Transferring vs. Mapping a Domain
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I’m new to building websites and am setting up one for a small nonprofit I have started. I only need something simple that can grow slowly and accept online donations. I have already purchased a domain name from Go Daddy as I didn’t know you could do that through WordPress. Which is a better option…transferring over my domain name to WordPress or choosing the Map My Domain option? I’ve looked at how they describe both in WordPress’s help sections, etc. and frankly I’m still confused and not sure which to do…
The blog I need help with is: (visible only to logged in users)
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Hi there,
Congrats on building a website!
Let me try and explain this for you. So with mapping a domain, this means you keep the domain where it is (in this case GoDaddy) and you just point it to your WordPress.com account. https://en.support.wordpress.com/domains/map-existing-domain/
With transferring the domain, this means you move the domain over to WordPress.com where your hosting is. https://en.support.wordpress.com/incoming-domain-transfer/
Either option is fine and both will work. I would suggest you transfer the domain to WordPress.com, its easier in the long term to have your hosting and domain name all in one place. No need to try and remember where the domain name is in a few years time!
Hopefully that helps, any other questions let me know.
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thanks for the reply! Are there any security advantages to keeping my domain name separate with Go Daddy as I will be accepting donations online and using Donor Box to accept Creditcard info etc? any other advantages or disadvantages other than just convenience?
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With domains, there isn’t too much security to worry about, this comes down to the server and the website code. Luckily WordPress has an SSL installed for all WordPress.com sites (which you will want for credit card info). https://en.support.wordpress.com/https-ssl/
The only advantage of keeping it with GoDaddy is if someone manages to gain access to your WordPress login details, they will have access to both domain and hosting (if you move the domain to WordPress). But if you keep a strong password and follow these security procedures, then you shouldn’t have an issue. https://en.support.wordpress.com/security/
I would suggest enabling two step authentication for your site: https://en.support.wordpress.com/security/two-step-authentication/
Hopefully this answers your question, please let me know if you have anymore.
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Note that you need to have owned your domain for 60 days before you can transfer it to WordPress.com (or anywhere else for that matter). You would be able to map it though.
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