from scratch, we’ve got you covered! Our installation guide will walk you through the most important steps in getting your WordPress site online.

Looking Forward

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, WordPress 6.7 “Rollins” has what you need to make your website better, faster, and more creative. Ready to dive in? Upgrade today and explore all the new possibilities!

For the full breakdown of features, check out the official release notes. And if you have any questions or need assistance with your update, our WHC support team is happy to help!

Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday: Why Shopping Small Makes a Difference

Every year, the holiday season kicks off with major shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But nestled between them is Small Business Saturday, which is dedicated to celebrating and supporting small businesses. Founded in 2010 by American Express, Small Business Saturday has become a movement here in Canada that reminds shoppers of the importance of supporting their local businesses. Let’s dive into why this day matters and how small businesses (and their communities!) can make the most of it.

Why Small Business Saturday Matters

Small Business Saturday is more than just a shopping day. It’s a chance to champion the entrepreneurs and local stores that shape our communities. WHC is proud to support Small Business Saturday, recognizing the hard work and dedication of our clients, many of whom are small businesses that play a vital role in strengthening and enriching communities across Canada. 

Make the Most of Small Business Saturday

If you’re the owner of a small business, these tips will help you maximize your impact and attract customers:

  1. Create a Special Offer or Promotion: Give customers a reason to choose your business by offering something special, like a discount or a buy-one-get-one deal. Promos exclusive to Small Business Saturday can increase foot traffic and create excitement.
  2. Host an In-Store Event: If possible, add a festive flair by hosting an event in your store. From live music to free hot chocolate or holiday treats, there are tons of great ways to give customers a memorable experience. You could even partner with neighbouring businesses for a community-wide celebration, giving shoppers more reasons to explore the local area.
  3. Engage Online and Leverage Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are great for announcing deals and creating buzz, offering a peek behind the scenes, and so much more.
  4. Encourage Online Shopping: With more consumers shopping online, small businesses need a solid digital presence. If you have an e-commerce site, make sure it’s ready for a boost in traffic, and consider offering a special online-only deal.
  5. Show Appreciation to Your Customers: Expressing gratitude to your customers goes a long way in building loyalty. A thank-you note, a special discount for future purchases, or a small gift can make customers feel appreciated and valued, leading to positive word-of-mouth and encouraging return visits.

The Power of Shopping Local

Here’s how shopping local makes a difference:

  1. Strengthening Local Economies: When you shop at a small Canadian business, you’re investing in your local community. Local businesses create jobs and generate tax revenue, which contributes to public infrastructure like schools, parks, and emergency services.
  2. Unique Offerings: Small businesses often offer unique, handcrafted, or locally sourced products that you can’t find at big-box stores. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry, handmade candles, or local artisan foods, shopping small gives you access to products with a personal touch that reflects the character of your community.
  3. Environmental Impact: Local businesses often have a smaller environmental footprint. They typically source products from nearby or regional suppliers, reducing transportation emissions. Many also prioritize sustainable practices and support local artisans, farmers, and other small-scale suppliers.
  4. Building Community and Connections: Small business owners are a vital part of the communities they serve. They sponsor local events, support schools, and participate in charity drives. Shopping at a small business means supporting someone you know or can meet personally, creating a connection that big corporations can’t match.

What Can Consumers Do to Offer Their Support?

If you’re looking to show some support this Small Business Saturday, here are some ways to make a meaningful impact:

  1. Plan Your Day Around Local Shops: Make a list of the small businesses you’d like to visit and plan a day of local shopping. Try to visit stores you don’t usually go to and explore different parts of your community.
  2. Share on Social Media: Help spread the word! Share your favourite local finds on social media, tag the business, and use relevant hashtags. A post or story can introduce your friends and followers to a small business they might come to love.
  3. Leave a Review: Online reviews are invaluable for small businesses. After your visit, you could leave a positive review on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. A good review not only helps the business attract more customers but also strengthens its reputation within the community.
  4. Consider Gift Cards: Not sure what to buy? Get a gift card! It’s a thoughtful way to support the business right away while giving your recipient the freedom to pick something they’ll truly love.

The Lasting Impact of Shopping Smaller

It’s not just about a single day; the impact of supporting local businesses lasts all year. When we choose to shop small, we help build a thriving local economy, preserve unique businesses, and keep our communities vibrant and diverse. This Small Business Saturday, let’s show our support by shopping locally, sharing our favourite finds, and remembering that even small purchases can make a big difference in our communities. Need help with your own small business’s online presence as the holidays approach? WHC is here to help!

We’re a small business ourselves, so we’re in tune with all you need to succeed, from web hosting and domains to marketing and SEO. Check out our services!