Buying a self-hosted domain such as www.JoeBloggs.com can
have a very professional look. Customers often trust this type of website and
is obviously the option of choice for all large businesses and companies.
However it can be a little daunting when buying a domain for the first time
from GoDaddy. Once you’ve bought it, what happens next? How do you get your
website linked with your domain?
Having a managed domain sites such as Tumblr or WordPress
mean your address will look something along the lines of
joeblogs.wordpress.com. These addresses are the default address that you will
receive when you first open your WordPress account. Although this is the free
and the easier option, it doesn’t have the same kind of professional look that
a standard domain name does. It looks exactly what it is, a free website
address. A quick online search (I recommend YouTube tutorials) can show you
step by step how to link your domain to your website. It often takes a few
minutes and is easier than you would think!
Not sure about what domain name to choose? Try your business
name. This is a simple but effective option. It’s all about building a brand.
The best method I have ever used is to use that same business name for
EVERYTHING. All social media accounts should use that name. This way more
people are hearing about that new business that’s growing. Now, you have a
couple options if you don’t already have a business/domain name in mind. You
can either use a simple, clear name that shows what your business offers, such
as “Skegness Roofing”. This shows
clearly that it is a roofing service based in Skegness. Or, you could go for a
quirky, memorable name that stands out. “Nuts magazine” for example. In no way
does that business name say what it actually is, other than a magazine. But
everyone knows exactly what it is. They have to brand their business through
other ways. Just because a company is large, it does not mean you should follow
their business/promotional plan. Look into businesses that started with
nothing. Or that grew with a small budget. These often possess a better
marketing plan that you could tailor to suit the needs of your business.
It is important to register social media accounts under the
same names as your domain name. This will both prevent someone else registering
that name (as it is currently illegal to purchase a username from someone), and
it will also allow you to build a brand for your business. All social media
accounts should use the same username to prevent any customer confusion. If
your Twitter username is “@JonesWeightLoss” and your Instagram username is
“@JonesFitness” clients can become confused and will not know if you specialise
in Fitness or Weight loss. It is important that potential clients know exactly
what you offer.
You have two options when registering a domain:
·
Your first option is to purchase a domain name
from GoDaddy. There are thousands of domains to choose from and GoDaddy’s
website allows you to search for your chosen web address.
·
Your second option is to register a domain name
for free when you register for website hosting with online site BlueHost. This
again is useful as it allows you to manage everything about your website from
one dashboard. BlueHost’s hosting packages start at $3.95 per month; which
includes a domain name, personalised email address, domain hosting, and an easy
to use website builder with templates to follow.
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