LINKS BREAK...

Thats why regular maintenance and servicing of your website is essential...

Yes, this can and will happen for several reasons, including:

1. URL Changes – Platforms like Facebook and Google may update their URL structures, especially if the business changes its name, username, or gets flagged for policy violations.

2. Account Suspension or Deletion – If the linked account is suspended, deleted, or rebranded, the original link may no longer work.

3. Platform Policy Updates – Social media platforms periodically update their policies, which may affect public accessibility or link structures.

4. Expired or Broken Redirects – Some URL shorteners or tracking links (e.g., UTM parameters) may expire or get altered by the platform.

5. Permissions and Privacy Settings – The linked page might have changed its visibility settings, requiring authentication or restricting public access.

6. Changes in Business Listings – Google Business Profiles, for example, sometimes merge, relocate, or get temporarily disabled due to verification issues.

7. Manual or Automated Updates by the Platform – Sometimes, platforms automatically update links, causing old ones to break without notice.

This is what we do....

Keeping your website’s external links functional is crucial for maintaining a seamless user experience and ensuring your audience can easily find your social media pages and business listings. However, as platforms like Facebook and Google frequently update URLs, enforce policy changes, and adjust privacy settings, links can unexpectedly break. Regularly auditing and updating these connections can help prevent downtime and keep your digital presence intact. By staying proactive, we can ensure your visitors always have direct access to your latest content, services, and community engagement channels.

Paul G-Wood

+44 752 500 6255

www.marketingmattersonline.com

paul@marketingmattersonline.co.uk

DIGITAL MARKETING & GRAPHIC DESIGN

Creating & Delivering...Websites, Graphic Designs, Print, Motion Graphics, Animations, Videos, & SEO/AEO Google Ranking Results

Ai & AEO Management & Consultancy Services

Certified Digital Marketing Specialist

Terms & Conditions

How Web Hosting Works

When you want to start a business in the real world, you need a physical location to set up, store, and sell your products. The same rules apply in the digital world when setting up a website. 

When you set up an online business, you have a series of files, images, and HTML code that make up your website. These files take up space and need a place to live. Without an online home, your files would just sit on your computer and no one would ever see them. A hosting provider will provide a place on a web server to store all of your files and are responsible for delivering the files of your website as soon as a browser makes a request by typing in your domain name. 

When you pay for hosting services, you are simply renting storage space on the internet — just like you would rent a physical store for your business.

What is a Domain Name? 

Before we go into more depth, let’s talk about domain names. When you first thought about starting an online business, you purchased a domain name. A domain name is your company’s address on the internet. 

Think of it this way: if you are renting space at a physical location for your business, you give customers your street address so they can find you. If you are renting space on the internet, you give customers your domain name. 

Whenever someone types in your domain name, it is converted into an IP address.

The hosting company then locates all the files connected to the website for example ours which is MARKETINGMATTERSONLINE.COM and your IP address and returns all of the pictures, videos, and words that make up your website to that search. 

Just like every street address is unique, so is every domain name. Whenever you start a new website, you get the opportunity to choose a name that perfectly reflects your brand. 

If you need any help or advice in this important part of setting up your new website please feel free to get in touch...

Paul G-Wood

+44 752 500 6255

www.marketingmattersonline.com

paul@marketingmattersonline.co.uk

DIGITAL MARKETING & GRAPHIC DESIGN

Creating & Delivering...Websites, Graphic Designs, Print, Motion Graphics, Animations, Videos, & SEO Google Ranking Results

Ai & Chat GPT Management & Consultancy Services

Certified Digital Marketing Specialist

Should You Use Hyphens in Your Domain Name?

When choosing a domain name for your business, one key consideration is whether to include hyphens. While hyphens might seem like a simple way to secure a domain name that’s already taken or improve readability, they come with several drawbacks that could impact your brand’s credibility and online success.

Why You Should Avoid Hyphens in Your Domain Name

1. Harder to Remember

People tend to forget hyphens when typing URLs, which can lead to lost traffic. A domain without hyphens is easier to recall and share.

2. Increased Risk of Typosquatting

Hyphenated domains are more vulnerable to typosquatting—where others register similar names without hyphens to capture misdirected traffic.

3. Negative Brand Perception

Domains with hyphens can sometimes appear less professional or even spammy. A clean, simple domain looks more credible and trustworthy.

4. Poor User Experience

A domain without hyphens is quicker to type and easier to communicate verbally. Saying "Visit my-business-site.com" is less intuitive than "mybusinesssite.com."

When a Hyphen Might Be Acceptable

While avoiding hyphens is generally best, there are rare cases where they might be useful:

• Clarifying Meaning – If combining words without a hyphen creates an unclear or misleading phrase, a hyphen can improve readability.

• Domain Availability – If your ideal domain is unavailable, using a hyphen may be a workaround—but it's still not ideal.

The Bottom Line

For branding, usability, and credibility, it's usually best to choose a domain without hyphens. If you must use one, consider the long-term impact on user experience and brand trust. A short, clean, and memorable domain name will always serve your business better in the long run.

Paul G-Wood

+44 752 500 6255

www.marketingmattersonline.com

paul@marketingmattersonline.co.uk

DIGITAL MARKETING & GRAPHIC DESIGN

Creating & Delivering...Websites, Graphic Designs, Print, Motion Graphics, Animations, Videos, & SEO Google Ranking Results

Ai & Chat GPT Management & Consultancy Services

Certified Digital Marketing Specialist

Terms & Conditions