Purchase Your Domain Name
Lesson 13: Getting A Domain Name Strengthens Your Personal Brand
“Registering your name as a domain is like buying your piece of the internet. It’s your virtual calling card to the world.”
On my 28th birthday, I took a significant step toward building my personal brand: I bought the domain name ivankabandize.com. It became my personal website and blog, a platform where I share ideas, lessons, and experiences. While the site is still a work in progress, particularly in fully reflecting my identity, owning it gives me the freedom to shape my story and establish a digital presence aligned with my vision.
Purchasing your name as a domain is more than a technical decision—it’s an investment in your personal brand. It’s like securing prime real estate in the digital world. The internet is often the first place people turn to learn about someone, whether it’s a potential client, employer, or collaborator. By owning your domain, you control the narrative and ensure that the first thing people find is authentic and aligned with who you are.
Why Owning Your Domain Matters
- Control Your Narrative: Your domain is the digital home of your story. It allows you to present your achievements, values, and goals authentically, rather than relying on third-party platforms outside your control.
- Establish Credibility: A personal website signals professionalism and intention. Whether you’re looking to attract clients, collaborators, or employers, owning your domain demonstrates that you take your personal brand seriously.
- Future-Proof Your Identity: Social media platforms and trends come and go, but a domain name is a constant. It gives you a stable platform to build your brand without being at the mercy of algorithm changes or platform shifts.
- Showcase Your Work: Your website is the perfect place to curate your accomplishments, portfolio, or ideas. It can serve as a resume, blog, or digital portfolio—whatever best showcases your identity and goals.
- Ownership in the Digital Space: Just like owning land in the physical world, owning a domain name gives you a space to build. It’s yours to develop, customize, and grow into whatever you envision.
Steps to Start Building Your Personal Brand with a Domain
- Purchase Your Name: Start by registering your full name as a domain (e.g., yourname.com). If it’s unavailable, consider variations, such as adding your middle name or using alternative domain extensions like .net or .co. Beyond purchasing ivankabandize.com, I’ve also secured additional domains for future projects and initiatives.
- Create a Basic Website: Begin with a simple homepage, introducing who you are and what you do. Even a basic “Coming Soon” page establishes your presence. After purchasing my domain, I used my no-code development skills to build the site. The process was incredibly fulfilling and taught me valuable lessons.
- Define Your Purpose: Decide what you want your website to achieve. Will it be a blog, a portfolio, a resume, or a combination? Clarifying your purpose will guide your content creation. As a writer, I wanted to create a blog. However, I plan to expand the site to include other components, like a dedicated profile page.
- Curate Your Story: Use your site to tell your story authentically. Include your background, achievements, projects, and areas of interest to provide a well-rounded picture of who you are. I intend to add a personal profile to further enhance my brand.
- Keep It Dynamic: Your personal brand evolves over time, and so should your website. Regular updates reflect growth and keep your audience engaged.
Owning ivankabandize.com has been a rewarding experience. Even though my website is still evolving, the sense of ownership and control it gives me is invaluable. It’s a piece of the internet that is wholly mine—a space where I can share my journey, amplify my voice, and inspire others.
Your domain is not just a web address; it’s a statement of who you are and what you stand for. It’s a foundation on which you can build your legacy, one post, project, or idea at a time.
So,
What’s your next step in owning your digital identity?
In case you missed lesson 12, you can read it here.
Ivan Kabandize