When launching a new website, it’s common to rely on your web design company for guidance. While they may handle hosting, design, and maintenance, there’s one critical area where you should always maintain control: your domain name.
Allowing your web design company to purchase and register your domain may seem convenient at first—but it can create major problems down the road. Your domain name is more than just your web address—it’s a key part of your brand identity and digital ownership. If someone else controls it, you could lose access, leverage, and even the ability to run your business online.
Here’s why you should always own and register your domain name yourself:
It’s your digital property – Your domain is a core part of your brand. Just like you wouldn’t let someone else own your business name, you shouldn’t let someone else own your domain.
Losing control can be costly – If the relationship with your web design company ends badly, they could lock you out, demand payment, or even hold your domain hostage. In some extreme cases, companies have had to completely rebrand.
Transferring a domain can be difficult – Even if your designer is cooperative, transferring ownership can be time-consuming and risky. You may lose emails, rankings, or experience downtime during the process.
It affects your email and marketing – If your domain is tied to email (e.g., info@yourbusiness.com), not having control means losing access to communication with clients. You also risk losing SEO and ad campaign history if you’re forced to change domains later.
Renewals and expiration risks – If your designer registers the domain and forgets to renew it—or goes out of business—you could lose your domain entirely. Domains that expire can be purchased by others and held for ransom or used maliciously.
To avoid these issues, you should always purchase and register your domain through a reputable registrar (like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains) in your name with your own email, username, and payment information. Then, grant your web design company limited access if needed—but keep full ownership and login credentials under your control.
Best practices for domain ownership:
Register the domain yourself and use your own email and billing details
Keep login credentials secure and backed up
Set your domain to auto-renew with an active payment method
Give your web designer access to DNS settings only—not full ownership
Use a registrar that provides domain locking and security features
Owning your domain gives you flexibility and peace of mind. It means you can switch web developers, redesign your site, or rehost your website without fear of losing your digital identity. It’s a small but powerful step that protects your business now and in the future.
Need help setting up your domain the right way? At Windy City Web Designs, we guide you through the process without taking ownership—because your brand belongs to you. Contact us today for a free consultation.