Domains & Vanity Domains
(How to Start Fast Without Hurting Yourself Later)
Vanity domains are great for getting started quickly. Your own domain is better for long-term growth. Use each for what it’s best at.
What a vanity domain is (plain language)
A vanity domain is:
- a temporary web address
- shared with other FreshStore users
- provided so you can launch immediately
It exists to remove friction — not to lock you in.
Why FreshStore offers vanity domains
Vanity domains are perfect when:
- you’re testing an idea
- you’re brand new
- you don’t want to buy a domain yet
They let you focus on:
- learning FreshStore
- building categories
- understanding how products are organized
This is a good thing.
The limitation you should understand
Because vanity domains are shared:
- other users you don’t know are using the same domain
- you don’t control how they use traffic or content
In rare cases:
- someone buys spammy traffic
- someone publishes risky content
- someone gets flagged or blacklisted
Since the domain is shared, reputation issues can affect everyone on it, even if your site is clean.
This isn’t common — but it’s real.
Why your own domain matters long-term
Using your own domain gives you:
- full control
- isolated reputation
- better long-term SEO trust
- a real brand asset you own
Your domain belongs to you, not the platform.
That matters once you’re serious.
The smart way to use vanity domains
Best practice:
- Start on a vanity domain if needed
- Learn the platform
- Build real structure
- Move to your own domain when you commit
Many successful sites followed this exact path.
When to move to your own domain
Move when:
- you know you want to continue
- you’re improving pages regularly
- you care about long-term growth
Moving early is easier than moving late.
✅ Quick Tip
Think of vanity domains as training wheels — helpful at first, but not meant forever.
⚠️ Common Mistake
Staying on a vanity domain because “it works fine” and putting off the move indefinitely.
Simple rule to remember
Vanity domains are for starting.
Your own domain is for growing.
Use each for what it’s best at.