Whether you’re launching a brand-new venture or have been around for years, your domain name is central to your identity online. But choosing to let someone else control it, even a trusted web developer, can lead to risks you didn’t foresee. Here’s why your business should always be the rightful owner of its domain.
- Your domain is like a title deed to your online property
Think of your domain name as the title deed to your business’s digital footprint. Yes, it’s just a URL, but control over that URL gives you ownership of the address people use to find you online.
When your developer registers the domain in their name, legally, they and not you control that right of use. If that person becomes unavailable or uncooperative, reclaiming access can become a major headache.
- Avoid potential business disruption and even restricted situations
When a business doesn’t own its domain, it risks serious disruption. DNS records tied to email, web hosting, and more are all controlled via the domain.
There have even been cases where developers refused to return domains or demanded exorbitant fees in order to transfer them back to the rightful business owner. That’s a business scenario you’d rather avoid.
- Only you, both legally and practically, can make decisions
Domain registration gives you exclusive rights to use the domain (for as long as you renew it), even though it’s not outright ownership in the legal sense. What matters is that you are the registrant, meaning you control renewal, DNS settings, WHOIS info and how the domain is used.
If the domain is under someone else’s account, you lose that control, not just practically, but in many cases legally.
- It’s affordable and easy to do, don’t let cost or complexity get in the way
Registering a domain typically costs as little as £10 per year and takes just a few minutes. Many developers may offer to do it for you, but there’s no reason to let them be the registrant when price and effort are so minimal.
- Owning your domain helps your professional image and branding
A clean, branded domain like clearwater.co.uk looks more polished than yourbusiness.webdevsite.com. It builds trust, authority and credibility from the first click. Plus, it’s easy to remember and remains under your control.
- Maintain consistency throughout the life span of the business
Even if you never build a custom website, owning your domain allows you to redirect it to platforms like Facebook, Etsy, or Google, whatever serves the business needs. If a decision is then made to redesign or move the site later, switching hosts or developers won’t disrupt the online presence.
- Take full control of the brand’s online presence
Your domain ties into everything, your website, email addresses, DNS setup, analytics, and more. Letting someone else control it can leave you scrambling to regain access or make changes when you need them. Owning the domain is about legitimacy and building a direct relationship with clients, partners, stakeholders and anybody else that will have an interest.
As a final note, just like your brand’s look, message and personality, your domain is a critical part of your business identity. Register it in your name, with your email and details at the registrar and keep renewal privileges firmly in your hands. Because when it comes to your business’s home on the internet you should always be the landlord, not a tenant.