If you’re building an online business in this day and age, chances are you’re doing at least some of it on social. TikTok Shop, Instagram, or maybe some new app we haven’t even heard of yet. While those platforms are incredible for discovery, there’s a catch:
If your entire business lives on someone else’s app, you don’t really own it.
That’s why we’re excited to celebrate! This year marks a milestone worth putting in bold: 10 years of partnership between DreamHost and .SHOP, the ecommerce-focused top-level domain (TLD) operated by GMO Registry.
The Story
Back in January 2016, GMO Registry was awarded the rights to operate the .SHOP domain. Later that year, .SHOP became available for general public registration. Since then, DreamHost and GMO Registry have worked together to help creators, entrepreneurs, and online sellers claim a clearer, more intentional place on the internet.
A decade later, that mission matters more than ever.
Why .SHOP?
The ecommerce landscape has changed drastically over the last 10 years. Social platforms like TikTok and Instagram have made it easier than ever to start selling — but they’ve also introduced new risks.
Algorithms change. Accounts get restricted. Entire storefronts can disappear overnight.
That’s where a dedicated domain saves the day. A .SHOP domain gives sellers something increasingly rare online: ownership. It’s a permanent home for your brand, independent of any single platform, policy update, or trend cycle.
Kicking Off A New Video Series
To celebrate 10 years of collaboration, DreamHost and GMO Registry are launching a new video series focused on modern ecommerce and digital ownership.
The first video in the series breaks down exactly why creators are choosing .SHOP domains, even if they already sell on social platforms, like TikTok Shop.
This video sets the tone for what’s ahead, with more creator-focused content coming soon.
The Big Idea: Stop Building on Rented Space
Social platforms are powerful, but they’re not permanent.
If your business only exists inside a social app, you’re essentially renting space. You may have an audience, but you don’t fully control your traffic, your customer data, or your long-term growth.
A .SHOP domain changes that.
Top Reasons Creators Are Choosing .SHOP
- You Actually Own Your Business
Your domain is yours. Your audience is yours. Your store doesn’t vanish if a platform changes the rules. - Trust Goes Way Up
Shoppers are understandably cautious. A dedicated .SHOP domain feels official, which can make a huge difference in conversion rates.
- Your Brand Instantly Levels Up
[YourBrand].shop tells customers exactly what you do. It looks intentional, professional, and memorable — especially compared to a long social handle or a generic link-in-bio page.
Ready To Claim Your .SHOP?
You don’t have to abandon social platforms to take control of your future. Just give your business a foundation that lasts, with .SHOP.
Search for your .SHOP domain today!
Your name. Your shop. Your future.