How to Change Your Website Domain Name According to Business Insider, more than two in three Americans will make an online purchase a...
How to Change Your Website Domain Name
According to Business Insider, more than two in three Americans will make an online purchase
at some point in 2018. Of these online shoppers, a significant minority are making multiple
purchases throughout the year. With the continued dominance and growth of Amazon, those
numbers are only going to continue trending upwards. As a result, owning a website is vital for
a business’ continued survival, let alone success.
at some point in 2018. Of these online shoppers, a significant minority are making multiple
purchases throughout the year. With the continued dominance and growth of Amazon, those
numbers are only going to continue trending upwards. As a result, owning a website is vital for
a business’ continued survival, let alone success.
If you do wish to create a website for your business, or blog, you must first register a domain
name. Choosing the right domain name gives your site a distinctive identity that distinguishes it
from the millions of other websites already up and running since no two people can register
under the same exact domain name.
name. Choosing the right domain name gives your site a distinctive identity that distinguishes it
from the millions of other websites already up and running since no two people can register
under the same exact domain name.
Now, some people have already registered a domain name, but become disgruntled because
the name is not quite right. In such cases, such dissatisfied customers do have an option to
transfer or change their domain name.
the name is not quite right. In such cases, such dissatisfied customers do have an option to
transfer or change their domain name.
That said, before you can begin your search for that perfect domain name, or change your
current domain name, it is crucial that you first understand how domains and domain names
work. Having a grasp on the ins and outs of domain names will aid you in your quest for finding
the right one; one that does not require any changing. After, we will discuss why having a strong
domain name is important.
current domain name, it is crucial that you first understand how domains and domain names
work. Having a grasp on the ins and outs of domain names will aid you in your quest for finding
the right one; one that does not require any changing. After, we will discuss why having a strong
domain name is important.
Online success starts with a great domain. Get yours today at ows.ongsho.com.
What is a website?
For those that have never owned a website, you may just automatically assume that a domain
name, and a website are interchangeable words all meaning the same thing. They are distinctly
different parts of the same whole, so, buying a domain name does not mean that you also have
a website. There are still major differences between a website and a domain name.
name, and a website are interchangeable words all meaning the same thing. They are distinctly
different parts of the same whole, so, buying a domain name does not mean that you also have
a website. There are still major differences between a website and a domain name.
A website is an online storefront, similar to a physical brick and mortar store. After searching
your name in a web browser, prospective shoppers enter the website, peruse the page, interact
with the various features, and then possibly make a purchase, or subscribe to a service.
your name in a web browser, prospective shoppers enter the website, peruse the page, interact
with the various features, and then possibly make a purchase, or subscribe to a service.
A website is made up of various files, web pages, images, video, sound, music, and other data.
Just like you would need an address to locate a physical store, a website needs a virtual web
address in order to distinguish it from the millions of other online locales.
Just like you would need an address to locate a physical store, a website needs a virtual web
address in order to distinguish it from the millions of other online locales.
What is a domain name?
When computer scientists were creating the fledgling World Wide Web, the very first computers
would communicate with each other using an Internet Protocol address; 32-bit or 128-bit numbers
that functioned as that computer’s virtual address. These numbers served dual purposes:
locating a web address, and distinguishing and identifying web addresses.
would communicate with each other using an Internet Protocol address; 32-bit or 128-bit numbers
that functioned as that computer’s virtual address. These numbers served dual purposes:
locating a web address, and distinguishing and identifying web addresses.
This brilliant IP system worked fairly well in a small setting between a handful of computers,
but even then, keeping track of these random sequences of numbers and dots was not an easy
task, especially if you wished to memorize an IP address. This would naturally become even
more complicated when additional IP addresses were added to the network. As it was, scaling
was an unsustainable model, much in part due to the limitations of human memory.
but even then, keeping track of these random sequences of numbers and dots was not an easy
task, especially if you wished to memorize an IP address. This would naturally become even
more complicated when additional IP addresses were added to the network. As it was, scaling
was an unsustainable model, much in part due to the limitations of human memory.
