Of course you own your own domain right? Or do you?
What is a domain?
A domain (aka domain name) is a brand or business name address, used to access websites and email addresses on the internet. For example, my domain is redheaddigital.co.nz. I also use redhead.digital and thewebsitewoman.co.nz
Your domain is arguably the most important piece of digital real estate for your business.
When starting out, one of the first steps for many business owners is buying their domain name. Here’s the catch: if you relied on someone else to purchase it for you, take a second to check your domain ownership.
How to check you owns your domain
A quick way to do this is to use Whois or and verify that you are listed as the registrant/owner of your domain name—not your web designer or whoever set it up on your behalf.
👉 Take 2 minutes today:
• Go to https://dnc.org.nz/whois/whois-lookup/ for .nz or .co.nz domains
• or go to https://whois.domaintools.com/ for .com domains
• Enter your domain and check if your name and email are listed as the REGISTRANT CONTACT.
• If not, change it.
It’s a tiny check that could save you a massive headache down the track.
What’s the big deal?
Domain registration is a legal transaction. If your name isn’t recorded as the domain owner (the registrant), technically, you don’t have rights to it!
Most business owners only realise when they try to move hosts or email, sell the business, or when the developer goes MIA.
Extra Tip for Experts
While you’re checking ownership, also make sure you know:
- Where your domain is registered
- Your login credentials
Store this information somewhere safe. You or your web developer will need it whenever you want to make changes to your website or transfer it to another location.
Save yourself the heartache
Taking a few minutes now to verify ownership can save you hours of stress and ever being held hostage for your domain as well as potentially thousands of dollars down the line.
