Whether you opt for Union Square Computers to design your website or not we strongly recommend that you register your own domain name. Your domain name serves as your internet Doing Business As (DBA). When you allow someone else to register your domain name you effectively grant them control over your online business identity. In unfortunate scenarios where your webmaster goes out of business, changes jobs, disappears or even passes away your domain name becomes vulnerable to cybersquatters.
Some of our clients have faced challenges with unresponsive webmasters who fail to answer phone calls or emails. These clients are unable to make necessary changes to their own websites and may eventually lose their domains. Since the domain name is typically registered under the webmaster's name rather than the business owner's there is little we or the business owner can do until the webmaster responds (if they ever do).
We can collaborate with the current domain owner to facilitate a transfer of the URL back to you. If you're uncertain about the current ownership of your domain name consider performing a WHOIS search to check if this information is publicly available. Keep in mind that private registrations may obscure the true owner but it's still a valuable starting point.
Our advice is straightforward: register your own domain name. We're here to guide you through the domain registration process, assist with domain name ownership transfers, hosting changes and address any other domain-related concerns. Feel free to contact us to schedule a consultation.
For domain registration we exclusively use NameCheap. Alternatively you can explore other platforms too like GoDaddy or Network Solutions.
When it comes to selecting a domain name Union Square Computers offers valuable guidance. Here are the key considerations for an effective domain name:
Company Name: Your domain should prominently feature your company name. This ensures brand consistency and helps potential visitors recognize your business.
Describe Your Purpose: A good domain name should convey what your business does. It's like a digital elevator pitch. For instance if you're a bakery, consider including relevant keywords like "cakes" or "pastries".
Geographic Relevance: Mentioning your location in the domain can be beneficial. If you target customers in the Hickory, NC area incorporating “Hickory” or “NC” can help local customers find you.
Catchiness: A memorable and catchy domain name sticks in people's minds. Avoid overly complex or generic names. Simplicity often wins.
.com Domain: While there are various domain extensions available, “.com” remains the most recognized and trusted. It's the default choice for most users.
Short and Sweet: Keep it concise. Short domain names are easier to type, remember and share.
We take into account factors such as your business's nature, market competitiveness and desired market reach. Our domain name consultations aim to help you choose a memorable name that enhances your SEO impact. Whether or not you choose us for website design registering your own domain name is crucial. It ensures control over your online identity and protects against potential issues with webmasters. Feel free to contact us to schedule a consultation and make an informed decision for your business.