Even creating a gigantic IP phone book of sorts would not be an efficient solution in and of itself.
To remedy this issue, computer scientists created an IP registration system wherein the IP
address was registered and linked to a unique name.
To remedy this issue, computer scientists created an IP registration system wherein the IP
address was registered and linked to a unique name.
This name functioned as a natural and easy substitute of the numerical address. Once typed in,
these names would automatically translate to that IP address. Today, these virtual shortcuts are
what we refer to as domain names.
these names would automatically translate to that IP address. Today, these virtual shortcuts are
what we refer to as domain names.
Top-level domains
A top-level domain, also known as a domain name extension, is what gets typed in after the
period but before the slashes. For google.com, the .com is the top-level domain. Originally
designed for specific purposes, seven TLDs were created: .com, .edu, .gov, .int, .net, .mil, and
.org.
period but before the slashes. For google.com, the .com is the top-level domain. Originally
designed for specific purposes, seven TLDs were created: .com, .edu, .gov, .int, .net, .mil, and
.org.
Although some of these TLDs maintained their rigid function, others, such as .org or .com,
became widely used. These extensions opened up a vast array of possible combinations for a
domain name, as you could register both business.com or business.org.
became widely used. These extensions opened up a vast array of possible combinations for a
domain name, as you could register both business.com or business.org.
Over time, even these original TLDs limited how many domain names could be created. To fix
that, hundreds of new domain extensions have been added, called new top-level domains
(nTLDs), as they are released. This increased the number of available names and gave
businesses an opportunity to be creative or imaginative with domain endings such as the
social media music site, music.ly.
that, hundreds of new domain extensions have been added, called new top-level domains
(nTLDs), as they are released. This increased the number of available names and gave
businesses an opportunity to be creative or imaginative with domain endings such as the
social media music site, music.ly.
Why you might want to change your domain name
Before we discuss how to change your website domain name, it is wise to consider the merits
or reasons behind such a mindset. Changing domain names is not something you should do on
a whim. When changing your domain name, be sure to take plenty of time to consider the
reasons and thoroughly weigh the pros and cons. The following reasons may apply:
• You don’t like your old domain name: Tastes in humor change, so your domain name may end up not as clever or funny as it previously seemed.. Industries shift. Perhaps you have a domain name that is no longer relevant or helpful in distinguishing your product in the marketplace. If you no longer like your domain name and want to change it, first think it through. Changing could mean losing traffic or search rankings that have previously built up. • The domain name wasn’t gaining traction: Perhaps your domain has not accumulated the traffic or positive feedback from your customers as expected. It has not blown up like you thought it would. Since your sunk cost is fairly low, you could change it and see if something else sticks better in the minds of your customers. • Your business name changed: If you have changed the name of your company, switched industries, or pivoted the business in such a way that the name is no longer relevant or applicable, then you are practically forced to change your name. If you want your brand to succeed, you have to send a clear and consistent message to customers and the first way to do that would be changing the domain name. • You want to change the extension: Maybe you bought a domain name with a lesser known extension because your desired one was unavailable. Perhaps you wish to get a more mainstream TLD. If that name is now available with a better extension, a domain change can be worth the price of making the switch.
or reasons behind such a mindset. Changing domain names is not something you should do on
a whim. When changing your domain name, be sure to take plenty of time to consider the
reasons and thoroughly weigh the pros and cons. The following reasons may apply:
• You don’t like your old domain name: Tastes in humor change, so your domain name may end up not as clever or funny as it previously seemed.. Industries shift. Perhaps you have a domain name that is no longer relevant or helpful in distinguishing your product in the marketplace. If you no longer like your domain name and want to change it, first think it through. Changing could mean losing traffic or search rankings that have previously built up. • The domain name wasn’t gaining traction: Perhaps your domain has not accumulated the traffic or positive feedback from your customers as expected. It has not blown up like you thought it would. Since your sunk cost is fairly low, you could change it and see if something else sticks better in the minds of your customers. • Your business name changed: If you have changed the name of your company, switched industries, or pivoted the business in such a way that the name is no longer relevant or applicable, then you are practically forced to change your name. If you want your brand to succeed, you have to send a clear and consistent message to customers and the first way to do that would be changing the domain name. • You want to change the extension: Maybe you bought a domain name with a lesser known extension because your desired one was unavailable. Perhaps you wish to get a more mainstream TLD. If that name is now available with a better extension, a domain change can be worth the price of making the switch.
