What is hosting or web hosting? This is a service that enables your site to be viewed via the World Wide Web. I like to regard my hosting provider as a landlord who has access to the internet. I rent space on their servers where I store my files and web pages, which in turn allows them to be viewed by internet users.
[Read more…] about How to Set Up HostingHow to Register a Domain Name
Once you have chosen a domain name for your new site you will need to register it. Registering a domain does not mean you are buying it, it’s more of a rental agreement: that as long as you are willing to pay the rent for the domain you are allowed to use it.
You can register it for one year and renew the registration each year, or in the majority of cases, you can register your domain for up to ten years.
[Read more…] about How to Register a Domain NameHow to Choose a Domain Name
1. Domain Name Extensions. What Should You Use?
By far the most popular choice is .COM so grab it if it’s available.
An advantage of using a .com is that you have the choice of protecting your online identity by using a domain privacy service. This service stops your personal contact details from being displayed in the Whois database which is available to the public.
2. Numbers and Abbreviations Can Cause Confusion
Let’s say you have a website called “8diets4U.com”. If someone heard about your website would they type “eightdietsforyou.com” or “8dietsforU.com” or “eightdietsfourU.com”? There are other combinations but I’m sure you get the point.
3 Use Your Own Name?
Have your own personal domain name by registering your name. Even if you don’t use it straight away it’s worth doing. You could become the next internet sensation and then it would become invaluable.
4. Avoid Legal Issues
Don’t use another company’s name or trademark in your domain name unless you have their permission. You have been warned!
5. Keep it Simple, Short and Easy to Spell
This will make it easier for people to remember your domain name and pass it on to others.
6. Use a Keyword
If you use a keyword in your domain name it’s best to keep it at the beginning of the domain. For example, let’s say you want to use the keyword “garden benches”. Placing the keyword at the beginning like so: “gardenbenchesbydave.com” is better than “davesgardenbenches.com”.
7. Allow for Future Growth
What if you own the domain gardenbenchesbydave.com, obviously you are selling garden benches, and you would like to expand your business into selling garden tables? Your domain name is giving the impression you only deal in garden benches. It would have been better to start off with gardenfurniturebydave.com.
8. Use a Thesaurus
Have all the best domain names that you want already been taken? Try using a thesaurus to generate alternative words. This is a great tool to churn out new ideas.
9. Use WHOIS
If the domain you want is already taken and is not being used, contact the owner and ask if they would like to sell it. Click here to access whois database.
10. Use Hyphens or Not?
I’d say no. Yeah I know this site has a hyphen but I wish it didn’t!