We have covered the first steps which covered:
- Budget
- Choosing a Web Hosting Service
- Blogging Terminology
- Choosing a Topic
I would have to say that the most crucial step in starting a blog would be thinking of a Domain name (easy to remember and short and concise) and what your going to talk about (Do we really need another, ““Make Money Online”” blog?)
Now you are asking what is a Domain ? Why do I need one? What on earth am I talking about?
A Domain name is essentially a signpost on the Internet. Almost every website you've ever been to, and every email you've ever composed, has used a Domain name in its address
Hey don't let it fool you, it isn't as easy as you may think. They're a lot of things to consider before choosing a Domain name.
Long Or Short Domain Names?
Here is a tidbit that I wasn't aware of before I started this step. Domain names can be of any length, up to 67 characters. Now that gives a person a lot of option's.
The problem it creates though is obscure. Some say a short, unique Domain name is better. Yet others state that a longer name makes it easier to remember.
It is given truth that long. domain names that have your site keywords in them also have an advantage in that they fare better in a number of search engines
Hyphenated Names?
There are disadvantages and advantages to Hyphenated names.
Disadvantage:
It is terribly difficult to remember to put in the hyphens. Like Wendy's-OBA- Blog-Tips - Tricks
When people recommend your site to their friends verbally, having hyphens in your domain name leads to more potential errors than when the name does not contain hyphens.
It is a pain in the butt to type in all the hyphens.
Advantages:
Search engines can distinguish your keywords better and thus return your site more prominently in search results for those keywords occurring in your domain name.
The non-hyphenated form may no longer be available. At least this way, you still get the domain name you want.
Generic Names Or Brand Name Domains?
Some others think that your domain name really must be some generic name like "cars.com" if you are selling cars.
Personally I think that a Domain name match your brand name. The very name that you use to advertise your product is the name that you will want for your domain, because that is the first thing that people will try in their browser
Your Domain Name Should Be Your Website Name. The simple reason for your Domain name be your website name is that when people think of your website, they'll think of it by name. It pays to have a domain name that reflects your site or business. What if you cannot get the domain name of your choice? Check up the " whois " information for the domain, and contact that person listed to see if they're willing to sell it. You probably should be aware that they are likely to want to charge a higher fee than you'll normally get when buying new domains.
COM, ORG, Or NET
You have to decide whether or not your website or business caters to the local community, then it would make sense to get a country specific Domain name.
What if yours is a site or business that can benefit from an international audience? That is what my site does.
For some, the ".org" extension actually describes the non-profit nature of their organization.
Hence some Domains automatically register for the .org extension.
Make sure that you promote your business or website with the full domain name. For example, if your domain name is "Fishfoodandfishgear.net", make sure that when you advertise your site or business, call it "Fishfoodandfishgear.net " not "Fishfoodandfishgear". Otherwise people will assume a ".com" extension and travel to the wrong place.
Get That Domain Name
before you start your site or business
In closing, I again hope you found the information useful.
Also, if I have missed anything at all, leave a comment and let me know.
Have a great day and look for my next step.
