Doing business on the web is becoming more and more popular, and it’s a field that can really pay the bills. If you’re looking to get started with an Internet-based business, you’ll need to choose a domain name and find a web host to register your domain with, but you might not know where to begin. There are a variety of domains that you can choose from when creating an online presence, and they can be purchased from reputable domain registrars like GoDaddy. In this article, we’ll discuss the various options available to business owners and domain name enthusiasts who want to run their own websites.
Self-Hosted Versus Hosted Websites
The first thing you’ll need to decide is whether you want to host your own website or use a hosted website. Self-hosted websites are when you run the actual website — the server on which the website is stored. You’ll need to have a dedicated server to host your website with enough storage and bandwidth. You’ll also need to purchase a domain name and install the WordPress platform on it. Once you have installed WordPress, you can then begin creating content, which will display on your website.
Hosted websites are where you’ll find the majority of businesses operating today. When you register a domain with a hosting company, they’ll install a special WordPress theme and all the necessary software for you, including a free hosting plan. You won’t need to run a web server or install WordPress yourself to use this service.
The advantage of a hosted website is that you don’t need to worry about maintenance or updates. The disadvantage is that you’ll need someone to help you if you ever run into technical problems. If you’re just getting started, consider using a hosted website. Still, if you’re looking for a long-term solution, consider self-hosted websites.
Personal Versus Business Websites
Another important factor to consider when choosing the type of website you’ll create is whether it’s a personal or business website. Personal websites are generally used for your own entertainment or to share your personal experience. Business websites can be more interactive and have a greater focus on content, with a heavy emphasis on marketing. If you’re looking to create an online shop or blog, start with a personal site—the content you put out is more likely to be personal in nature, and you can always switch to a business site once you’ve established yourself.
For example, if you’re a photographer and you want to showcase your work online, you could start a blog where you share your insights on the industry and the various types of photography. As you build your personal brand, you may decide to switch to a business site and begin establishing your expertise in the field.
Choosing A Domain Name
When selecting a domain name, you’ll need to decide between.com and.net, as these are the two most popular extensions that you can use with a website. You’ll also need to decide whether you want a free or premium domain name. Free domain names are great for getting your website started, but you’ll need to keep paying for them each year. Premium domain names are much more expensive, but they’ll serve you for the life of your website. You’ll also need to check whether the domain name you choose is already taken by someone else. Since thousands of websites use the same extensions (.com and.net), this can be a tedious process that might not be worth the trouble.
.com Or.net
The most popular choice for domains is.com. This is followed by.net and then.org. You’ll need to decide between these three extensions as they are the most popular (based on domain searches). Each extension can be used to create a website, and you don’t need to purchase each one separately. You can choose either one, but the reason many people prefer to use.com is that it’s very easy to remember and to spell. If you’re looking for an online presence, you can use any of these extensions—they’re pretty much equivalent.
Free Or Premium
Another important factor to consider when choosing a domain name is whether you want a free domain name or a premium domain name. If you’re looking for a free domain name, there are plenty of reputable domain name providers like GoDaddy that offer these in abundance. Just make sure that you don’t get a free domain name that only applies to the exact one website you create (that’s what happened to me) — you’ll need to purchase the domain name for each and every site you create.
You can also consider buying a premium domain name. These are generally a little more expensive, but if you plan on expanding your website to multiple sites, you’ll want to invest in a premium domain name that will serve your needs for the entire life of your website. If you have a budget in mind, keep that in mind when shopping for a premium domain name.
Established Versus Emerging Markets
When deciding where you’ll sell your products, you’ll need to consider whether you want to enter an established market or an emerging market. If you’re looking to enter an established market, where lots of businesses operate and there are many retailers and brands already in the market, you’ll have an easier time establishing yourself as a reputable source of information and a strong brand. If you’re in an emerging market, where there’s a lot of competition and customers are searching for your product or service, you’ll need to do a lot of marketing to ensure that people know you exist. Established markets are generally safer bets than emerging ones.
Sell Your Products Or Services
The type of business you’ll operate and the name you’ll choose will determine what you’ll sell. When deciding what products/services to offer, you’ll need to consider whether you want to focus on selling a physical product (like food, clothing, or accessories) or offer a digital product (like an eBook or webinar training course).
If you’re looking for an online store where you can sell your products, consider going with Shopify. They have a variety of pricing plans that you can choose from, and their interface is very easy to use. You’ll need to have a credit card on file to create an online store, but it’s a straightforward process.
The Bottom Line
Doing business on the web can be very lucrative, but it comes with its complexities. If you’re looking to get started, read our guide to choosing a domain name and hosting provider or contact us to get some help. Also, make sure to read our guide to eCommerce to see how you can sell your products online.