A futuristic digital representation of an independent personal website and email list, with social media icons fading into the background, symbolizing online ownership.

Things Schools Should Actually Teach | How to Build an Online Presence You Actually Own

Social media platforms can ban, restrict, or delete your account at any time, and you have no control over it. If you rely only on social media for your brand, business, or identity, you’re taking a huge risk. The solution? Own your online presence. Yes, Hunter Storm has Social Media, but this is only part of our presence. Our online presence is mainly this domain, the Hunter Storm Official Site. That’s why we created this article to help you build an online presence.

This guide will show you how to build an independent digital identity that no company can take away from you.

 

Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Social Media Alone

Social media isn’t your website. Instead, it’s rented space. Because you don’t own it, that means there are several potential problems with relying only on social media:

  • Your account can be banned, even without warning or explanation.
  • Algorithms limit your reach. Facebook and Instagram show posts to fewer people unless you pay.
  • You don’t control your followers. If X is your only social media and it shuts down, your audience is gone.

 

Pro Tip: If your brand, business, or identity relies upon a social media account, you don’t actually own it.

Although it has its challenges, social media is an interesting space. Learn more in our articles:

 

The Key to Owning Your Online Presence

 

Create Your Own Website

  • Buy a domain name (yourname.com, yourbrand.com).
  • Use a simple website builder like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace.
  • Even a one-page site with your contact info is better than nothing.

 

Build an Email List

  • Use services like Substack, ConvertKit, or Mailchimp.
  • Email is the only direct line of communication you control.
  • If social media disappears, you can still reach your audience.

 

Diversify Where You Post

  • Share content on multiple platforms (website, blog, podcast, YouTube, etc.)
  • Don’t depend on one company to control your entire audience.

 

Pro Tip: Your website & email list = true ownership. Social media is just a tool.

 

Steps to Build an Online Presence You Actually Own

 

Buy Your Own Domain Name

  • Use domain registrar services like Namecheap, GoDaddy, etc.
  • Even if you’re not ready to build a website, reserve your name before someone else does.

 

Set Up a Simple Website

  • Use WordPress for flexibility or Wix/Squarespace for simplicity.

Include:

  • Your bio/about page
  • A way for people to contact you
  • Links to your social media (optional)

 

Start an Email List ASAP

  • Even if you have 10 subscribers, it’s better than none.
  • Offer something valuable (a free PDF, exclusive content, etc.) in exchange for signups.

 

Use Social Media to Bring People to Your Website

  • Treat platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook as tools, not your main hub.
  • Direct followers to your website so they can sign up for emails.

 

Why This Matters Long-Term

The internet changes fast. Owning your online presence gives you long-term stability. When you own your website, you are still online no matter what happens on other site. For example, if:

  • A platform shuts down, your audience isn’t lost.
  • An algorithm changes, your reach isn’t destroyed.
  • Your account gets restricted, you still have control.

 

Take Control of Your Digital Identity

Your website & email list are the only things you truly own online. Control your platform before someone else controls it for you.

  • Social media platforms come and go. Don’t let them own your audience.
  • Start building your independent presence today.

 

Glossary

Algorithm: A system that decides what content is shown to users on social media.

Domain Name: The unique web address (e.g., yourname.com).

Email List: A collection of contacts you can message directly.

Website Builder: A tool that helps you create a website without coding.

 

Essential Cybersecurity Tips Everyone Should Know

Now that you know how to build an online presence, it’s time to delve into some other topics. We’ll break down basic cybersecurity practices to protect your accounts, devices, and personal information from hackers. Check out our article, Essential Cybersecurity Tips Everyone Should Know.

 

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