4 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Domain Names

So you're ready to build a website, one of the very first steps is purchasing a domain.  However there's a lot of options on the market to choose from. Nowadays you can buy domain names from a variety of website providers, domain registrars and web hosting companies. While either service will get the job done…many people overpay or leave their personal information vulnerable to scammers. That's why we created a list of 4 common mistakes to avoid when purchasing domain names.

1.  Buying everything from a website builder  - This is like "putting all your eggs in one basket." Although getting a FREE domain from the same company you’re building a website is convenient… it may cost more in the long run. Website builder softwares typically allow customers to get started at no cost, however upgrades are required for special features like custom domain names which range from $10-$50mo! 

1. Not checking Renewal price - While promotional offers can be attractive please read the fine print! Some domain registrars & website providers offer a FREE domain for the 1st year then charge you twice the price for renewing. Take a moment to compare rates and buy domains that renew at fair prices.

1. Choosing monthly subscriptions - Website providers are known to offer monthly subscriptions as a payment option. The downside of using this method is the possibility of missed payments. If you forget to pay their monthly fee or become unable to make payments, website providers can disable your account and unpublish your website. We recommend registering domain names on a yearly basis.

1. Purchasing Domains without privacy - Not understanding privacy protections (WHOIS guard) could result in having your personal contact details on display and potentially paying extra to hide it!  The good news is that most website builder software include ‘Free domain privacy’ which means your personal details will be protected in the WHOIS directory. This will also prevent SPAM with a private email address for domain inquiries. So make sure your domain purchase includes privacy. 

In conclusion, whether you’re building a sales page, blog or website you’ll need a domain name. Ultimately, the goal in building a website is to have more control over your online reputation. That’s why we recommend buying a custom domain name. If your not familiar with those terms, checkout our past blog post explaining “custom domains” in more detail. Moving forward, hopefully this blog post cleared up any confusion and helped you choose the the best option when buying a domain!

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10 Marketing Ideas For StartUp Businesses

 Starting a business is an exciting way to launch a new career. Entrepreneurship presents us with unlimited opportunities to share our passion with like-minded communities. That's why branding is so important because it reminds people Who you are, What you do and Why it matters.

 

 Before moving forward in the brand development process, make sure you've selected the business name, colors, fonts, company logo, slogan, mission statement and targeted audience for your idea, product or service. Canva is a great software if you’re interested in creating them yourself. These items build a strong foundation for your promotional efforts. The next step in building your brand is Promotion.

 

A variety of marketing materials can be used to promote your brand. Keeping your business memorable in the minds of consumers requires consistency. No matter what business name, colors, fonts, company logo, slogan, mission statement or targeted audience you choose, all the company's marketing materials should match. For example: Amazon.com is a good example of brand consistency! They started out as an online bookstore and continue to add new products & services while keeping brand elements the same. Amazon includes company logos and colors for each product line on packaging, websites, mobile apps, company uniforms and more!

 

 Here's a list of 10 ways to promote your brand. 

 

1. Contact Number  - A contact phone number used exclusively for business is a great way for potential customers to reach you.
   
   

2. Professional Voicemail - Having a professional business message recorded on your phone helps build credibility with customers.
   
   

3. Business E-mail address -  A standard email address is acceptable but having an email address that matches your business name is a bonus!
   
   

4. Marketing Plan - Businesses that plan methods of promotion overtime, have the advantage of effectively measuring their results which can save them time and money (Return on Investments).
   
   

5. Domain Name & Company Website - Buying a domain name (web address) gives online shoppers a description to find your information online! While your website is a visual display of your business on the internet and often required to qualify for grants & business loans.
   
   

6. Promotional Materials - Often displayed as printed or physical products to market your brand. Examples: Custom apparel, office supplies and company vehicles!
   
   

7. Social Media Accounts - Allow you to build relationships, advertise and publish information across various online media channels. Examples: Blogs, video conferences, niche websites, business directory listings etc.
   
   

8. Public Relations - Creating the opportunity to reach a broader audience by sharing your business with press releases, news articles, magazines and more!
   
   

9. Special Events - Inviting groups of people to visit your booth, participate in sponsorships or attend events is a great way to promote your business.
   
   

10.  Paid Advertising - Whether it’s printed, digital, TV commercial or a radio ad, this form of marketing is one of the fastest  ways to reach your targeted audience.

 Every organization has a brand identity that consumers use to make buying decisions. Business owners who develop their brand attract new business, gain supporters and satisfy repeat customers.

For more information on how we can help your business, Schedule a 123 Info Session 

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