Where Should You Buy Your Domain Name (and Why It Matters More Than You Think)
One of the most common questions I get from clients when they’re gearing up to launch a website is:
“Where do I buy my domain name?”
This question usually comes up early in the process, and it makes total sense—if you're not living in the tech world every day, domains, platforms, and hosting can sound like a different language. But don't worry—I'm going to walk you through it in plain English, no tech degree required.
What Even Is a Domain Name?
A domain name is your website’s address online. It’s how people find you.
Think of it like this: if your website is your house, your domain is the street address that gets people to your front door. For example:
www.yourbusinessname.com
You need a domain to launch your site, connect it to email, build your brand, and help people remember where to find you.
Where You Buy It Matters
Most people purchase their domain through the website platform they’re using (like Wix, Shopify, or Squarespace). And hey—at first glance, that makes total sense. It’s quick, they offer a discount (sometimes even a free domain for the first year), and it feels convenient to have everything in one place.
BUT… here’s where things can get tricky.
What Happens When You Change Platforms (or Get Help From a Designer)?
Here’s a common story:
Someone starts building their website on a certain platform. They get a domain deal, start plugging away… and then realize that web design is not their thing. So they look for a designer to help finish the job.
Now, some designers will work on any platform. But many (like myself) specialize in a specific one—for example, I specialize in Squarespace. If your domain is locked into another platform that your designer doesn’t work with, things can get a little complicated.
The Limitations of Platform-Based Domains
When your domain is purchased through a specific website builder, it’s usually tied to that platform. So if you want to switch builders (say from Wix to Squarespace), you either have to:
Transfer the domain, which can take 7–10 days and delay your launch if not started early enough,
ORAbandon the domain and choose a new one altogether—this works for some people who aren't attached to their original name, but not ideal for everyone.
My Favorite Solution: Use a Third-Party Registrar
The best way I’ve found to avoid domain headaches?
Buy your domain through a third-party registrar like GoDaddy. 🙌
Here’s why I always recommend this route to my clients:
✅ Flexibility: You can use that domain on any website platform—now or later.
✅ Portability: If you switch platforms, you’re not stuck or delayed. You just point the domain to the new site.
✅ Better pricing: GoDaddy (and other third-party registrars like Network Solutions, Namecheap and Google Domains) often have better deals for renewals and bundles.
✅ One dashboard for everything: If you want to own multiple domains (for future ideas, events, or side projects), it’s way easier to manage them all in one place.
What Even Is GoDaddy?
GoDaddy is a domain hosting platform, which just means they “hold” your domain for you and let you connect it to any website builder you choose—Wix, Squarespace, WordPress, Showit… the list goes on.
You don’t have to build your website on GoDaddy; they’re simply the domain host. You can plug that domain into whatever platform you want, whenever you want, which means you take your domain name from GoDaddy and pull it through to the current platform your website is built on.
Real Talk From Experience
I design websites on Squarespace and love how simple and sleek it is. But even for my Squarespace clients, I always recommend buying their domain from GoDaddy—not directly through Squarespace. Why? Because if they ever want to move platforms down the road or if we run into platform limitations, we’re not locked into anything.
I’ve had clients come to me from other platforms like Shopify or Wix, only to realize they don’t love the builder and want to switch. If their domain was purchased through the old platform, it added days of delay and frustration to the launch. But if their domain was already on GoDaddy? Boom—quick switch, no stress.
Final Thoughts: Save Yourself the Hassle Later
So to sum it all up:
Your domain is your online address.
Buying it from a website builder might seem easier—but it limits your future options.
Third-party platforms like GoDaddy give you freedom, flexibility, and fewer tech headaches.
If you’re just getting started, I highly recommend buying your domain on GoDaddy (or a similar platform) first. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference down the line.
Need help picking a domain name? Want someone to double-check before you click purchase? I’m here for that too. Let's make sure your website starts off strong.
