Unlocking The Mystery of Domains: A Beginner’s Guide, Part 1 of 2
Hi! CJ here.
Today in episode 11, we’re going to be unveiling the mysteries of what a domain is, why you need one and how to select one. In episode 12 we’ll be doing a deep dive into how to purchase a domain.
Right off the bat, I want to assure you that you don’t need to know everything about domains to setup a successful online business.
{SIGH OF RELIEF…} 
SJ and I have been in the computer industry for 25+ years and we are still learning new things about how domains work and how they are connected across the internet.
However, there are some basics that you will need to know to setup and run your online/affiliate marketing business.
What is a Domain?
Imagine the internet as a vast city, with websites and web pages scattered all around like different homes and buildings. In this city, each website has its own unique address, just like how every home in a neighborhood has its own address to help people find it.
In the online world, these addresses are known as domains. A domain is the unique identifier that points to a specific website on the internet. It is like a street address making it easy for users to locate and access your site.
In the same way a home address consists of different parts such as a street name, house number and city, a domain also has its different components. The main part of a domain is the domain name, which is the human-readable text that you type into your web browser to visit a website. For example, the domain name for this blog is www.cjsjmarketing.com.
Behind the scenes, the domain name is linked to a numerical address called an IP address. The IP address is the actual location of the website on the internet. Think of it like the GPS coordinates of a home in the city.
Domains play a crucial role in navigating the vast landscape of the internet. They help users easily find and access websites. So, the next time you visit a website, remember that the domain is its unique address on the internet, connecting you to your favorite online destinations.
Why Do I Need a Domain?
Having a domain, like having a home address, is essential for several reasons:
- Online Identity: As we mentioned above a domain name gives your website a unique identity on the internet. A domain name serves as your online address, making it easier for users to find and remember your website, funnels and blogs.
- Credibility:It’s important to have a custom domain name (e.g., yourbusinessname.com) because it adds professionalism and credibility to your online marketing/affiliate business. It shows that you are serious about your business and brand.
- Branding:Your domain name is a crucial part of your brand identity. It helps in creating brand recognition and consistency across all your online platforms.
- Control:Like owning your own home, owning your domain gives you control over how you use it. It gives you control over your online presence. You can customize your website, create personalized email addresses, and have the flexibility to move your website to different hosting providers if needed.
- Ownership:Registering a domain name ensures that you own the rights to that specific address on the internet. It prevents others from using the same domain name, protecting your brand and online identity.
In summary, having a domain name is crucial for establishing your online presence, building credibility, and creating a strong brand identity. It is an essential component of your marketing/affiliate online success in the digital world.
How To Select a Domain Name?
In selecting your domain name, please learn from our mistakes. We purchased probably 30+ domains for different funnels and sites, then decided not to use most of them. Take some time and brainstorm before purchasing your domain. On the flip side, don’t allow the fear of not choosing the right domain keep you from buying one.
To help, here are some best practices to consider when selecting a domain name:
- Keep it Short and Simple: Shorter domain names are easier to remember and type. Aim for a name that is short and concise.
- Make it Easy to Spell and Pronounce: Avoid using complex spellings, hyphens, or numbers that can confuse users. Your domain name should be easy to spell and pronounce when shared verbally.
- Reflect Your Brand: Your domain name should reflect your brand identity and the purpose of your website. Choose a name that aligns with your brand values and resonates with your target audience.
- Avoid Trademark Issues: Before finalizing your domain name, research trademarks to ensure that you’re not infringing on someone else’s intellectual property. Check trademark databases and conduct a Google search to avoid legal issues.
- Choose the Right Domain Extension: While .com is the most popular domain extension, consider other options such as .net, .org, or country-specific extensions (.uk, .ca, .au) if they better suit your brand or industry. New domain extensions like .tech, .store, or .online can also be considered for niche websites. In most case though you will want to use a .com.
- Think Long-Term: Choose a domain name that will remain relevant as your business grows and expands. Avoid using trends or slang that may become outdated quickly.
- Check Domain Availability: Before finalizing your domain name, use a domain registration service to check its availability (we will showing you how to do this in episode 12). If your desired domain name is already taken, consider alternative variations or brainstorm new ideas.
- Ensure Social Media Availability: Check the availability of your chosen domain name on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Consistency across all online channels is important for brand recognition.
- Test it Out: Before registering your domain name, say it out loud and share it with friends, family, or colleagues to get feedback. Make sure it’s easy to understand, memorable, and aligns with your brand.
By following these best practices, you can choose a domain name that effectively represents your brand, resonates with your target audience, and sets you up for online success.
In this blog post we looked at what a domain is, why we need one and best practices for selecting a domain. Stay tuned in as we explore what a domain registrar is and how to purchase a domain in episode 12. We’ll be bringing this exciting information via a web video training.
The best way to get maximum benefit from the blog is to subscribe to our FREE INSIDER’S NEWSLETTER. This is where you can get access to exclusive insider information that will help you build your online marketing business.
Till next time my friend,
This is CJ signing off.
Hi CJ,
This is great information for people starting online and is a great giveaway or checklist on the journey to creating an online presence.
Hi CJ,
This was a great read and so helpful! You made so clear and easy to understand why and how to get a domain. I especially liked how you painted a picture of the domain being like a home address and how it plays out in relation to the internet. It can seem daunting when it comes to doing anything online like this but you made it very easy and so many people will find this useful! Thanks 🙂
Denny
Hi CJ, Your blog post does a great job of explaining domains in a simple and easy-to-understand way. I like how you compared them to street addresses in a city—it really helps paint a clear picture.
