Why everyone should register a domain name
A domain name is your first step towards a successful online presence, and it's something that all businesses should consider investing in. A website design company can help you create a professional-looking website and make sure that you have the right domain name for your business. With the right domain name, you will be able to reach more potential customers, drive more traffic to your website, and ultimately increase sales. Investing in a domain name is an important step towards achieving success in this digital age and should not be overlooked.
Now, LinkedIn and the other services aren't likely to alter what we say about ourselves in our profiles and other postings, and they offer convenience plus teams of people who handle issues like security, not to mention visibility for users. Yet, we all need to remember who's in charge at those social media sites. You and I are just visitors, suppliers of content they hope to use to make money.
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Getting a domain hosting registration is easy, and cheap. For the price of a few cups of coffee, you can register a domain. I use Hover.com, which is run by a friend, but there are lots of reputable registrars from which to pick. (The always valuable Life hacker lists some others here.) Unless you have an extremely uncommon last name, you'll be unlikely to find it available. But you may well be able to get your FirsnameLastname.com address – I own impressbss.com, for example – and even if you can't you can use other domain suffixes or find a name that is still useful. Remember, most people find websites via searches, so don't worry if you can't get your exact name.
Let's say you've gotten your domain name. How do you create your presence? Most registrars will help you create placeholder sites – a page or two that you can edit. My advice is to do something better: start a blog. One of the easiest ways is to get a WordPress.com account, and use its powerful blogging tools. The company has demonstrated a powerful commitment to the open web by also offering its software, open source, for others to download, use and modify. For a reasonable fee, you can have Word Press point your blog to your own domain.
You can also install your own blogging software. This gives you more flexibility, and takes a bit more expertise, but many low-cost hosting companies – the internet providers that provide (typically shared) servers that power your domain – will set up blogs for you. My own provider has web-based software that makes it simple for me to create new sites.
I don't update my personal blog all that often anymore, though I've decided to get more active than I've been. Like many other people who've flocked to social networks, I've cut back on posting to my own sites while increasing my activity on social media, especially Twitter and Google+. (I no longer use Facebook in any public way.)
Enhance Credibility and Professionalism
When it comes to online credibility, having your own domain name is a game-changer. While free website builders and hosting platforms offer subdomains, such as www.yourbusiness.platform.com, they lack the professionalism and trust that a custom domain name brings. Owning a domain name like www.yourbusiness.com portrays a sense of professionalism, giving your brand a unique identity and enhancing credibility in the eyes of your audience.
Branding Opportunities
Your domain name is not just an address; it's an opportunity to reinforce your brand. By registering a domain name that aligns with your business name or keywords related to your industry, you create a cohesive and memorable brand experience. A well-chosen domain name helps users associate your website with your brand, making it easier for them to find you amidst the sea of online competition.
Improved Search Engine Rankings
When it comes to search engine optimization (SEO), having a custom domain name can significantly impact your website's visibility on search engine result pages (SERPs). Search engines tend to favor websites with their own domain names over those using subdomains. By registering a domain name that includes relevant keywords, you increase your chances of ranking higher for those specific search queries. This, in turn, drives organic traffic to your website and improves its overall visibility.
Control and Ownership
Registering a domain name gives you complete control and ownership over your online presence. Unlike social media platforms or free website builders, where you are subject to their terms and conditions, having your own domain allows you to have full autonomy over your website. You can customize the design, layout, and functionality according to your preferences and business needs. Additionally, owning a domain name ensures that your website remains accessible even if you decide to switch hosting providers or change platforms in the future.
Professional Email Address
Alongside a domain name comes the opportunity to create a professional email address using your domain. Instead of relying on generic email providers, such as Gmail or Yahoo, you can have an email address like yourname@yourbusiness.com. This personalized email address adds a level of professionalism and builds trust with your clients and customers. It reinforces your brand identity and separates your business communications from personal ones, giving you a more polished and reliable image.
Future-Proofing Your Online Presence
The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and trends can change overnight. By registering a domain name, you future-proof your online presence. Even if you don't have a website ready to launch immediately, securing your domain name ensures that it's reserved exclusively for you. This prevents others from claiming the name you desire and allows you to take your time in developing your website without the fear of losing your preferred domain.
Investment and Asset
Registering a domain name can also be seen as an investment and an asset. Premium domain names, especially those that are short, memorable, or contain popular keywords, can appreciate in value over time. As the online world continues to expand, the demand for unique domain names increases. By registering a valuable domain name, you not only secure your online presence but also have the potential to sell it in the future for a significant profit.
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