When it comes to getting your new small business website up and running, securing a domain name is an important step in the process. You may have a general idea of what a domain name is, but may be wondering exactly how to get one and link it to your website. In this post, we'll explore what a domain name is, best practices when choosing a domain name, where you can purchase one, and how to link it to your Wix or Squarespace website. Let's get started!
What is a Domain Name and why is it Important?
A domain name is your website's unique address on the internet where visitors can access your website using your url. For example, my domain name is: rebeccaraffertydesign.com. A well chosen domain name can enhance your brand, improve search engine optimization (SEO), and help your visitors easily find and remember your website.
How I Chose My Business Name and Domain Name
Since I'm a one person small business, I decided to use my personal name as the main part of my business name. This creates transparency as I'm being open and honest about the size of my business. I also wanted to make sure that people would be able to find me if they just searched for my name. I knew I wanted to offer a variety of design services even though my focus is web design, so I also included "design" in my business name, hence: Rebecca Rafferty Design LLC.
The one thing I didn't think through very carefully was how long my business name is, especially with LLC at the end. Fortunately, I was able to create my logo, which incorporates the letter "R" to fit nicely with my business name.
As new small business owners with a lot on our plates, we will all make mistakes at some point or make decisions without thinking everything through. Sometimes we just have to scratch our heads or chin (in my case) and come up with a creative solution or workaround. I would recommend however, to think about how your name reflects your business and brand, and how it will look on different marketing platforms which could include: your website, brochures, how to guides, etc.
Back to domain names! For new small businesses, my recommendation is to keep your domain simple: your business name + ".com", as .com is widely recognized and suitable for a variety of businesses. However, there are other options such as .net, .shop, and .org. Check out Go Daddy's article by Derek Miller (July 14, 2022), What are the most common domain extensions? for more information.
Where to Purchase a Domain Name?
Check to see if your website platform allows you to purchase your domain name through them. I've had websites on Wix and Squarespace and both of these platforms provide this option. I prefer to manage my domain through the same account as my website, so purchasing directly through my web platform has been a great solution for me. At one point, I changed platforms from Squarespace to Wix (this was for my professional portfolio site, not this site) and I was easily able to transfer my domain name from Squarespace to Wix so that I could manage my domain from the same account as my website. More on transferring to come!
Some other reputable domain name providers are:
In the next sections, I'll go over the different options for linking your domain name to your website so that visitors can find your business online.
Linking Your Domain Name to Your Squarespace Website
Purchase Your Domain Name Through Squarespace
What does “purchasing” directly through Squarespace mean?: When you set up a website in Squarespace, you have the option of purchasing a domain name with them. This means you can manage your account and payments directly through Squarespace and don’t need to “connect” or “transfer” your domain name to your website.
How to purchase your domain name through Squarespace: Purchase Domain Name - Squarespace
Time: Should be live in 24 hours
Notes: You get 1 year free domain name through Squarespace
Transfer Your Domain Name To Squarespace
What does “transferring” mean?: When you “transfer” your domain to Squarespace, this means that your domain is now registered with Squarespace rather than the party you originally purchased it from. Once the transfer process has been completed, you can manage your account and payments through Squarespace.
How to transfer your domain name to Squarespace: Transferring a Domain to Squarespace
Time: Usually 1-15 days.
Connect Your Domain Name To Squarespace
What does “connecting” mean?: “Connecting” means that your domain is still registered with the party you purchased it from, but it connects or points to your Squarespace website. You’ll have to manage your account and payments with the party your domain is registered with rather than Squarespace.
How to connect your domain name to Squarespace: Connecting a Domain to Squarespace Site
Time: Can take up to 24-72 hours
Linking Your Domain Name to Your Wix Website
Purchase Your Domain Name Through Wix
How to purchase your domain name through Wix: Purchasing Domain from Wix
Time: Should take 1-48 hours to become active
Notes: If you get a domain through Wix, you get a 1 year free domain voucher.
Transfer Your Domain Name To Wix
How to transfer your domain name to Wix: Transferring a Domain to Wix
Time: Can take up to 7 days to complete.
Connect Your Domain Name to Wix
How to connect your domain name to Wix: Connecting a Domain to Wix Site
Time: Can take up to 48 hours
Conclusion
Securing a domain name is an important part of building your small business website and is something you can start planning for early on. As my website was live well before my launch date, I didn't have any pressing deadlines for securing my domain and getting it linked to my website. However, your situation may be different.
If you're working with a designer on your website, I'd recommend asking what assistance they provide with the process and sharing any deadlines you have for getting your website live. Remember, your domain needs to be linked to your website for visitors to access it! If you work with me, I'll bring up domain names early in our conversation and don't hesitate to ask me any questions you have!