A domain name is your unique address on the internet. It’s what people type into their web browser to visit your website or send you an email. When you own your domain name, you control your online identity and brand.
Don’t put yourself in a situation where some other entity such as your web designer or web design agency owns the domain for your website or email. It’s okay if they purchase it and then transfer it to you after the initial waiting period which is typically 60 days.
There are many reasons why it’s important to own your domain name, including:
- Credibility: A custom domain name makes you look more professional and trustworthy. It shows that you’re serious about your online presence and that you’re not just another hobbyist.
- Brand control: Your domain name is a key part of your brand identity. It helps people to remember you and to find you online. When you own your own domain name, you have complete control over how it’s used and how it reflects your brand.
- SEO: A custom domain name can help to improve your website’s SEO ranking. This means that your website is more likely to show up in search engine results pages (SERPs), which can lead to more traffic and more customers.
- Email addresses: When you own your domain name, you can create custom email addresses for yourself and your team. This looks more professional than using generic email addresses from providers like Gmail or Yahoo.
- Portability: If you ever decide to change web hosting providers or web design agencies, you can take your domain name with you. This means that you won’t have to change your website address or your email addresses.
In addition to these general benefits, there are also some specific advantages to owning your domain name for businesses and individuals.
For businesses:
- Professionalism: A custom domain name makes your business look more professional and credible. It shows that you’re serious about your business and that you’re invested in your online presence.
- Marketing: Your domain name is a key part of your marketing strategy. It’s included in your business cards, your website, and all of your marketing materials. When you own your domain name, you have complete control over how it’s used and how it reflects your brand.
- Customer loyalty: A custom domain name helps to build customer loyalty. It makes it easier for customers to find you online and to remember your brand.
For individuals:
- Personal brand: A custom domain name is a great way to build your personal brand. It can help you to stand out from the crowd and to make a name for yourself online.
- Professional opportunities: A custom domain name can help you to land your dream job. It shows potential employers that you’re serious about your career and that you’re invested in your online presence.
- Creative freedom: A custom domain name gives you the freedom to create your own online presence. You can build a website, a blog, or even a portfolio to showcase your work.
How to choose a domain name
When choosing a domain name, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Relevance: Your domain name should be relevant to your website or your personal brand. For example, if you’re a photographer, your domain name could be something like [yourname].com or [yourname].photography.com.
- Memorability: Your domain name should be easy to remember and type. Avoid using long or complicated names.
- Uniqueness: Your domain name should be unique and stand out from the crowd. Avoid using generic names or names that are already in use by other businesses or individuals. Avoid using hyphens in your domain name whenever possible. If someone already has a domain name you like, don’t use a hyphen to try and differentiate your domain name from another business. If a visitor forgets the hyphen they’ll wind up on another business’s website.
How to register a domain name
Once you’ve chosen a domain name, you need to register it. This is a simple process that can be done through a domain registrar. There are many different domain registrars to choose from, so be sure to compare prices and features before you choose one.
If you find a domain name that you are seriously considering I would seriously recommend that you purchase it rather than wait until the following day. You may find that the domain is not available for purchase the following day. Domain names are generally not expensive unless you are considering a designer domain like .photography or .music.
Once you’ve registered your domain name, you can start the process of building your website or creating your email addresses.
Conclusion
Owning your domain name is an essential part of having an online presence. It gives you control over your brand and your online identity. It also makes you look more professional and trustworthy.
If you don’t already own your domain name, I encourage you to register one today. It’s a small investment that will pay off in the long run. If another entity such as your web designer or web design agency owns your domain name I would recommend contacting them and insisting that they transfer ownership to you. There will likely be a fee. If they make excuses or refuse, you may need to involve an attorney.
Here are some additional tips for owning and using a domain name:
- Choose a reputable domain registrar: Make sure to choose a domain registrar that is accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). This will ensure that your domain name is registered properly and that you will have access to customer support if you need it.
- Keep your domain name information up to date: Make sure that your contact information is up to date with your domain registrar. If you move or change your email address, be sure to update your domain name information accordingly.
- Make sure your credit or debit card is not expired if you have auto-renewal set up.
If you have any questions or need assistance with purchasing a domain please feel free to reach out to me at info@pixelagility.com