Getting a website up and running can be confusing for someone delving into it for the first time. Many people because of their limited understanding are thrilled when their web designer offers to register a domain name for them. And that is where the nightmare can begin.
First, let me explain what a domain name is. A domain name is the address or url for a website. It is a more user friendly identifier for a website than the IP address of the computer that the web files reside on. A domain name can only be registered to one user.
What I have seen happen more times then I’d like to recount, are designers refusing to transfer the domain name to the person when they decide to change designers. When a designer refuses to transfer a domain name, there is nothing you can do to dispute ownership of the domain. They registered it, so therefore they own it.
So why not just register a new domain? Well, if you can’t get your domain that is exactly what you’ll have to do but remember you will be starting all over with your marketing efforts. Everything you’ve done to market your site will be tied to that domain name. Your customers will be familiar with your old domain and it will take work to get them to your new domain.
The best way to avoid this worst case scenario is to register your own domain name. The process is simple and I recommend www.GoDaddy.com .
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