

Are you a small business owner with questions about getting online? In this article, we dig into online presence management, as well as cover some helpful tips so you can get the most out of a domain name.
Many people associate domain names (.com) with website addresses, but there are other ways to make the most out of a domain name.
Registering a domain name is easy and only takes a few steps:
Step 1: The first step is to choose the domain extension, such as .com. Also referred to as a top-level domain (TLD), a domain extension may influence how your audience perceives you or your business. For example, many businesses choose .com and .net because these are well-known extensions, while many nonprofits and charitable organizations choose .org because it’s short for “organization.”
Step 2: Next, search for a domain name that works to best describe your business. While choosing your exact business name to use as your domain name may be an option, it doesn’t have to be the same. Some businesses add keywords to be more memorable or descriptive for potential customers. Another popular option is to use geographic keywords for local businesses. Here are a few examples:
Step 3: Once you’ve found available domain names you like, you’ll need to choose a domain name registrar to help you purchase it. If you don’t already have a domain name registrar in mind, you can choose one by searching online or getting a recommendation from other business owners you trust. The process for registering a domain name may vary depending on the registrar, but generally, you’ll communicate the following:
Once it’s registered, you can start using your domain name immediately for your website, to point to an existing online presence, or to create a business email address.
Social media is an important tool small businesses can use to connect with customers and market themselves online, but it doesn’t provide the same customizable experience that a website with a domain name can deliver.
Many businesses start their online journey with a “social first” approach to selling products and services. While this can be a lower-cost way to test the waters for your business before investing in a website, forwarding your .com domain name to your social media page can help boost awareness of your business by creating a personalized and memorable web address to help prospects and customers find your business online. It also locks your desired domain name in place, so when you’re ready to build a website, your domain name of choice is ready to go.
Good news: You don’t need to be a “techie” to build your own website. There are a variety of website builder tools available today that make creating a website easy. A simple search for “website builders” in your browser will return numerous options to choose from. Internet hosting companies may also offer website tools or premium plans that include building your website for you. However, before you build your website, be sure to answer these questions:
Answering these questions can help you decide what will be included on your site and how you plan to maintain and promote it, as well as which website building tool or service to use.
Online presence management may be faster, easier and more beneficial than you thought. It’s an important step in taking your business to the next level. Whether you’re trying to connect with existing customers or build new customer or partner relationships, now’s the perfect time to get a domain name.
Verisign is the registry operator of the .com top-level domain. Trusted by global companies, savvy startups, and local merchants, a .com domain name can help businesses of all sizes connect with customers and partners.
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Funded, in part, through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.