Do I need to buy a domain name?

You don't necessarily need to buy a domain name. It depends on your needs, budget, and requirements for the website.

If you expect full customization and full control over your website, then buying a domain name is a must. The domain name is provided by the ISP and is the name of a server or a network system on the Internet, that is, the IP synonym of the server or host that needs to be shared on the network. There are no duplicate domain names in the world, and the domain name is unique.

If you buy a domain name yourself, you can choose a concise, unique, and brand-related name for your business, which is easy for users to remember. For example, the domain name "taobao.com" is highly consistent with the brand. You can directly access the website by typing "taobao.com".

At the same time, after purchasing a domain name, you have full autonomy over the content, functions, and operating model of the website. You can freely adjust the website architecture and update the content according to the needs of business development without being subject to the rules and restrictions of third-party platforms. For example, companies can carry out e-commerce activities and publish exclusive information on their own domain name websites without worrying about the sudden change of rules by third-party platforms affecting their business.

Although there are some free domain names on the market now, there are many disadvantages of free things, such as:

1. Dependence on the main domain name owner

Free domain names are usually second-level domain names or third-level domain names, which are based on the main domain names of other entities. This means that the owner of the main domain name has greater control over the free domain name. If there is a problem with the main domain name owner, such as stopping operation, violating regulations and being banned, the free second-level domain name under it will also be implicated, resulting in the website being unable to access normally.

2. Restricted functions and settings

Free domain names are subject to many restrictions on function use and settings. For example, you may not be able to freely modify the domain name resolution record, set up mail services, perform domain name forwarding, etc., which is very unfavorable for the personalized settings and function expansion of the website.

3. Unprofessional image

Using free domain names will give users an unprofessional and informal impression. For example, providing registrants with a second-level domain name in the format of "your name + random characters". This kind of domain name is difficult for people to trust and recognize, and it may affect the reputation and business development of enterprises.