Why is it poor practice to a sub domain address and not a domain address?

Using a supplier URL (also known as a subdomain) instead of having your own custom domain name is considered poor practice for several reasons:

  1. Lack of professionalism: A website hosted on a supplier URL appears less professional, which may negatively impact potential customers’ perception of your business.
  2. Limited branding: When using a supplier URL, you miss out on the opportunity to create a unique, memorable brand identity for your business, which can make it harder for customers to remember your website and associate it with your brand.
  3. Reduced search engine visibility: Websites hosted on supplier URLs tend to rank lower in search engine results, making it harder for potential customers to find your business online.
  4. Dependence on supplier: When using a supplier URL, you are at the mercy of the supplier’s policies, which may change over time. They could potentially shut down their service, sell their domain, or alter their terms and conditions, all of which could negatively impact your website and its online presence.
  5. Limited control and customization: Using a supplier URL often comes with restrictions on website design, functionality, and features, limiting your ability to create a website tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
  6. Difficulty transferring to a custom domain: If you decide to upgrade to a custom domain later, you may face challenges in transferring your website content, redirecting traffic, and maintaining your search engine rankings.
  7. Loss of website traffic: If your website becomes popular while using a supplier URL, you may lose valuable traffic when you transition to a custom domain, as users and search engines may have difficulty finding your new website.
  8. Less trust from customers: Websites hosted on supplier URLs may be perceived as less trustworthy by potential customers, who may be hesitant to engage with your business or provide personal information.
  9. Potential for domain squatting: If you do not secure your desired custom domain, someone else might register it, making it more difficult for you to obtain the domain later or forcing you to pay a premium to acquire it.
  10. Advertisements and third-party branding: Some website hosting providers may display their own advertisements or branding on websites using supplier URLs, which can distract from your content and give an unprofessional appearance.