When starting a new website, one of the first and most important steps is securing a domain name. It’s your online address, your digital real estate, and the foundation of your brand identity. If you’re working with a new web design company, you may wonder: Should I allow my web designers to purchase my domain for me?
The short answer is: No—you should own your domain directly. While it may seem convenient to let your designers handle it, the long-term risks outweigh the short-term ease. Here’s why.
Why Domain Ownership Matters
Your domain name is more than just a URL. It’s an asset that represents your business, credibility, and online presence. Losing control of it can cause major issues down the road. If someone else—such as your web design company—purchases it under their name, they legally control it. That means they can make changes without your approval, lock you out, or even sell it if your working relationship ends badly.
In the worst cases, businesses have had to rebrand entirely because they couldn’t get their domain back from a former agency. Protecting ownership ensures that no matter who designs, hosts, or manages your site, you stay in control.
Common Risks of Letting Designers Buy Your Domain
Loss of Control – If your designer registers the domain under their account, you don’t have the final say over renewals, transfers, or changes.
Extra Fees – Some agencies mark up the cost of domains and renewals, charging you more than the standard rates.
Dependency – You may become reliant on your designer for every technical change, even basic updates.
Disputes – If you ever part ways, transferring the domain back can become complicated—or in some cases, impossible.
The Best Approach
Instead of letting your designers purchase the domain, register it yourself through a reputable registrar like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains. The process is simple and ensures the domain is legally tied to you or your business. Once registered, you can grant your web designers the access they need to connect the domain to your new website without giving up ownership.
A good web design company will actually encourage you to register your own domain. It shows professionalism on their part and protects your interests as a client.
Tips for Managing Your Domain
Use your business information when registering (not your designer’s).
Enable auto-renewal to prevent accidental expiration.
Keep login credentials safe and share only limited access as needed.
Register for multiple years to secure your name and improve trust.
Final Thoughts
While web designers play a crucial role in building your online presence, your domain name should always remain in your control. Think of it like the deed to your home—you wouldn’t let your contractor hold the title, even if they helped build it.
By taking ownership of your domain, you protect your brand, avoid unnecessary risks, and ensure that your online identity is secure for years to come.
At Windy City Web Designs, we aim to provide this for our clients by emphasizing creating websites that can achieve our client’s digital marketing goals. Every step of the way, we prioritize brand identity, growth, and profit-inclined actions. Whether it concerns a website redesign or content creation, we ensure our clients have a good online presence. Contact us here to see how to partner with us.