You made some excellent points about why having a domain is important for anyone looking to start an online business. I especially liked how you stressed that having your own domain adds professionalism and control to your online presence.
Your tips for choosing a domain name are super helpful, especially for beginners. I appreciate that you shared your own experiences to highlight the importance of taking your time with this decision.
I’m excited to learn more about purchasing domains
Well, I don’t think I got the short and simple down – I named my domain after I named my brand which had more to do with Facebook and Youtube marketing. And I suppose I’m going for the Engelbert Humperdinck effect, which is to say having a name a bit odd, which makes it stick in your mind. I’m also hoping the allusion to Masters of the Universe, will help people associate with something else that may be stuck in their mind, and so if they can’t remember my brand name exactly they’ll sort of remember the idea. Coming up with a brand and domain name is not easy.
Nathan,
It can be tough sometimes coming up with a domain name. Over the next couple weeks we will be diving into some other things to consider when choosing a domain name. As indicated in the post branding is very important aspect of choosing a domain name. You need to consider avatars, where your avatars resides and how your community will identify with the brand.
I would be interested in seeing how your domain name and branding work out.
Keep me posted
CJ
Hi CJ, many thanks for a great post highlighting what many starting out need to consider when registering a domain name
Steve,
Thanks for the comment and your welcome. It really is a basic concept that anyone starting out needs to know. Often people skip the basics and assume that people already know them. Just as import is being able to explain the basics in away that people can relate to. May this information help you or someone you know.
CJ
Hi CJ,
Great article about what a domain name really is. Just want to add another tip. Make sure your domain name doesn’t have an unintentional inappropriate meaning.
Alan,
Great addition to the list of things to consider when choosing a domain name. There is a lot of slang out there that doesn’t translate well to other cultures. This can lead to misunderstandings that hurt your brand and reputation.
Thanks again for the added tip.
CJ
Hi CJ,
Great blog, as usual. It could have fitted in very well to my current series of blog posts which is entitled “Required Basic Computer Knowledge Demystified”.
Phil,
Yes, it would fit in well. Perhaps we can do a blog swap with this post for your followers. I have read the series you are putting out on the basics. Keep it up people need to understand those basics. Once they understand them it will make their journey a little smoother.
Keep push through, I am there with you my friend.
CJ
Hi CJ,
This was a great blog post! I wish I had something like this to go by when I was trying to figure out which Domain would be the best one for me. There’s a lot of valuable information here. Thank you!
Meredith
Meredith,
I couldn’t agree more. I to wish I had this information on domains when I started out. It would have saved me time and money. As I pointed out SJ and I purchased domains we never used. This was a waist but id did allow us to learn from our mistakes. I want to share this information so others would have to make the same ones we did.
Have an awesome day.
CJ
This is so valuable! I wish I read this before picking mine… a subject that doesn’t get enough attention. Thank you so much for writing this. Incredibly useful for my next business!
Sara,
I am glad you found value in the post and found it useful. You are correct that often times the basics are overlooked and given minimal attention. I have had to learn NEVER assume that people know something. It is better to cover it than to leave others behind that do not understand the concept. Stay tuned in for part 2 on purchasing a domain name.
CJ
CJ, this is a topic that doesn’t get near enough attention with the new affiliate marketer. I certainly didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about this however after reading this post, I wish I could go back in time and read it then! Valuable information that I plan to save as a reference for the future.
Lauren,
It definitely is something that needs to be address. I kept buying domain names till I found one that we wanted to stick with. I don’t advise anyone to take this approach. Please do save it as reference. Also, feel free to cross post it for your followers.
Gland this post was helpful and useful.
CJ
CJ, thanks for this brilliant blog. I love how you’ve laid out the basics of domains the benefits of them why we need them and everything else. Very useful reference material which I will be looking at again. Many people don’t have the basic understanding and they need articles like this to refer to. Well done I hope you are well. Thanks, Atif
Atif,
Thanks for the complement. One of the things people forget sometimes is the basics. Like in any sport, often times the coach requires them to go back to the basics before they move forward. Online marketing is no different. If someone is just starting our or a seasoned marketer it’s alway good to go back to the basics.
I am glad you found useful. May it help you in journey.
CJ
I’ve had many domain names, too many to list and bore you here. The one I currently am running with now is possible the most uninteresting name of all. My favorite is Tomaso’s Last Breath where I chronicle my spiritual journey after my husband died of Covid-19. I wasn’t selling anything. I was just telling my story.
Kate,
It’s easy to get overloaded with domain names. If you are anything like myself I am aways thinking up new ventures and what domain to use for them. Then before you know it you have a long list of domains that you’ve purchased. I am deeply sorry about your husband. One good thing is that while you were journalling your journey you were learning a skill that will transfer over to affiliate marketing.
Like your spiritual journey, I am starting a new quest call wheelchair warrior. This will be my journey from being in wheelchair and bed bound to being able to walk and get fit again. This will be a long road.
Kate, my many thoughts go with on your journey.
CJ
Hi CJ,
Great blog post. Definitely worth taking the time to find a domain name that best reflects your business or idea.
Then again, situations may change and, like big businesses in the past (think YouTube being a dating service), you may want to change your name – with exceptions!
A great website name is definitely worth its weight in gold!
Marc,
When it comes to domains you are correct. You can change your domain at a later date if you decide to. As You pointed out some of the big household names have done it successfully. However, before changing it take into consideration you may lose some clients in the transition.
Thanks for the comment and input.
CJ