Why Owning Your Domain Is Essential (and How I Can Help)

Starting a business or launching a new product or service can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to establishing an online presence. For many small business owners, buying a domain and creating a website are essential first steps to make their brand known to the world.

But did you know that how you buy your domain can have long-term consequences? Here’s a story that shows why it’s so important to maintain control over this asset.

A friend of mine wanted her dream domain, so she entrusted the process to someone else. Unfortunately, things went wrong, and she’s now locked out of a domain she paid for, unable to access or use it because she doesn’t fully own it.

To help you avoid this, I’ve put together some simple steps to ensure you keep full control of your domain—and your business.

Building Skills, Relationships, and Trust

My goal isn’t just to provide technical know-how; it’s to build genuine relationships with people who are passionate about their ventures.

I’m currently on my own journey to build my skills in web development, and as part of this, I’m offering a limited number of free websites to help small businesses and individuals get started online.

When I see free, I mean I'm trading my time for the experience of producing something to your specs. And the experience of collaborating with you remotely to ensure your presence is exactly what you want it to be. There will usually be domain and hosting fees, but depending on your requirements, yes, it could be completely free, and it will always belong to you. 

This isn’t a traditional transaction—it’s a collaboration. By working together, we both grow: I gain valuable experience from real-world projects, and you get a secure, functional online presence.

Whether you’re launching your first website or promoting a new service, I’m here to help you find the right name, ensure it’s securely under your ownership, and build a website that genuinely reflects your brand.

Getting Started: Why You Should Register Your Domain Yourself

Owning your domain isn’t just a technical formality; it’s about keeping control over your brand’s online identity. When you register your domain yourself:

You Own the Account: You’re in charge of everything from billing to managing where the domain points, and no one can restrict your access or take it away.

Your Brand, Your Control: Registering your domain in your own account ensures no third party can hold it “hostage” or make unexpected demands in the future.

Using a trusted domain registrar like Namecheap is a great first step. (I’ve even added a widget at the top of this page to make it easy for you to get started!) Stick with reputable providers and avoid “too good to be true” offers that may come with hidden fees or strings attached.

Choosing the Right Domain Name for Your Business

Picking the right name can seem daunting, but here are some tips to make it easier:

Keep It Simple and Memorable: A short, easy-to-type name is more likely to stick with people and make a strong impression.

Reflect Your Brand: Choose a name that aligns with your brand values and communicates what you’re about.

Select the Right Extension: While .com is common, other extensions like .net, .org, or a country-specific option might be a good fit depending on your audience.

Avoiding Common Scams and Pitfalls

Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:

Domain Squatting: Be cautious of anyone offering to hold a domain for you at a high markup.

Third-Party Registrations: Never let someone else register a domain under their own account. This can lead to complications or even losing access if things go awry.

Unnecessary Add-Ons: Watch out for add-ons that inflate the cost without adding much value. Stick to essentials, especially if you’re just starting.

Why Feedback and Experience Matter to Me

One reason I’m offering free services right now (not forever!) is to gain practical experience and get feedback.

Your insights help me grow as a developer, and in turn, I aim to deliver quality work that supports your business. This isn’t just about building websites - it’s about building trust. I want to demonstrate that I’m a reliable developer who can support your needs and empower you to feel secure online.

Let’s Build Your Online Presence Together

If you’re feeling uncertain about taking these first steps, don’t worry - I’m here to guide you. Together, we can make sure you’re in control of your website from the start, with a domain that truly belongs to you.

Ready to get started? Use the widget above to search for your perfect domain, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. I’m excited to work with people who are passionate about their vision and ready to bring it to life online. Let’s create something that represents your brand and sets us both up for success!

This post contains an affiliate link for Namecheap. I've been using them for a while to purchase custom domains, email, and I'm about to try out their hosting services. I'll document it all! Any purchase made through this link helps support my journey at no additional cost to you. Thank you x