Promises to make connecting domains to web services easier — Domain Connect

Fresh initiative will benefit domain name registrars and web services providers.

GoDaddy (NYSE:GDDY) has formally launched its Domain Connect Initiative, which promises to make it easier for domain name owners to set their domain names up for third-party services such as Shopify and Squarespace.

This wouldn’t be very interesting if it were just for GoDaddy. But the Domain Connect Initiative is an open set of APIs that all registrars and web services providers can use. By now, competing registrars counting eNom and United Domains are on board.

Domain Connect Initiative is designed to solve a common problem. When people set up a web service such as a Shopify store, they then have to log into their registrar account and point the domain to the service.

Domain name investors might think this is easy, but it’s a challenge for most consumers. Even I can get a bit confused when it comes to setting up multiple DNS records types, TTL settings, etc.

The APIs will allow the web services providers to connect directly to the registrar to make the changes on the client’s behalf.

I can see multiple benefits of Domain Connect for registrars and service providers.

Registrars will receive fewer support queries. They can also hold on to domain name clients that might consider registering a domain directly with the web services provider to avoid the hassle of changing records.

Service providers will also get fewer support queries, can cut down on documentation, and will have less abandonment that was caused by technical confusion.