Choosing a domain name is important. But owning it? Even more so. We’ve seen too many law firms lose control of their domain because they let someone else, usually a web developer or marketing agency, register it for them.
Here’s why that’s a bad idea, and how to make sure you’re the one holding the keys.
Why Domain Ownership Matters
Your domain name is your digital identity. It’s tied to your website, your email addresses, your SEO, and your brand as a whole. Losing access to it or struggling to reclaim it can seriously disrupt your business.
If you don’t own your domain, you don’t really own your website.
What Happens When Someone Else Owns It?
We’ve run into all kinds of messy situations:
- A web developer disappears or closes up shop — and suddenly, no one knows how to access the domain.
- An agency registers it under their own name — and when you part ways, transferring the domain becomes complicated, slow, or expensive.
- Vendors use their email address for registration — leaving you locked out if they move on.
In short, you’re at the mercy of someone else for one of your most critical assets.
Why Some Agencies Register Domains for Clients
To be fair, this usually starts with good intentions. Agencies or developers offer to “handle everything” and register domains for clients to make the process simpler. But over time, if you change vendors or relationships end, control of the domain becomes an issue.
Some agencies will happily transfer ownership but others drag their feet, charge fees, or create unnecessary headaches.
How to Make Sure You Own Your Domain
It’s simple: register the domain name yourself.
- Use your name and contact information.
Use an email address you’ll always have access to (preferably one tied to your law firm’s domain). - Keep the login credentials safe and accessible.
- Set up auto-renew so you don’t lose the domain by accident.
If your developer or agency has already registered it for you, ask to have it transferred into your own account right now, before there’s ever a problem.
Where to Register Your Domain
For tech-savvy users, we recommend:
- Porkbun.com — affordable, clean interface, great for people comfortable with DNS management.
- Namecheap.com — solid option with good pricing and a user-friendly dashboard.
For less tech-savvy folks:
- GoDaddy — not our favorite, but they offer 24/7 phone support and make things easy to manage.
What to Avoid
- Companies like Web.com, Network Solutions, and Register.com (all part of Newfold Digital). Their prices are inflated, support is poor, and the user experience is frustrating.
- Letting any vendor or agency register your domain under their name or account.
- Forgetting to keep your payment info current and auto-renew turned on.
