if i get a free domain name, can i later switch to a paid domain name?

[Mark]

the same hosting service, just paid. because i heard free domains have a problem with high traffic websites. can have too many visitors or it'll display 'too busy'.

[Scott]

Traffic to ANY domain is irrlelvant based on if the domain is "free" or "paid". It is all about the site you create.

When you say "FREE DOMAN" are you referring to something like.

MyWebsite.somehostingsite.com

with intent to later switch it to

MyWebsite.com?

If this is what you are thinking, start with your own proper custom paid domain first. do NOT use a free domain. Switching it is possible, but to do it right, you will require 301 redirects, which MOST free providers will NOT allow. You will be starting from scratch when you move.

Just pay the $10 for the domain and the $5/month and start it right, you will be grateful in the end.

[Prisqua]

Lots of hosting companies offer free domain name for the first year then you have to pay but it relatively cheap nowadays so well worth paying for it especially if you want to earn credibility. But other than that, free or paid domain name, content is what matters most.