Running a small business can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most crucial aspects of running a business in today’s digital age is having a strong online presence. This includes having a professional website and a solid domain name. However, what happens when that domain name suddenly disappears? For Pedram Mershahi, co-founder of Kloris CBD, this was a reality he faced and one that almost wiped his business completely off the internet.
In an exclusive interview with Small Business UK, Pedram Mershahi shares his story of how his business was “wiped off the face of the internet” due to a suspended domain name. As a small business owner, this can be a devastating and confusing situation to find yourself in. But fear not, Pedram also shares helpful tips on how to handle and recover from such a situation.
Kloris CBD is a successful UK-based company that specializes in luxury CBD products. Their products are known for their high-quality and have received numerous positive reviews. However, the company faced a major setback when their domain name, which they had purchased from a well-known registrar, was suddenly suspended without warning.
Pedram recalls the moment he found out about the suspension, “It was a typical day, and I was going about my business when I received an email from the registrar informing us that our domain had been suspended due to a complaint about our website. I was completely shocked and confused. We had no idea what had happened and why our domain had been suspended.”
As it turns out, Kloris CBD had received a complaint from a third party who had alleged that the company had infringed on their trademark. This is a common issue that many small businesses may face, as trademarks are often registered and protected by larger companies. However, Pedram and his team were unaware of any trademark infringement and were left scrambling to figure out what to do next.
The suspension of their domain resulted in their website being taken down and their email accounts disabled. For a small business that relied heavily on their online presence, this was a significant blow. Pedram shares, “It felt like we had been completely erased from the internet. No website, no emails, no online presence. It was a nightmare.”
Thankfully, Pedram and his team were able to take the right steps and regain control of their domain. Here are some essential tips shared by Pedram on what to do if you lose your domain:
1. Investigate the issue
The first step when facing a suspended domain is to find out the reason behind it. In Kloris CBD’s case, it was a trademark infringement complaint. However, it could be due to other reasons such as expiration or non-payment of fees. Make sure to investigate and understand the issue before taking any further action.
2. Seek legal advice
If the issue is related to a trademark or any other legal matter, it’s crucial to seek legal advice. This will ensure that you understand your rights and the steps you can take to resolve the situation.
3. Contact the registrar
The next step is to contact the registrar and address the issue. In Kloris CBD’s case, they were able to provide evidence that they were not infringing on any trademark and therefore, the suspension was lifted.
4. Backup your website
In the event that your website is taken down, it’s essential to have a backup ready. This will ensure that you do not lose any important data or content.
5. Consider a new domain
In some cases, it may be necessary to consider purchasing a new domain. This may not be an ideal situation, but it’s crucial to have a backup plan in case you are unable to regain your original domain.
Pedram and his team were able to overcome this challenging situation and regain their online presence. It was a valuable lesson for them, and they now have a better understanding of the importance of protecting their domain and trademark.
As a small business owner, your online presence is vital to the success of your business. A suspended domain can be detrimental and can potentially result in significant financial losses. However, with the right approach and taking the necessary steps, you can overcome such situations and come out even stronger.
The story of Kloris CBD’s suspended domain is a reminder that small businesses must be prepared for any unexpected situations. It is essential to have a backup plan and to stay vigilant in protecting your online presence. By following the
