free subdomains<\/strong>. You’ll get access to the DNS settings, so you can connect it to your web server’s IP Address. For example: I could have created “educationfor.” under the “webmakers.ch” domain. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSo I could have saved myself $10, if I had used educationfor.webmakers.ch as my domain name. Though I would be risking all the work I’ve put into building this website. Because if the original owner of webmakers.ch forgets to pay the bills, I’ll lose everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So what about using a free website builder<\/strong> like Wix or WordPress.com? These companies have been around for a while, and the chances of them going bankrupt are very slim. These statements are both 100% correct, though there’s another downside to using subdomains.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you’re planning to create a website with the intent to generate organic traffic, don’t use a subdomain. Yes, it’s possible to rank subdomains in the search rankings. Though if you ever decide you’re website is outgrowing the platform, you’ll lose your traffic overnight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You need to be in control of the dns records and be able to setup redirects pointing to your new website. Even if you managed to convince your vendor to do all this for you, there’s another issue. As you’ll have to keep both platforms in the air, you’ll be paying twice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The last and final option is to create a subdomain for a domain name you already own. I know this doesn’t actually fall under the “without Purchasing” category. But if you’ve already got a domain, this could be a good alternative to save some cash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There you have it, the whole enchilada. You already know my personal view on things. Though if I’ve actually convinced you, be sure to read the following section. There are ways to save a few bucks, when buying a domain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Persuasion techniques used by registrars and web hosts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I have nothing against doing business and increasing cart value with upsells. I’m probably going to use these sales tactics myself some day. Though what I’m not fond of, is tricking customers into buying something they don’t actually need or hiding certain costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With that off of my chest, let’s talk about some of the sales tactics you’re likely going to encounter when purchasing a domain name. Web hosting service providers are notorious for adding a “free” domain name registration, when you by web hosting from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Free” Domain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You should read some of the fine print, before you hit the “take my money” button. As you’ll discover the “free” domain name registration is limited to a single year. Which is fine, as it has been brought to your attention, you’ll have to pay for the domain next year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though in most cases, it’s quite hard to find the price list for domain name renewals. If you can find their renewal fees, be sure to see if WHOIS Privacy Protection is included. Trust me, you want this kind of protection. As you don’t want to get spammed bij sales calls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I’ve done in depth research on the prices most popular web hosting vendors will charge. On average they charge about $25 per domain name including Privacy Protection. To give you a comparison, a registrar like porkbun charges $8.56 for renewals including Privacy Protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In all fairness, there are some advantages to purchasing a hosting package including a domain name. Your DNS records will already be ok and installing a SSL certificate is quick and easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Major Discounts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Another sales tactic both registrars and web hosts use, is the discount tactic. Web Hosts will lure you in with a whopping 50% discount on the hosting packages. No-brainer deals at first glance. Always remind yourself, you’ll have to pay at least twice that amount next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Registrars will give you an even bigger deal. You can get a domain for just $0.99, amazing right? But after reading the fine print you’ll either have to pay $17 a year for the years to come, or you’ll have to buy 2 years upfront.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upsells you don’t actually need<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When buying a domain or web hosting, you’ll eventually get to the upsell page. You’ll need to make up your own mind, if you actually need these services. Though as a good rule of thumb this is what to look out for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Hosting, most of the time everything you need is already in the hosting package<\/li>
- Registrar, only buy the domain including privacy protection<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n- It’s possible to create website without a domain name, but you shouldn’t<\/li>
- You can avoid purchasing a domain by
- Getting a free domain<\/li>
- Getting a free subdomain<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Only get a free (sub)domain for test or training websites<\/li>
- For less than $10 annually, you’ll get piece of mind<\/li>
- Beware of Persuasion Techniques, read the fine print<\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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