If you want to have a website then the first thing you need to do is create a domain name. Without this there will be no way for users to access your site.
What's more, you'll need to choose a domain name that's short, memorable, and represents your business.
Below you'll learn why choosing the right domain name is important, the common selection pitfalls, and finally, you'll learn how to go through the process of actually creating a domain.
The importance of choosing the right domain name for your website
Your domain name will be your brand name. It's something you need to spend time thinking about and researching.
For example, without a proper search, you could end up with a domain name that is very closely related to one of your competitors. Or, you might end up with a domain name that doesn't stay in your visitors' minds.
Many people rush through the domain selection process, and once their site takes off, they regret it. Having to go through an exchange later isn't the end of the world either. But, it can be avoided by choosing the right domain name from the start.
Domain name dos and don'ts when creating one for your website
When you're creating your own domain name, there are some best practices you'll want to keep in mind, as well as some pitfalls you'll want to avoid.
Find out what they are.
1. Be descriptive
While many big brands have domain names and companies that don't really reflect what they're doing, you can give yourself an edge by choosing a descriptive domain.
Some domains are merely descriptions of the company's values. While others help illustrate exactly what your company does.
You want your domain to give your visitors a subtle hint of what your website or brand is about. It will improve or hurt your brand, so choose wisely.
2. Create a short and memorable domain for your website
Long domains are not just a chore to type, but they can be difficult to remember and encounter spam. When in doubt, go with a shorter domain.
This doesn't mean you should cut letters out of words, but instead use fewer words or come up with a combination of sentences that is much easier to remember.
3. RESEARCH your domain before creating it for your website
Spend time looking back on your domain. Someone could have bought it a long time ago to build a place in a separate space, or it could have a dark past that you don't know about.
Keep an eye out for competitors that have similar domains, or other companies that have a similar company name. You're going to want something that is completely unique and free from any negative associations that exist.
4. DO NOT use dashes, abbreviations or numbers
When you add dashes, abbreviations and numbers to your domain, you make it much harder for people to go through and remember your domain name.
5. DON'T choose the wrong extension when creating a domain for your website
The wrong domain name extension can reflect poorly on your website. For example, going with something like .info, simply because it's the only thing available, will reflect poorly on your site and make it less trustworthy.
Whenever possible, choose a .com, a .net or a .org.
How to create a domain name for your website
You are now well equipped to create a domain name that is a perfect reflection of your business.
With a few different domain options in mind, it's time to start creating.
The first step is to decide whether or not you want to buy hosting at the same time. If you don't have a hosting account yet, then it will be much easier for you to buy both at the same time.
First, browse to hostgator domains and enter your domain of choice. Then select your TLD and buy your domain.
If you want to buy hosting at the same time, go to this page and select your hosting package. On the next screen you will have the ability to add a domain to your purchase as well. And that's it!
How to set up your domain name
After purchasing your domain name and hosting, you will need to sync the two together to have a functional website.
The first step is to point your domain name to the web server. If you registered your domain through HostGator or another provider, then this step is already solved for you.
For those who registered their domain with a different registrar, read on.
Navigate to the domain management portal and look for a section called DNS records.
Here you will find an area titled nameservers, click on it and choose custom nameservers.
Now enter the name servers that were given to you by your hosting provider and click save.
Your domain name will now be pointing to your host, where all your website files are stored.
The final step will be to add your domain to the backend of your hosting account.
Manage domains in cPanel
On the next screen you will be able to add your domain to the backend of your hosting account so that you can start managing and creating a webpage.
Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of a new domain name that is ready to be turned into a beautiful website.
Hope you have a better understanding of how the domain name creation process works and the importance of choosing the right domain name.
If you are a developer/blogger who is tech savvy and simply adventurous, you can feel confident enough to host a domain/website on your own. Now, if you're in the group that doesn't exactly know how to host a domain or website yourself, don't worry, let's explore this yet:
Some steps on how to host your domain or website:
Code your website
If you're in a hurry, you can customize an existing WordPress template. If you have more time on your hands or are determined to code your site from scratch, using PHP is a good way to consider that WordPress is largely built on PHP.
Point your domain name to the computer's IP address
Get a static IP address for your machine within your network. A static IP address is an immutable IP number that identifies your machine within the network. Your router sits between your machine and the rest of the internet. Give your router the IP address you are opening the port for to be accessible from the rest of the internet.
Make sure your home computer can support hosting
The machine you decide to host your domain/site on will need to be running 24X7 and will need to be kept cool to avoid overheating and crashing.
Make sure your computer is protected
Make sure you have the latest updates for your operating system and security features
Download the AMP software
AMP is shortened version of Apache, Mysql, php web stack.
With Colors Agency, we guarantee much more than just an attractive look and a modern layout for your website.
Our main focus is to offer companies around the world effective solutions, that is, to generate visibility on the internet.
Our agency develops SEO strategies as well as brand positioning for multinational companies, large, medium and small, all projects are important to us.
