What are domains, and why do you need them?
In very basic terms, a domain name, like homebizfind.com, is a website address - a way to separate and identify different web sites on the internet.
When I first started learning about the internet, I thought getting my own domain name would be expensive and complicated. I was surprised at how easy it was to register a domain and how little the cost was.
Before I tell you how to buy your own domains and use them, you need to understand why you should be using domain names.
Are you a part of an affiliate program, or mlm program that has a URL similar to this - http://www.betteruniverse.com/mg0003685? Now that URL is not that bad, but it could be better. I have seen some long URLs with questions marks, equal signs and ampersand signs. The longer the URL the greater the chance that you will have problems with it. It may get broken into two lines in an email program, or you may miss type it in your advertising. Chances are also good that anyone typing it in the web browser will make a mistake possibly loosing you a sale.
To solve this potential problem, you want to buy a domain name and point it to the website affiliate or mlm program that you are promoting.
For example I use this domain http://www.winmlm.com and point it to the BetterUniverse URL above. So, both of the above URLs go to the same website.
Winmlm.com is a domain name. It’s short, it’s related to the program I am promoting, it’s somewhat catchy and it’s easy to remember. If I am speaking to someone on the phone, it’s much easier for the person I’m speaking with to write it down or remember it. Plus, it looks better and looks more professional.
Another advantage to using a domain name such as the one above, is you can forward it to another web site. If you decide you want to promote another program, you can forward the domain name to the other program website. If the business you have been promoting goes out of business, you can forward the domain to another program. Since you would have been advertising using the winmlm.com domain name, you can still take advantage of any advertising you have done.
I’m not an SEO (Search Engine Optimization) specialist, but I can tell you that you can submit your affiliate/mlm website to search engines and they generally won’t list them. You have a better chance of getting your domain name listed because it doesn’t look like an affiliate/mlm link.
Okay, so how do you get a domain name? I suggest you use http://www.godaddy.com. Godaddy is easy to use and the cost to buy a .com domain name through them is less than $10 per year.
The difficult part can be finding a domain name that you like. Forget the obvious choices like homebusiness.com, workathome.com etc. because they are already taken. So you may have to get creative to find the domain name that works for you.
To start looking for your domain name start typing your ideas into the “Find a domain name now” box. I like to use .com extensions because most people think dot-com. If you pick a .net, .biz etc. name, you may loose some traffic. For example if you tell someone to go to your website “www.yourdomain.net” , they may actually think “www.yourdomain.com” . I am seeing more .biz, .net .us extensions, so use your best judgement - I just have my opinion.
Once you have selected a name that is not taken, you will need to register with Godaddy and provide them with all your personal information. Once you have bought your domain you can go into your Godaddy account and FORWARD your domain to the web site of your choice.
I suggest you register a domain name for all of your affiliate programs and network marketing programs.
Okay, this has been a long one. Let me know if you need any help with domain name registration or forwarding. Or, if you have additional information or suggestions, please share them with us.
Until next time,
Mike