Most small businesses think one domain name is enough. After all, you only need one address for your website, right? But in some cases, registering additional domains is a smart move to protect your brand, capture more visitors, and make marketing easier.
At MaineBizPros, we help Maine businesses decide when extra domains make sense — and when they’re just extra expense. Here’s what you should know.
Why You Might Want More Than One Domain
1. Brand Protection
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Competitors (or scammers) sometimes buy similar names.
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Owning variations (like .com, .net, .org, or common misspellings) keeps them out of the wrong hands.
Example: If you own DowneastPlumbing.com, also securing DowneastPlumbing.net or DowneastPlumbingME.com ensures customers don’t get misled.
2. Misspellings & Typos
If your business name is tricky to spell, registering common mistakes can prevent lost traffic. These extra domains can simply redirect to your main website.
3. Marketing Campaigns
Special events or promotions sometimes benefit from their own easy-to-remember web address.
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Example: WinterDealsMaine.com → forwards visitors to a seasonal sale page on your main site.
4. Growth & Expansion
If you plan to branch out, securing related names early can save money later. Domains are inexpensive compared to the cost of rebranding or buying them back.
How to Manage Multiple Domains
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Pick a primary domain: Always focus on one main web address for branding.
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Redirect the rest: Use 301 redirects so all extra domains point to your main site.
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Keep renewals in order: Multiple domains mean multiple renewals — set auto-renew to avoid lapses.
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Don’t overdo it: Owning dozens of domains usually isn’t necessary. Be strategic.
When One Domain Is Enough
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If your name is short, clear, and easy to spell.
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If you’re not running special campaigns or worried about competitors.
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If you’d rather keep things simple and avoid juggling renewals.
Final Thoughts
One domain is enough for most small businesses, but having a few extras can protect your brand and support marketing efforts. The key is balance — don’t spend money on names you’ll never use, but don’t leave obvious variations open for others to grab.
At MaineBizPros, we’ll help you decide which domains are worth owning, set up redirects properly, and manage renewals so you never lose control.
