937.974.5539 (Dayton)
865.223.6814 (Knoxville)
888.WEB.IT.UP
Beavercreek & Dayton, Ohio
Knoxville, Tennessee

FAQ

1. What is the First Step?
2. Domain Names: How Do I Choose a Good One?
3. Domain Names: How Do I Reserve One?
4. Definitions: How Do I Get Definitions of Terms I Don't Know?

The First Step

STEP 1 - Contact Me

If you haven't done so already, you owe it to yourself to contact me before proceeding any further with your project.

You will get advice on:

• Choosing the best domain name for your business
• Sequencing of events to avoid costly mistakes
• Choosing alternate technologies that:
  
  • streamline the process
  • provide more value
  • are more efficient and save money
  • speed up the process

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Choosing Your Domain Name

A domain name is the unique name for your Web site. My domain name is "WebSiteHelper.com". Other examples are:

• microsoft.com
• whitehouse.gov
• cedant.net

How Important Is It to Choose the Right Domain Name?

It is extremely important to spend some thoughtful time picking the right name because the entire site will be built around this as the process unfolds.

You will use it in all of your marketing:  on your business cards, your marketing campaigns, telling your customers, etc. and changing it later can be costly.

Here are some suggestions to get you started:

• Try to get a .com domain name, if at all possible. It is the first one that people will try, if all they remember is the part that is unique to you.
  
  For example, if your domain name is "XYZ.net" and all they can remember is "XYZ", then they will probably type in "XYZ.com" and that could take them to a competitor.
• If you can't find the exact name of your business, then try a phrase that best describes it. For example, "FastAndFriendlyService.com" or "FlowersForYou.com"
• Pick a domain name that is easy to spell and not too long.

I have found the following sites to be useful:

• LIST OF EXPIRED DOMAIN NAMES:  This useful site lists Expired Domain Name.
  
  This is useful especially if you want a .com address, since most of the good ones are taken and it would take you an eternity to type all of your "inspirations" to find the perfect one. You might get lucky and find one whose lease has expired.

  HINT: There is a fast way to speed up your search.
  
  Scroll to the bottom to find the "search" field.   Enter a word that describes an aspect of your business, such as "massage".   A list of expired domain names is returned with that keyword somewhere in the domain name.

• CHECKING TO SEE IF A DOMAIN NAME IS AVAILABLE:  The GoDaddy site is a good place for checking that the site name is available. Simply type in the domain name that you want to check in the "Enter a Domain Name" field and press "Enter".

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Reserving Your Domain Name

URLs are "leased" on a yearly basis through any of a dozen different agencies.

It can cost anywhere from $8 - $35 dollars per year to lease a domain name.

Once you have found a domain name that you like, go ahead and reserve it at GoDaddy.   They offer a good value and are very reputable.   Contact me if you need help.

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Definitions

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