Getting started online is sometimes a hard processs. As we have worked with different companies that are making the online leap, there are a few items to keep in mind so you look professional to your clients.
First, Get a domain name (www.yourname.com) for your website and use in. Domain names will run you about $10 a year and you can use them with most of the free hosting and blog systems. Find a domain name that is your company name or something similiar. It might be hard to find the one you want but keep in mind you can use a .com, .net, .org, or any other extension. There is nothing more unprofessional than having a company blog or website with a “.blogspot.com” attached to it. This is an easy fix and will help you look more credable.
Second, when you get your domain you are allowed to have at least one and sometimes an unlimited amount of email address. For all business purposes, use an email with your domain on it. (example: rob@yourname.com.) It will keep you business brand and profile consitent and will not detract clients from doing business with you. What will detract clients? Using any free email provider such as gmail, yahoo, or hotmail. These are great for personal use but should only be used for personal use.
When I talk about your business brand being consistent, you shouldn’t make potential clients guess at what your company is or does. With your own domain and email it will take a lot of the guessing work out of it. Think of it this way, and I will use a partner of ours as an example. You could either be
www.325studio.com with an email info@325studio.com
or you could be
325studio.blogspot.com with and email info@hotmail.com
The first example is consistent and directs you to the website whether you have the domain name or email address. The second example adds to much clutter with the blogspot and hotmail.
Sometimes starting a business and expecting to be online is a little overwelming. Most of us starting out looking for the cheapest way of doing things and mostly the free ways. Even utilizing the free services correctly you can still look professional. As I mentioned before, domain names are no more than $10 a year and is a great way to look professional.
Upcoming articles:
Using a Domain Name with Blogspot (Blogger)
Purchasing Hosting for Your Website
Why Custom Design Matters
If you are unsure where to start, that is why WP Blogs Direct was started. Check out some of our business starter plans or contact us for any additional help.
Just to make an idea of what an offer for a domain name can be
Domain name discounts. Non-expiring coupon codes for GoDaddy.com, they work with renewals also. Just enter them at checkout.
CRAZY3 - .COM for $7.45 - Save $2
CRAZY1 - 10% off any order
CRAZY2 - $5 off any order $30 or more
I have posted this because many of us have registered (or are still doing it) with great companies like GoDaddy then complain of the price, not noticing that they are skipping all the time the coupon code area. There are many offers, you should just google them, people, an official price is almost never the real one, and I’m saying that in a good sense (I’ve heard of companies who charge for hosting, too, even though you did request only the cheap registration, but that’s another subject)
That is a great comment. There are many discount codes you can use and with a simple search you can always get a deal. Personally, I would discourage anyone from using GoDaddy. Their system is not user-friendly and even with a code you can still get a better deal from other domain registars, such as 1and1.com.
I’m also glad you brought up the hosting and being tricked into purchase more than you need. There is a difference between a domain name and hosting even though most companies provide both and package them together. One company might have a good deal on a domain name but be over priced on the hosting. The best thing to do is shop around and keep your options open.
While I respect your options and your opinion on GoDaddy, it is still debatable from my viewpoint. What I like about them is the prompt reaction (as in the case of renewals and such, your site will be up again in half an hour or so after you have renewed the domain) , the quality staff (that is important too, especially when a problem occurs, that’s inevitable, and you need assistance - they react promptly, with elegance and efficiently). In the end, maybe I am being a snob, but I simply trust a well-established company more (I know, that is not an argument after all).
Anyway, in the end the best company to register with is the one that suits you best - The most important thing is, indeed, to Research well before making your choice, because it is most advisable to hang on to that choice: when you register your domain for more than an year, some search engines like Google will offer you priority in their list, thus generating more traffic, which is more possible clients. (yet another tip:D )