Why your own domain name is still worth it in 2024

The popularity of social media has permanently changed our online world. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn have given us the ability to stay connected with friends, family and business partners on an unprecedented scale. On your own profile pages you can share your activities with the rest of the world and show what you find important. However, if you want more than just a profile with one of the tech giants, it may be worthwhile to register your own domain name. And for the following five reasons:

1. Your domain, your property
A domain name is in your own name and is your property. Someone else can no longer register the domain. This allows you to take control of your online performance into your own hands.

2. Professionalism and trust
Your own online address appears more professional than a subdomain on a large platform, such as mijnstekkie.wordpress.com. It looks nicer, feels nicer and is easier to remember. The same, of course, applies to a personal or business email address that ends with your own domain name. This way, uwnaam@yourdomein.nl appears a lot more serious than a free email address from, for example, Gmail or Hotmail, and that creates trust among your contacts.

3. Online findability
Your own domain name is good for your online findability. Search engines like Google often rank websites with their own domain higher than subdomains or social media profiles. This means that people will find your website more quickly when they search for the information, products or services you offer. Moreover, you can improve your visibility by publishing relevant content for your audience.

4. Your domain, your website
Your own website is the perfect place to showcase your expertise, experiences and personality. Whether you want to share your work, hobbies or travel stories, your own domain name offers you the space and flexibility to create and strengthen your brand the way you want. With your own website, you decide which content is visible and how it is presented. You have complete freedom to tell your story.

5. Independence from social media
By having your own domain name you are less dependent on the major social media platforms. With your own site you always maintain a direct channel to your audience or customers, regardless of changes in social media. You determine the content, design and functionality of your website yourself, without being dependent on the rules and restrictions of social media platforms.

How do you register your own domain name?
Registering a domain name is easier than ever these days and can usually be accomplished in a few simple steps. Here’s a quick guide:
1. Choose a domain name: Come up with a name that is easy to remember and that accurately describes what you want to achieve with your website. Make sure the name is not too long and avoid dashes and numbers if possible.
2. Do the domain name check: Check whether your desired name is still available. There are numerous extensions available, such as .nl, .com, .eu, and other options such as .shop or .online.
3. Register your domain: Once you have found an available name, you can register it through a registrar. After registration, you are the owner of the domain name for the period in which you pay (usually per year).
4. Manage your domain: You can manage your domain through your registrar. This includes changing contact details, forwarding the domain to another website or setting up email addresses.

In short, it is worth investing in your own domain name. Despite the major role of social media, the personal character of a website remains incomparable and registering your own domain is quick and affordable. At STRATO you can order your own domain from 12 cents in the first year.