When starting a blog you may wonder if it is worth the investment to buy a domain name or use a free blogging service.
The initial and most obvious difference between the two options is the appearance of the website's address.
If you own your own domain name your url will look like mine, www.punchakpr.com. If you choose to use a free blogging platform, the address will include its name, for example www.punchakpr.wordpress.com or www.punchakpr.blogger.com.
This choice can be difficult to make when starting your blog.
Take a moment and ask yourself
Will I dedicate consistent time and effort to my blog?
Is my blog only for "fun" or am I using it for other reasons (networking, business, job search)?
Will I refer people to my blog?
Will my blog be used to generate income?
If you answered 'yes' to these questions, you should consider purchasing your own domain. You're likely using your blog as a platform to share your ideas and further your goals. And that's fantastic!!!
Invest the $10 a month in yourself and what you're creating.
Why you should own your own domain
- You own your content! If you do not own your own domain, you do not own all the wonderful things that you put on your website. If you're using a blogging service and they feel that you are in violation of the agreement, they can fold your site. Just thinking about this makes me shutter. Imagine seeing your website disappear! Pretty terrible, right?
- You can set up an email address which includes your domain name, e.g. yourname@yourcoolwebsite.com. How professional!
- You can take your emails to the next level and create multiple addresses. For example sales@website.com, support@website.com, feedback@website.com, person1@website.com, intern@website.com. This will help keep you organized, allow others to be a part of the team, and it's another point for professionalism!
- You can add features! Some features could even generate income. While I'm personally not a fan of banner ads and pop up ads, you can add them to your own website. I know, I know, they're effective...but to me they're pushy and often obnoxious. Either way, if you like them, great, buy your own domain and you can have them.
- Your domain name will be easier to remember.
- You'll receive customer support from your domain provider. (I use GoDaddy.)
- Google prefers owned domain names and you'll list higher in search engines.
- You have control over your website's look and feel. Very flexible.
- Overall, your website will look more professional. This may be especially helpful to students looking to stand out.
Why you should keep your cash and use a free blogging service
If you answered 'no' to the earlier questions, then you should save your $10/month and opt for a free site. Some popular ones include wordpress, blogger and typepad.
My first blog was set up with blogger. I used that blog to share travel stories with my family and friends. It was excellent, easy to use and served its purpose, but it was never meant to be anything more than that. If you're looking for a great way to share stories and pictures (you know, other than Facebook), practice writing or just want to dip your toes in the water, then a free blog is the way to go!
Happy Blogging! And to all my American friends, Happy Thanksgiving!!!
What do you use? If you were to start again would you or would you not buy your domain name?
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