Every small business owner should not only register their website domain but also retain full ownership and access to it for the life of the business. This is a common oversight I’ve seen time and again.
In many cases, if a business owner doesn’t initially handle the registration themselves, the developer or agency that did it on their behalf will do the right thing and transfer ownership when asked. However, I’ve also witnessed unfortunate situations where that doesn’t happen—and the rightful owner is unable to recover their domain. When that occurs, the business is forced to start over with a new domain, often requiring a complete website rebuild and updates to printed materials, signage, and marketing collateral.
Beyond the logistical headaches, losing your domain can have a devastating impact on your brand’s credibility and can undo years of progress in search engine optimization (SEO).
Your domain is a valuable digital asset. Make sure it’s registered in your name, under your control, and protected for the long term. Here is a quick list of all the reasons why you should register and own your domain.
Ownership and Control
Protects your brand: If someone else registers your domain, they legally own it—even if it uses your business name.
Prevents disputes: If your relationship with a developer, agency, or employee ends, having your domain in your name ensures you don’t lose access or have to buy it back.
You control renewal: You’ll get the reminders and have authority over renewing or transferring it.
Brand Credibility
A custom domain like www.yourbusiness.com builds trust with customers.
Free domains (like yourbusiness.wordpress.com look unprofessional and can hurt your credibility.
Email and Marketing Benefits
You can set up professional emails like info@yourbusiness.com, which look better than yourbusiness@gmail.com
Consistent branding across your website, email, and marketing materials builds recognition and customer confidence.
SEO and Search Visibility
A domain name that reflects your business helps with search engine rankings.
The longer your domain is live and active, the more authority it can build over time.
Prevents Domain Hijacking or Squatting
If someone else grabs your domain first, they can:
Hold it for ransom
Use it to impersonate your brand
Divert customers to competitors
It’s much cheaper to register your domain early than to try to recover it later.
