Why Get Your Own Domain Name?
Why have your own domain name? For a multitude of reasons.
1. It looks more professional
For whatever you do, it looks like you’re more of an authority. Now, this may or may not be true. But appearances are what matter in any market. If you’re running an online business, certainly your own domain provides a more reassuring presence.
2. You have more control
You’ll be able to back up your work, switch hosts, change content management systems, choose your own design, etc. If your web service provider shuts down, you won’t be left in the lurch.
3. Your website is more marketable
If you’re in the market to sell ad space, a domain name definitely sells better than a subdomain, all things held equal (similar number of hits, content, etc). Often, domain names have higher page rank than subdomains and appear in a higher priority on search results.
4. There is more ownership
There is a commitment to having your own domain name. Since you are most likely paying for hosting, you would more likely dress up your site and provide great content to it, thereby creating a better web product out there. You’re establishing a presence here, and standing alone, you make a bigger splash.
And if that’s not enough, here are a few more compelling reasons why. Domain name registration and hosting come in affordable packages now. Consider it if you blog professionally or have an online business or simply want more control over your website.
Christina Sng worked as a web developer, information architect, account executive, producer, technical writer, and usability consultant in the 10 years (that's 30 years in Internet time!) she brought bread home. She has since retired to raise her children but still spends most of her waking hours on the net, no thanks to Apple. Here are some of her adventures.
