Why Your Writing Portfolio Needs its Own Domain Name

One of the quickest, easiest ways to elevate your writing career is to register your own domain name. It takes minutes, costs very little, and instantly makes your writing portfolio look more polished and professional.

Why Should Your Writing Portfolio Have a Custom Domain Name?

Take a look at these three example URLs:

• http://monicashaw.blogspot.com
• http://monicashaw.wordpress.com
• http://monicashaw.com

Which one feels more credible?

The answer is obvious: the custom domain. A dedicated domain name shows clients and editors that you take your writing career seriously. It also makes your site easier to remember, easier to share, and easier to find in search engines.

Professionals use their own domain name. It’s one of the simplest upgrades you can make to your online presence.

How Do I Choose a Domain Name Registrar?

To purchase a domain, you'll need to use a “domain name registrar.” There are thousands of registrars out there — but they're not all equal. Some are expensive, some are confusing to use, and some have customer support that will make you want to scream.

After trying several over the years, I now recommend Porkbun for most writers. It’s affordable, simple, and has excellent support — especially useful if you’re not very technical.

How Do I Choose a Domain Name?

Your own name is almost always the best place to start (e.g. monicashaw.com). Keep it:

• short
• easy to spell
• easy to say out loud
• free of hyphens

Ideally choose a .com — it’s the most widely recognized and trusted. If your name isn’t available, consider a name related to your niche, such as foodwriter.com or healthcopywriter.com.

And remember: you’re not stuck with one name forever. Domain names are inexpensive, so choose something that supports where your writing career is heading now.

How Do I Use My Domain Name on My Website?

Once you've purchased your domain, you'll need to connect it to your writing portfolio or website. The steps vary depending on where your site is hosted.

If you're a Writer’s Residence user, it’s extremely straightforward: log in, go to Settings → Website addresses, and follow the step-by-step instructions. You can be live on your own domain in minutes.

If you're using another platform (WordPress, Squarespace, etc.), check their support documentation for “custom domain setup.” Most provide clear instructions.

Whichever platform you choose, setting up your domain is a one-time task that pays off for years. It’s a small upgrade that instantly makes your portfolio look more credible, more professional, and more you.