How to change your domain name on Website Builder
There are a few steps when it comes to changing your domain name on Domain.com:
- Go to the Domain Control Panel settings.
- Click on the Website Builder Icon.
- Right next to the Domain name you wish to change, click on Options.
- A menu will drop down, click on Change Domain.
- A popup will appear, hit choose your domain and then apply.
- Select the domain you would like to use for the website and then hit apply.
- The Website Builder editor will open up, allowing you to make revisions to the site.
- After making the changes in settings, hit Save and Publish your site.
- A popup will appear asking, “Are you sure?” Hit Yes.
- Congratulations you have successfully changed your domain name and your website is now live.
How to setup a 301 redirect page
If you are switching to a new domain, you want to make sure that you redirect visitors to your
new site instead of being on your old one. In order to do that, you must setup a 301 redirect
page. The purpose is to redirect search engines and site visitors to your new website so you
don’t lose traffic or visibility when you make the switch.
new site instead of being on your old one. In order to do that, you must setup a 301 redirect
page. The purpose is to redirect search engines and site visitors to your new website so you
don’t lose traffic or visibility when you make the switch.
To set up a 301 redirect page, follow these instructions below:
- Go to the Domain settings in your cPanel.
- Click redirect from the sub menu.
- Fill in the information provided on the form.
- Enter in the previous address and the new address you want to redirect to.
- Click add this redirect
- Go back to the main page and verify that your redirect page has been saved.
If your site is not on Website Builder, the process will be a bit more complicated. In order to
redirect your visitors without sacrificing your traffic, you will either have to bring all your files over,
build a completely new site under your new domain, or do a redirect from the old domain to the
new one.
redirect your visitors without sacrificing your traffic, you will either have to bring all your files over,
build a completely new site under your new domain, or do a redirect from the old domain to the
new one.
Why domain names matter
Besides the obvious benefit of locating your website, domain names are important for several
reasons. Picking the right name so you don’t have to change it later on will save you money and
time invested in building up your base. Finding the right domain will:
reasons. Picking the right name so you don’t have to change it later on will save you money and
time invested in building up your base. Finding the right domain will:
Establish credibility
A domain name lends a feeling of legitimacy to a business, especially to strangers. These days,
many customers will not be interested or have trouble trusting a company that does not have a
website. If you have a domain and a website, you signal to people that you are serious and easy
to reach. Whereas, if you utilize some free web hosting site, customers will feel wary about
providing you with their credit card or personal information.
many customers will not be interested or have trouble trusting a company that does not have a
website. If you have a domain and a website, you signal to people that you are serious and easy
to reach. Whereas, if you utilize some free web hosting site, customers will feel wary about
providing you with their credit card or personal information.
Act as an initial screening function
The domain and the website function together as an initial screening filter for customers. A
relevant domain name will likely pique a customer’s interest, while an irrelevant domain name
could be a turnoff. For example, if someone is looking for winter gear, a domain name of
supplystore.com might be less effective than a domain name that has relevant keywords in the
name, like wintergear.com.
relevant domain name will likely pique a customer’s interest, while an irrelevant domain name
could be a turnoff. For example, if someone is looking for winter gear, a domain name of
supplystore.com might be less effective than a domain name that has relevant keywords in the
name, like wintergear.com.
Increase walk-ins
If you register a domain name that pairs with whatever good or service you are selling, you are
far more likely to draw in people who were browsing or simply typing in general keywords. Just
like how an attractive storefront will draw in a passerby, a relevant domain name will similarly land
virtual web surfers.
far more likely to draw in people who were browsing or simply typing in general keywords. Just
like how an attractive storefront will draw in a passerby, a relevant domain name will similarly land
virtual web surfers.
