If you’re planning to launch a new business, you’re probably juggling a lot. From picking a name and designing your logo to setting up social media and preparing your first products or services, there’s plenty to think about. But one thing that often gets overlooked early on is your domain name. And really, it should be one of the first things you tick off the list.
Your Domain Is Your Digital Address
Think of your domain like your business’s home online. It’s the address people will type in to find you, the name they’ll remember, and often the first thing they see before even landing on your website. Even if your site isn’t ready yet, registering your domain early gives your brand a digital footprint from day one. It also makes sure no one else gets there first.
Domain Squatters Are Real
Unfortunately, some people register good domain names just to sell them later for a profit. These domain squatters often target business names, trending phrases, or anything that looks brandable. If you announce your business name publicly before securing the matching domain, it could get snapped up. And while registering a domain usually costs around £10 to £20 per year, buying it from someone else later could cost hundreds or even thousands. Take a look at “breeze.ai” which sold for a staggering $225K just this month! It’s a risk that’s just not worth taking.
Matching Domains Build Trust
Let’s say you’ve named your business Green Fingers Gardening. It’s catchy, you’ve sorted the branding, and you’re excited to get going. But when you try to register greenfingersgardening.com or .co.uk, they’re already taken. You might have to settle for something like greenfingersgardening123.net, which instantly feels less trustworthy. Customers are more likely to engage with a business when the domain matches the name exactly. It looks more professional, feels more established, and gives people confidence that you’re the real deal.
You Can Use It For Email Right Away
Even before your website is live, a custom email address like hello@greenfingersgardening.co.uk makes a big difference. It looks more polished than a personal Gmail or Outlook address and can be connected easily with services like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365. It’s great for making enquiries, handling quotes, and staying consistent as you start building relationships with clients or suppliers. Learn why having a professional email is important here.
It’s Easier To Launch When You’re Ready
Owning your domain ahead of time makes everything else easier later. When you’re ready to go live, you won’t be scrambling to find an available name or dealing with mismatched branding. You can even set up a simple holding page to start collecting interest or build a mailing list. That way, people can find you online even before your full site is ready.
Domains Are Cheap Insurance
At the end of the day, registering your domain is a low-cost way to protect your brand. For just a few pounds a year, you get peace of mind, credibility, and flexibility. Even if your business plans change, the domain is still yours. And if things take off, it becomes one of your most valuable online assets.
At ScaleFair, we help small businesses and solo founders get started the right way. Whether you’re building a full website or just need a domain and email for now, we make it simple, affordable, and stress-free.
Find and secure the perfect domain for your business here.
Leave a Reply