You have a business ready to go, and you want to get it online. Great! First thing’s first: register your business URL. (your URL, also called your “domain” is the home page for your business. For example, EarthLink’s is www.earthlink.net)
Ideally, you’ll be able to register the “.com” or “.net” that is your business name as-is. For instance, if you own “Super Business ABC,” it would be great to own “www.superbusinessabc.com”. However often domain names are already claimed (you can search for domain names HERE!), you may have to get creative. Make sure it’s a domain that customers will remember if it’s different from your name, like “www.SuperBizABC.com” or “www.superbusiness-abc.com”.
TIP: If a suitable “.com” or “.net” is not available, you can register another ending…just make sure to clearly advertize it, since customers will assume most sites are either “.com” or “.net”
TIP: Also, if possible, register the same domain (“www.superbusinessabc”) with multiple endings (.com, AND .net) and have your web hosting provider “point” them at each other. (EarthLink does this for you, and we even do it ourselves…if you type in EarthLink.com, you’ll be redirected to EarthLink.net!)
Once you have a domain registered, it needs to be “hosted” somewhere (so people can actually visit it online).
TIP: Decide if you want business email addresses as part of your hosting plan. This will allow you to have your email be “@” your url (ex. John@superbusinessabc.com), which customers adore!
Check out EarthLink’s pricing options for registering domains and getting a hosting plan!