Secure Your Brand Name Online: A Guide to Domain Registration and Web Hosting
So you have your brand name, now what!?
🤔 You've decided on your business name and now need to secure your online presence to match. It's time to get your domain and website hosting sorted.
Let's break it down...
😅 Everyone feels overwhelmed when they embark on building a website. But don't worry, we're here to help make it as simple as possible so you can secure the needed elements with minimal pain.
We have outlined the different elements you need to register for your online presence below:
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Domain Name: This is your website's address, such as www.yourbusiness.com. It's unique to your website, so no one else can use the same domain name. It's recommended to secure your domain name as soon as you decide on your brand name to avoid any issues.
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Website Hosting: This is where you store your website files so they can be accessed on the internet. Think of it as the space where your website lives. Hosting services can vary in cost and features, so make sure to research and choose one that fits your needs.
With your domain name and website hosting sorted, you're on your way to establishing your online presence.
Here's the deal with effective & consistent online branding
Building a strong brand requires more than a memorable name or a catchy slogan. You must also ensure your brand is effectively represented online with a matching domain name (www.mydomain.com).
By securing your domain name, you not only secure your name so it's unavailable to anyone else to use as a domain*, but it also helps you establish a consistent online presence that aligns with your brand values and messaging.
This consistency is essential for building brand recognition and brand equity over time with cohesion between your brand materials.
*We also recommend looking into Trademarking your name for coverage beyond the internet.
➡️ Register your domain name as soon as you choose your brand name, even if you are planning to wait to build your website. A small investment can pay off big in protecting and promoting your brand online. And with domain name registration typically costing less than $30 per year, it's a cost-effective way to secure your brand's online identity.
Um, what is a domain name anyway?
If you're planning to build a website, you'll need a domain name. But what is a domain name, exactly? Simply put, it's your online address – the name people type into their browsers to visit your site.
Think of it as your virtual real estate. Just as you need an address to locate a physical building, you need a domain name to find a website on the internet. Without a domain name, your website would be like a storefront without a sign.
The cost of a domain name varies, but you can expect to pay around $15-30 per year. It's a small investment that's well worth it, considering the benefits of having a unique and memorable domain name.
Speaking of uniqueness, that's an important aspect of domain names. Different websites can NOT have the same domain name, so it's essential to secure your preferred name as soon as possible. After all, you don't want someone else to swoop in and snatch it up before you do.
When choosing a domain name, you have a lot of flexibility. You can use any combination of letters and numbers, and you can also add extensions like .com, .net, and more. Just keep in mind that some extensions are more popular than others, so if you want a .com domain, you may need to get creative with your name.
Once you've registered your domain name, you'll need to pair it with a hosting package to get your website online. But that's a topic for another day. For now, focus on finding a domain name that reflects your brand and is easy for your audience to remember. With a little research and creativity, you can find the perfect domain name that will set your website up for success.
Quick Domain Tips:
💰 The price of a domain name typically runs between $15-30 per year.
✅ Secure your domain name as soon as you decide on your brand name
🚫 If you don't secure your domain, then you don't own that name online
Register your domain name:
➡️ Bluehost
➡️ Hostgator
➡️ Godaddy
What is website hosting & why do I need it?
While your domain name is the address of your website, it's not enough to just have a name. You also need a hosting service to store your website's files and data so that they can be accessed by Internet users.
Think of your domain name as your website's street address, while hosting is the land and building where your website resides.
The cost of website hosting varies depending on your needs, ranging from $3-$30 per month. It's important to choose a reliable hosting service, as this can affect your website's performance and search engine rankings.
We recommend using Bluehost for your hosting needs.
Their plans include everything you need to get started, such as:
- SSL certification included
- Unlimited storage
- Free domain registration (if desired)
- Automated backups included
- CDN set-up included
Register with Bluehost ➡️ CLICK HERE
- Click "Get Started"
- We suggest you get the "recommended" package
- Purchase your desired package
You can use other options if you either already have a domain registered with these platforms (it's easiest to keep your domain and hosting together if possible). But, prices and packages vary:
How do I get a personalized domain email?
Having a professional email address registered at your own domain name can give your website a more credible and trustworthy appearance. For instance, using an email like [email protected] can help build your brand and make a better impression on customers.
To get started with a customized email, we recommend using G Suite. This service allows you to set up email accounts with your own domain name. Here are the basic steps:
- Verify your domain ownership (your web developer can help with this step).
- Set up your email accounts through G Suite.
💰 An email cost roughly $5/month per user (user = [email protected])
✅ Get a discount with G-suite HERE.
- Google Workspace Business Starter Plan discount code: X3XKF96PPVNRCUU
- Google Workspace Business Standard Plan discount code: A9RVXGMRHVG9UN6
Wait, I'm not ready to make my website yet!
Are you delaying creating a website for your brand because you're not ready yet? Even if you're not planning to launch your site immediately, it's wise to register your domain name to secure your brand URL. This is an important step in protecting your brand identity and making sure that no one else can claim your online presence.
In the meantime, you can create a simple maintenance page to let visitors know what you're working on and how they can get in touch. A good maintenance page should include details such as:
- What you're doing
- Why you're doing it
- How long will it take
- Contact information or a form
To set up a maintenance page, you'll need to have a domain name and website hosting. Luckily, this is simple and inexpensive to set up efficiently. So don't delay; take this step to secure your brand's online presence today.
Maintenance Page Example:
Who should I register my website hosting with?
We recommend that you use Bluehost, because it includes everything you need at a very fair cost:
- SSL certification included
- Unlimited storage
- Free domain registration if you want
- Automated backups included
- CDN set-up included
Register with Bluehost ➡️ CLICK HERE
- Click "Get Started"
- We suggest you get the "recommended" package
- Purchase your desired package
You can use other options if you either already have a domain registered with these platforms (it's easiest to keep your domain and hosting together if possible). But, prices and packages vary:
