Just because you purchased a domain name does not necessarily mean that you own it.
Domain names are used to identify one or more IP address that is typed into the URL search bar. Companies have the ability to purchase multiple domain names, often relating to competition or services, and repoint the URL to point to their own website — this is why you should buy relating domain names before your competitors do! By owning multiple domains you will increase the overall traffic to your website and have higher visibility on search platforms.
For example, Kirk’s domain name is kirkcommunications.com. Since Kirk Communications owns that web domain, no other business can use it. However, competing companies could attempt to purchase relating domain names, such as “kirkcommunication” with the domain name missing the “s” at the end, and have individuals who were searching for Kirk’s services now redirected to their (a competitor’s) site. We may be Kirk Communications, but we did not own our name in this hypothetical domain situation.
Protect your business, and brand, by ensuring that you own the rights to your domain. In order to protect your brand, the best website and development practice would be to ensure that you own your website domain.
There are many advantages to owning your company’s domain. These are just a few of the most important benefits to consider:
1. Increase your Search Ranking
Amongst the hundreds of search ranking factors Google takes into consideration, one of them weighs heavily on domain names. If you own your unique business domain, Google will rank your website higher than those that use free domain names from web hosting sites.
2. It’s All Yours
By owning your own domain, you own your company name on the web. This sense of ownership will increase brand awareness and project your company as professional in the digital marketplace which will help grow your business online. Your brand will also build up its credibility. By having a clean domain name your company will stand out and be cohesive throughout your digital strategy and marketing materials.
3. Company Email Accounts
Emailing is a critical activity that every business partakes in, so it is important to have a company email that matches your domain name. For example, your company emails will follow yourname@yourcompany.com. By linking the two you will have instant brand recognition from customers who are trying to contact you. Email marketing campaigns will also be coming from your reputable company email accounts. By having your company name after the @ symbol, you will increase the trust in your customer relationships and have consistent contact information across every employee.
4. Flexibility
When you own your domain you have the flexibility to switch web hosts at any time. You will take your domain name and company email addresses with you. If another web hosting company owns your domain, you will not have the option to switch to another website hosting with your domain. Website design and development is constantly changing, along with the web hosting websites, so it is crucial to own your domain.
Need help purchasing domains for your company’s website? In the middle of switching web hosting? Kirk Communications, a website design and development company, can guide you. Call 603-766-4945 or visit www.kirkcommunications.com for more information.
Sarah Juknievich (Content Developer at Kirk Communications) is a senior at University of New Hampshire pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Marketing & Business Administration. Sarah creates written content for websites along with developing social media campaigns.
Her previous experiences and projects at the Peter T. Paul School of Business Economics included creating marketing plans, working with business clients, and performing marketing analysis. Sarah’s interests include crafting, working out, and being outdoors.