Own your domain name: the one thing you must never hand over

Your domain name is the bit that looks like yourcompany.co.uk. It is your address on the internet, and it appears on your website, your emails, your van and your business cards. It is also the single most important thing in your online setup.

And a worrying number of tradespeople do not own theirs.

How it goes wrong

It usually starts innocently. A friend, a freelancer or an agency builds your website and registers the domain for you “to make it easy”. They register it in their own name or under their own account. Years later:

• They stop answering emails
• They go out of business
• You fall out
• They demand money to hand it over

You then discover you cannot move your website or your email, because you do not control the domain. Your business address on the internet belongs to someone else.

How to check you own yours

1. Go to a WHOIS lookup site and enter your domain name. It will show the registrant, the person or business that owns it. Some details may be hidden for privacy, but the registrar and expiry date are usually visible.
2. Check the account. Can you log in to the registrar with your own email and password? If not, you do not control it.
3. Look at the renewal. Who pays, and when does it expire? An expired domain can be lost.

What good looks like

• The domain is registered in your name or your company name
• The account is under your email address
• You know the login, or someone you trust holds it with your permission
• It is set to renew automatically, or you have a reminder

What if someone else holds it?

Ask them to transfer it into your name or account. A reasonable provider will help. If they refuse, get advice early, before the website is something you depend on.

Why we insist on it

At WebForTrade, you own your domain. Full stop. We point it at your website and email, but it stays in your name. If you ever decide to leave, your address goes with you. See the offer.

Need help checking?

If you are unsure about your own setup, get in touch and we will help you find out.