Choosing Your Domain Name

Pick up the FREE Checklist to go along with this guide. It gives you step-by-step instructions on how to set up your teaching website (and you’ll get some bonus advice too!)

(If you are stuck on a domain name, go straight to the next section where you can get things up and running without getting a domain name)

So, first things first, you need a domain name. This has to be your own domain name and not just a free one using WordPress.com or BlogSpot. Those are fine (at best) for blogs, but not if you want to have a strong and professional looking site.

Choose a domain that is easy to remember and relevant to what you do. For example, if you are going to specialize in TOEFL exam preparation, then include TOELF in the domain. If you want to put the focus on yourself, then include your name in the domain.

There are many ways to get a original domain name, it just takes a little bit if creativity and initial searching.

I buy my domain names from Godaddy. Here are the steps to be taken:

  1. Check Availability – Here
  2. Add it to your cart.
  3. Ignore the extras.
  4. Choose the length of time you want.
  5. Complete the transaction.

It’s really simple but we’ll break it down some more.

Check availability

Check Godaddy Availability

 

 

This can be somewhat frustrating. Any generic search that you make will likely be taken. Just keep trying and think about how you can make it personal or unique. Try and keep it fairly short; however, a good long domain is better than a bad short one.

Add it to your cart and extras

Once you are happy click the “buy it now” button and choose the number of years you would like. The longer the better. This is because it tells search engines that you aren’t just creating a spammy site that you might drop after a year. But, if you’re short on money, then one year is fine as you can extend this at any time.

If you are offered any extras just ignore them, except for private registration. If you decide to register privately then your details won’t show in online searches of your domain. This is up to you. Once you have made that decision, enter you details and complete the transaction.

Easy, right? Now we need to get a hosting plan.