Some websites live on an address that belongs to a website company, like "yourshop.somebuilder.com". That works, but it is not yours. If that company shuts or changes its rules, your address changes too. Get a web address in your business name and point your site to it.
Kavita runs a boutique. Years ago, a website company made her a page on their address.
One morning the page stopped opening. The company had closed that service. Her Google listing, her bills and her Instagram all had the old address. She had to start again.
This is an example, with a made up name and business.
Fix it yourself
- Choose your address. Use your business name, short and easy to spell. For example, "yourshopname.in". An ending like ".in" or ".com" is common.
- Buy it in your own name. Buy it from a domain seller. Use your own email address and your own payment. If someone else buys it for you, make sure the account is in your name.
- Turn on auto renew. You pay for an address every year. If it runs out, your site stops opening. Set a reminder too.
- Connect it to your website. Many website builders have a setting to add your own address. They show the steps. If someone runs your site, ask them to do it.
- Check it on your phone. Type your new address. Your site should open, with no "Not secure" warning. If you see one, see how to fix the Not secure warning.
- Change the link on your Google listing. Open your Business Profile, tap Edit profile, find the website field and paste your new address.
- Change it everywhere else. Update your Instagram bio, your WhatsApp Business profile, your bills and your boards.
If you are starting from nothing, see how to make a one page site.
Common questions
What happens to my old address?
Keep it for now, if you can. Ask your builder if the old address can send visitors to the new one.
Who should own the address, me or my web person?
You. Your web person can help, but the account should be in your name and email. Then you never lose it if you change who helps you.
Will my own address bring more customers?
Nobody can promise that. It means your address stays yours, and is easier to remember.