When it comes to building a business, your online operations are sometimes just as important as your physical ones. In a world that is moving toward virtual management of every business aspect, having a high-quality, attractive website is one of the best ways to create a good impression and encourage customers to return. The first thing to do when building a website is register a domain name and make your online presence official. Here are the steps to take to do this.
Decide What Name You Would Like to Register
Choosing a domain name for your website is a task that requires a lot of thought and consideration. There are several points to consider as you make this decision.
- Does it have longevity? If you’re planning on operating your business for years to come, you need to be sure the domain name you choose can grow with the business plan you’ve created. If you’re starting out selling swaddling blankets but want to eventually expand to offer several different types of baby and maternity products, be sure your name reflects that goal.
- Is it representative of your company? While you do need to choose a name that will encompass your future ambitions, you also want to be sure it is representative of your business culture and mindset. The name of your webpage will be the first exposure online customers have to your business, so you need to send the right message.
- Is it taken? Once you’ve decided on a name, you’ll need to enter it into a domain checker to be sure it’s not already taken. It’s also a good idea to search for it in search engines and ensure it’s not already taken in the physical business world as well. While it can be depressing to come up with the perfect domain name and find out it’s not available, there are ways to bypass this issue. Try tweaking it slightly or adding parts on to see if you can find a version that is available for purchase. You can even change the “.com” to a different platform, such as “.biz” or “.net” to find an available listing.
- Is it SEO compatible? With the advancement of search engine capabilities, it’s more important than ever to try to include keywords in your domain name when possible to make it easy for clients to find. Choosing a quirky name may set you apart, but choosing one that has specific keywords in it will also attract new customers.
- Does it have any negative connotations attached? Consider all possible ways your name could be offensive, such as in terms of race, gender, finances or location. Customers will not support your business if they are offended by it, so it’s extremely important that your domain name is appropriate in all situations.
Register Your Domain Name
Once you’ve figured out the exact name you want, it’s time to begin the registration process. First, you’ll need to select a web host. There are several options available, and each carry different benefits. Some things to consider include:
- Cost
- Maintenance help and fees
- Site development assistance
- Abilities
- Search registration
Each host will vary in their offerings in each category, so it’s important to consider the needs your business has now as well as those that may come in the future as you expand your company. Choosing a capable host will prevent a multitude of possible problems in the future, but you also need to consider your current budget for expenses. Once you’ve decided on a host, you may enter your domain name on the site and complete the registration steps to claim the website as your own.
Creating a website is simple once you have a name. Follow the instructions as you purchase the domain, and you’ll be ready for the next step: building your site.
Legal Disclaimer
The content on our website is only meant to provide general information and is not legal advice. We make our best efforts to make sure the information is accurate, but we cannot guarantee it. Do not rely on the content as legal advice. For assistance with legal problems or for a legal inquiry please contact you attorney.