Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

UPDATED: Ever thought about how to get your website name on GoDaddy? What is a “domain name?” A website name is the link and is used to showcase your business or a personal blog. Your website name is also known as a “domain name”. Examples of domain names are “thatsgravydesigns.com” and “justtasteitsandiego.com“. It’s important, regardless of your business, to refer other’s to on the Internet.

Where to buy your domain name?

It’s required that your domain name be registered. I’ve used a few places to get domain names and to keep it simple for you, GoDaddy is a very easy and low cost. GoDaddy allows you to get domain.com, domain.me, domain.net, domain.life, and many others. You need to register and create a log in with GoDaddy. Then search to see if your desired website name is available. Click here to open up GoDaddy. You can get as many domain names as you desire.

How much does it cost?

Registering and buying your domain name are actually two different things. We can only register a domain name, and that it will need to be renewed yearly. If you miss the date to renew, that allows for someone else to pick it up and get it. Getting a domain name can cost around $15.00 per year, each, and you can pay yearly to have it. The more set of years you register, the lower the yearly cost. Instead of paying yearly you can pay every 3 or 5 years, it’s up to you. Be aware that there are many domain names already in use. Some can be taken by other businesses or your competitors, or… some domain names are for sale by the owner who originally registered it. When they are on sale, expect to see prices well into the thousands of dollars.

Click to see larger image.

Pick your domain name and will it put you first on search engines?

GoDaddy has a search feature that allows you to type in any domain name. This allows you to search to see if it’s available. If it is, it will give you the option to select and purchase it. Follow the the instructions, it may require you create a log in username and password for your FREE GoDaddy account, then make the payment to register the domain name. When it comes to picking your domain name, you can search to see if yourbusinessname.com is available. Some may choose to have the location and what they do, for example, dustinsbakerypaloalto.com. As much as we may think that having the city in the domain name may help, it turns out that it really doesn’t matter. Take “Facebook”, “Hulu”, “Netflix”, and “Google”, for example. Neither of them indicate a city or location. (In fact, their branding has now become a verb.) When picking a domain name, follow these main guidelines:

1. Something that is easy to say and memorable.
2. That makes sense to what you do, your brand or company.
3. Stick with the “.com” since it’s still more recognized than “.me” or “.net”.

There is no guarantee that your domain name will get you on the first page of Google because it depends on how well your brand is recognized on the Internet. However, it’s been my experience that when you type in the domain name in the search bar, and if your website had been recognized by Google through proper web design setup, your website will come up first when “yoursite.com” is searched.

How long do you get to keep your domain name?

Once a domain name is registered, you have it for a year until expires. Unless you registered it for 3, 5, or 10 years. GoDaddy typically sends a renewal notice 3 months in advance before it expires. Once it expires, then someone else can get register that domain name. If you forget or miss the deadline, GoDaddy may offer you a chance to get it, although their may be a fee to save it. I strongly suggest marking it on your yearly calendar or set your account to automatically renew your domain names. Losing your domain name means losing your website!

“I’m not sure what to do and where can I get help?”

Good thing that the slogan for my business is, “Everything is going to be alright.” Contact me here to let me know how I can help. Advice like this is considered as part of my FREE consultation to you. To which I offer those who request it regarding this issue. You’re not alone. Much of my experiences has been on the customer service end of things and I can be explain it clearly. Let me know, I’m here for you!

About Ryan Gravador

Ryan Gravador is owner and WordPress web designer for ThatsGravy Designs. Based in San Diego, CA, we provide web and graphic design, tech support, and assistance on a regular basis for local businesses. See our page at Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Our goal is to save you time and money, offering affordable solutions toward establishing your online presence piece by piece. - by Ryan Gravador