Own Your Online Identity
I’ve long advocated for owning a personal domain, using it for everything from email to online identity. While this approach isn’t for everyone, the current social media landscape makes it an attractive option.
Both Bluesky and Mastodon offer domain-based verification features:
- On Bluesky, you can use your own domain as your handle, which could be strategically important given the platform’s architecture.
- Mastodon allows domain verification to demonstrate site ownership.
Getting Started:
- Purchase a domain for under $20 per year. I recommend Hover.
- For Bluesky: Simply change your handle in settings to your domain.
- For Mastodon: Set up a basic website and add verification code (slightly more complex).
The benefits include greater control over your online identity and increased credibility across platforms. With minimal effort and cost, you can establish a more permanent digital presence that isn’t dependent on individual social media platforms.