I’ve had a few clients who decided to close their website, whether due to retirement, business closure, switching to a new site, lack of interest, or any other various reasons.
Whenever this is brought up, I ask them if they’re absolutely sure, and then I ask what they would like to do with their domain name (yourcompanyname.com).
If the client is not sure, I let them know that they have options regarding domain management:
a) Release the domain, but there is a risk of others grabbing it. Once released, anyone can purchase the domain and use it for their own purposes, potentially redirecting traffic to their own website or using the domain’s reputation for their benefit.
b) Keep the domain. It costs only about $15 per year, depending on TLD (.com, .org, etc.) and the registrar. And then:
- 1) Forward to a new site, if applicable. It can be permanent or temporary.
- 2) Display a closure message about the site’s status. (For example, “This site is no longer operational.”) It can also be permanent or temporary.
- 3) Attempt to sell the domain if it’s valuable or memorable.
Closing a website can be as simple as dumping an old car at a junkyard, but depending on the circumstances, it can have consequences. So it’s important to carefully consider your options, especially regarding your domain name. Whether you choose to release it, keep it, or repurpose it, each decision has its own implications. Your domain name is a valuable asset that you’ve invested in over time. By making an informed decision, you can protect your online presence and potentially save yourself from future headaches.
While this post focuses on voluntary website closures, don’t overlook long-term plans for your online presence. I’ve touched on that in another post: What Happens to Your Website When You’re Gone? This post discusses the sensitive situation of managing a website after the owner has passed away.
Whether or not you’re my client, if you have any questions about this post, please feel free to contact me.
–Tabby