Chapter 1: Getting Started
When you first decide to start a business, one of the first steps is checking the availability of your domains, social media handles and email addresses.
Securing Your Domain
Your domain name is essentially your online address and is made up of a website name and a domain extension (like .com, .net, or .org).
Here’s the scoop on picking the perfect domain:
Choose Your Name:
It should be your business name, as simple as that. Make sure it’s easy to spell, remember, and ideally, packed with letters, numbers, or hyphens.
Select the Right Extension:
While .com is universally recognised, if you’re catering to an Australian audience, grabbing a .com.au can boost local recognition. Providers like NetRegistry or GoDaddy can hook you up with your desired domain. To cover all bases, consider purchasing both .com and .com.au to prevent any mix-ups with a similar domain.
Professional Email Addresses
It’s time to upgrade from that old Hotmail or Gmail account to something a bit more polished. Here’s why a professional email is a game-changer:
Build Trust:
A professional email linked to your domain establishes credibility.
It shows you’re serious about your business and helps build trust with customers and partners.
Marketing Tool:
Your email isn’t just for communication; it’s a direct link to your website.
A professional email that matches your domain makes it easier for customers to check out your online hub.
Most domain providers offer email services, and sometimes, website platforms provide them for free with hosting packages.
Social Media Handles
Consistency is king when it comes to social media handles. Here’s how to make sure your social presence reflects your brand seamlessly:
Consistency Across Platforms:
Aim to use the same handle across all platforms. Whether it’s your name, your business name, or your domain name, keep it uniform.
Keep It Short & Sweet:
The shorter, the better. You want it to be memorable and easy to type.
Easy to Remember and Spell:
Avoid complicated spellings—simplicity ensures people can find you without a hassle.
What If Your Preferred Handle Is Taken?
If your dream handle is already in use and the account seems inactive, you might need to get creative:
Modify It:
Add numbers, underscores, or abbreviations to craft a handle that’s still on-brand but unique enough to be available.
Reach Out:
Sometimes, reaching out to the handle owner for a negotiation is possible, though it can be a long shot.
Setting up your business’s digital storefront with the right domain, email, and social media handles not only positions you professionally but also streamlines your brand identity across the web. Remember, these elements are often the first interaction potential customers have with your brand, so make each count!
Lock Down Your Digital Identity
• Domain & Email Setup: Choose your domain and set up your professional email.
• Social Media Sync: Secure your handles across all platforms, ensuring they align with your brand.
• Branding Consistency: Double-check that all your digital touchpoints (website, email, social media) present a cohesive brand image.
Securing these elements is like setting the foundation of your digital house—get these right, and you’ll set yourself up for smoother sailing (and selling) online.