2. How to Purchase a Domain Name through GoDaddy

Watch my video below where I teach you step by step on how to purchase a domain name through GoDaddy.

The first step to creating a self hosted WordPress website is getting a domain name. A domain name is www.marinaduque.com. I chose to use GoDaddy because I have been using them for years after experiencing many failed customer service relationships with other domain companies. Yes, most domain companies also offer hosting services as well, but I recommend NOT putting all your eggs in one basket.

The best way to name your company

If you have a name in mind, I would consider going to GoDaddy to do a quick search to see if that name is available in a .com extension or use this tool below:

If it is not available, then I would consider renaming your company. It’s not worth it to be stuck with a company name and not having a matching domain, and heaven forbid, having to add hyphens and numbers.

Buying a domain name that has your own name in it.

This option is usually for those who’s companies are in their own name. Artists, accountants, lawyers, self proprietor’s etc. If you are trying to buy a domain name with your name on it, like www.johnnywalker.com and someone, somewhere on planet earth has the same name as you and already purchased it, then that really sucks. What would really suck more is if they bought that domain and parked it, only to try to auction it off to the highest bidder. I have recently seen domains as high as $24,000. Nope, not a typo. Thankfully, I bought my domain somewhere in the ancient time of 1998. I’ve also bought domains for my offspring, who could care less, but just in case they need it in the future and they will thank me later because right now, all they care about are Ninja Turtles. Think of it as real estate investment for the web.

What type of domain extension should you use?

.com– perceived as a more global company and would “reach” more clients.
.ca – if you are going to stay local, and NEVER expand anywhere outside of Canada, then do this. If there is even a remote possibility of .00000001% chance that you will expand to the USA, then don’t get this or you will regret it when that time comes. Reason being, you have established your base and brand, and to trying to change that in the years down the road will be a pain in the arse, not to mention the $$ you will need to spend.

Other than these 2 options, if you are a FOR PROFIT company, I would not consider getting any other extension.

Tips when buying a domain name

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT put hyphens or numbers in your domain name. Unless of course, there are hyphens and numbers in your company name (at which point I will ask you “are you for realsies?”) You want your domain name to match exactly to your company name. For example, Danielle’s Cupcakes should be www.daniellescupcakes.com. People remember simple things. When you start throwing in hyphens and numbers mixed in with letters, you will start getting a whole lot of confusion and then people will be trying to Google your name, not remembering what your company was called, get frustrated, and then forget about you and move on to your competitor. Kinda like www.daniellescupcakes4u.com (um NO).

Surprise fact about me: I name my company names based on the availability of the domain name.

Steps to buying a domain name

Go to GoDaddy. There is really no step by step, so just follow their instructions. I must warn you that GoDaddy’s website is a mess and notorious at sneakily trying to get you to click on things you don’t need and can be extremely confusing. So make sure you read over everything and click only the things you DO need. So what do you REALLY need? Well, only two things:

• Domain Name (select the term you want)
• Privacy Option (protecting your name and address from being seen on the WHOIS directory)

That’s it. Nothing else. Don’t get their hosting. Don’t get their email. Don’t get their kitchen sink. Also look out for specials. Like today, there is a special on $2.99 domains. But of course, you need to purchase the second year at $19.99 to get this deal. Then adding privacy at $9.99 per year, which brings your total to be in the $40 area. Sigh….