How to Get a Free Domain in 2025 (No Tricks, Just Facts)

Ever wanted a fancy custom domain but didn’t feel like spending actual money? Well, today’s your lucky day because Gravatar (yes, the profile pic people) is straight-up handing them out for free. No catch okay, maybe a tiny one, but we’ll get to that.

What’s the Deal? (No, Seriously)

Gravatar is offering a full year of a free domain think .link, .bio, .social all those sleek, minimalistic extensions that make you look like a professional (even if you still write emails from your high school Hotmail account).

Zero dollars. No upfront cost. Just vibes.

The only fine print? You’ll need to pay renewal fees after the first year. But hey, that’s next year’s problem, and future you can deal with it.

Why Does Gravatar Even Care About Giving You a Free Domain?

Short answer? Branding.

Long answer? Automattic, the company behind Gravatar, is all about digital identity. They want you to start using your profile for more than just a floating head in comment sections. By giving you a free domain, they’re making sure you stick around and maybe even start using their other services (like WordPress, which they also own). It’s smart business, but also free stuff for you so, win-win.

How to Snag Your Free Domain (Before Someone Steals Your Name)

1. Hit up Gravatar (gravatar.com/profile) and log in or make an account if you’re still living under a digital rock.
2. Go to your profile dashboard and find the URL section. Click “Change.”
3. Pick your domain maybe your name, maybe something ridiculous like DadJokesUnlimited.link (respect if you do).
4. Checkout (for $0, because free things are beautiful).
5. Boom. You own a domain now. Go flex on your LinkedIn.

What Can You Actually Do With Your New Domain?

• Personal website: Make a simple page that says, “Yes, I exist on the internet.”
• Portfolio: Freelancers, artists, and writers this is your moment.
• Redirect it to your LinkedIn: Or your Twitter/X, or wherever you actually hang out.
• Use it for Bluesky: More on that below.
• Email domain: If you're extra fancy, set up a custom email like yourname@yourdomain.link.

Bonus Perk: The Bluesky Cheat Code

Plot twist: You can use this domain as your Bluesky handle. That means instead of @basicusername.bsky.social, you can be @YourName.link. Instant credibility boost, zero effort required.

Is This a Trap? (A.K.A. Read This Before You Go Wild)

• Availability is a battlefield. If your name is John, Sarah, or literally anything common, good luck. Grab it now before another John beats you to it.
• Renewal fees exist. This isn’t a “forever free” thing. If you want to keep your domain after a year, check pricing details at WordPress domain pricing.
• Act fast. There’s no official deadline, but these things tend to vanish overnight. Don’t be the person who finds out too late.

Final Thought (or, Why You Should Stop Overthinking and Just Do It)

Look, worst case? You let it expire in a year. Best case? You finally have a real URL to slap on your resume, portfolio, or that mysterious side hustle you swear you’ll launch.

Either way, this is the internet equivalent of finding money on the sidewalk. Go claim your free domain before someone else does.

And if you register something unhinged like KingOfMemes.link well, I salute you.