A web design mistake that I see so often does not even involve design…..

It’s regarding Owning Your Own Domain Name

Too many people don’t even know that their  domain name is actually owned by their previous web design company.

At the time, it was probably easy to have their web design company handle getting your domain name secured. It may have been part of their website package.  Domain Registration, Hosting and Web Design.

What happens if you end your relationship with your current web design company or your designer goes out of business?

I can tell you first hand it’s not an easy process getting your domain back.

Right now, you need to make sure you Own Your Own Domain Name.

Follows these steps to find out

The first step is to click here ( this will take you to the website WhoIs.com)

Next, type in your domain name.   (ie facebook.com, no need for the www. or http://)

Your domain registration will appear unless it was registered with a privacy setting.

Look for these particular fields.

Registered through:

Domain Name:

Created On:

Expires On:

Registrant:

Administrative Contact:

Technical Contact:

If the information listed in not your company and contacts, there is a chance you don’t own your own domain name.

I would first suggest you contact the administrative contact to see about having your domain name transferred into your name and credit card.

If you cannot get a hold them, you can reach out to the company the domain was registered through.  This might be Go Daddy, Network Solutions or another domain registration company.

Tell them your current situation and see if they can be of assistance.

For those of you thinking of opening up your own business, pick your domain name first and make sure you own it!