Although the domain name is not available, if you were selling cars, no name would be more ideal
than cars.com, since that is the most likely thing to be typed in by someone who wants a car,
but doesn’t know where to begin their search.
than cars.com, since that is the most likely thing to be typed in by someone who wants a car,
but doesn’t know where to begin their search.
Help with brand recall
If you manage to cleverly link your domain name with your specific good or service, your
customers will have an easier time remembering the name. This, in turn, will simplify the process
of frequenting your website and increasing the likelihood that yours will be the first name that
comes to mind. Consider Google; they have successfully established their brand and linked it
intrinsically to their search function that now “to Google” is a phrase in itself, synonymous with
the phrase “to search.”
customers will have an easier time remembering the name. This, in turn, will simplify the process
of frequenting your website and increasing the likelihood that yours will be the first name that
comes to mind. Consider Google; they have successfully established their brand and linked it
intrinsically to their search function that now “to Google” is a phrase in itself, synonymous with
the phrase “to search.”
Provide multiple revenue options
If you have a physical location where you do the majority of your selling, having a domain and
website is important since it gives you an alternative revenue route. This makes it simple and
convenient for loyal customers to continue buying your goods or services, and as mentioned,
brings in alternative customers who might never hear of or walk by your physical store.
Diversifying your revenue streams gives you an opportunity to continue to grow your business.
website is important since it gives you an alternative revenue route. This makes it simple and
convenient for loyal customers to continue buying your goods or services, and as mentioned,
brings in alternative customers who might never hear of or walk by your physical store.
Diversifying your revenue streams gives you an opportunity to continue to grow your business.
Give your internet presence flexibility
In the past, moving locations could ruin a successful business, even if it meant only moving a
few blocks away, since people had associated that physical location with your business. Such a
move became even more damaging when moving a considerable distance, since you would
effectively lose all the years building up your business reputation at that location.
few blocks away, since people had associated that physical location with your business. Such a
move became even more damaging when moving a considerable distance, since you would
effectively lose all the years building up your business reputation at that location.
Now, when you own a domain name, you can change offices, leave the state, or even the
country, and that domain name will follow wherever you go. This allows you to keep customers
even if you now live thousands of miles away.
country, and that domain name will follow wherever you go. This allows you to keep customers
even if you now live thousands of miles away.
Signals that you embrace progress
Similar to establishing credibility, owning a domain signals to potential customers that you’re a
forward thinker. You have not only adapted to the digital age, but embraced it. It implicitly tells
customers that you welcome technological progress and are savvy enough to use such change
to your business’ advantage.
forward thinker. You have not only adapted to the digital age, but embraced it. It implicitly tells
customers that you welcome technological progress and are savvy enough to use such change
to your business’ advantage.
Imagine a computer repair store that didn’t have a domain name (the irony!). Whether true or not,
a customer might think that the company without a domain and website may be selling a product
or service that is out of date.
a customer might think that the company without a domain and website may be selling a product
or service that is out of date.
Change your domain name to suit your business needs
Having a domain name is important if you want to establish credibility with customers in the
online space. It’s an easy way to signal to shoppers what you’re selling and to gain a foothold in
the online market. The edge you gain through landing that perfect domain name is well worth
the time and money investments required.
online space. It’s an easy way to signal to shoppers what you’re selling and to gain a foothold in
the online market. The edge you gain through landing that perfect domain name is well worth
the time and money investments required.
Unfortunately, some people wind up with a domain name that accomplishes none of those things.
As a result, they are forced to change the name. Fortunately, this process is simple: follow the
steps listed above and your website will be up and running in no time.
As a result, they are forced to change the name. Fortunately, this process is simple: follow the
steps listed above and your website will be up and running in no time.
Online success starts with a great domain. Get yours today at ows.ongsho.com.
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