What Is A Domain Name And Why Do I Need One?

What Is A Domain Name And Why Do I Need One?

 

 

If you are reading this article then chances are you want to establish yourself on the world wide web, and you have some idea of what a domain name is. But just in case you stumbled across this article trying find out what the term means and why it’s so important, then here you go.

 

A Domain Name is quite simply a website address. Not completely unlike a home or business address. It is what people type in to their web browsers to go to your website. You will hear people refer to a domain name more commonly as either a

 

“website address” or

 

URL” (uniform resource locator).

 

On one hand, if you are not planning on starting your own blog or website, you don’t need your own website address, you can blissfully participate in social networks, and other people’s blogs and forums without needing one.

 

Also, on the same hand, if you do want to start a blog for recreational purposes, there are a few sites out there on the internet that allow you to create a blog for free.

 

On the other hand, however, if you want to establish your own presence, creating your own brand, and claim your own piece of virtual real estate, especially professionally speaking, then you should have one of your own.

Why shouldn’t you use the freebies that are available?

 

Because they generally have rules in place about certain content, and if the content you wish to publish is not in line with their terms of service, they can remove it at any time. Also, if their company should go out of business or decide not to offer that service anymore, then all the hard work that you have put into your blog or website goes with it.

 

With your own hosted website, you to have more control over your content, greater versatility, and the ability to create your own brand.

 

Now having your own website address does not mean that you automatically have your own website. That requires a hosting account as I alluded to a moment ago. But, with a website address (your domain name), you can use it in a few ways.

 

If you already have a blog or an affiliate (company replicated) website, you can “forward” the domain name, kind of like call forwarding, so that when people type it in, they are automatically redirected to the site of your choice.

 

Alternately, if you so desire, you can set up a hosting account with any of a number of web hosting companies and create your own blog, company website, or online store, just the way you want it.

 

In today’s world, and for the foreseeable future more and more people get their news, entertainment, and shop, online. If you want yourself or your company to stand apart competitively, then you will need your own domain name.

 

Now that you know what a domain name is, and why it’s important for your brand, there is another aspect to domain names. When choosing a domain name don’t be foolish with your choice. Domain names play a vital role in SEO or “Search Engine Optimization”. When you register a domain name it should be relevant to the content on your site, your name, or your business name.

It may be a bit nerve-wracking to register your own website name if you aren’t sure how, so I have posted free information on the process of Getting Your Own Domain Name complete with two parts on this blog.

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