STEP 1
Choose a Domain Name and a WordPress® Platform Hosting Plan
Choose a Domain Name / URL
- Keep the name short an simple, 2-3 words avoid using hyphens and numbers if possible.
- Include relevant words to help with SEO
- Make it easy to spell and memorable, catchy phrases.
- Reflect your brand, consider your audiance
- Research existing sites and be unique to stand out from the others.
Domains and Hosting
A website domain is your online address (like www.example.com). It's what people type into their browser to find you. Think of it as your digital storefront sign.
On the other hand, website hosting is where your site actually lives. It's the storage space on a server that holds all your website's files, images, and content. In other words, if your domain is your address, hosting is the actual building.
Here's how they work together: Domains help people find you and are usually paid yearly. Meanwhile, hosting provides the computing power and storage space your site needs to run. Most hosting plans are billed monthly and include the technical infrastructure that keeps your website accessible 24/7.
In short, you need both—a domain to give your site an address and hosting to give it a home.
What is a URL?
A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the complete web address you see in your browser's address bar. It tells your browser exactly where to find a specific page or file on the internet.
Let's break down how URLs and domain names work together. First, a domain name (like "example.com") is the main part of the address—it's the easy-to-remember name that represents your website. Behind the scenes, however, this domain name actually points to an IP address, which is a string of numbers that identifies your site on the internet.
Meanwhile, a full URL includes more than just the domain name. For instance, it starts with a protocol (like http:// or https://), then includes the domain name, and finally adds the path to the specific page you're viewing.
How Does this All Work?
When you type a URL into your browser, the Domain Name System (DNS) translates that domain name into the numerical IP address. Think of DNS as the internet's phone book—it connects the name you type to the actual location of the website. This system runs on a network of servers around the world, which is why you can access any website from anywhere almost instantly.
In short, URLs are the complete addresses that help you navigate the web, while domain names are the memorable part that makes finding websites easy.
What are URL-TLDs?
TLD stands for "top-level domain"—it's simply the ending of your web address. For example, in www.example.com, the ".com" part is the TLD.
Below, you'll find a list of the most commonly used TLDs to help you choose the right one for your business. However, in my opinion, .com is still the best choice for most businesses. It's the most recognized and trusted by users. That said, there are times when a different TLD makes more sense depending on your specific needs.
.com (Commercial)
.org (Organization)
.net (Network)
.edu (Education)
.gov (Government)
.co (Company/Country)
.io (Input/Output, popular for tech companies)
.info (Information)
.biz (Business)
.me (Personal)
.ai (Artificial Intellignence)
Picking a Domain Name (URL)
Before you start searching for available domains, make a list of potential names first. This simple step will save you time and help you stay focused.
What makes a good domain name? Choose something that relates to your business and is easy to remember and share with others. Keep in mind that you'll likely use this name in both your printed materials and online advertising, so simpler is always better.
Check availability the easy way. Once you have your list, try typing each name into your browser as if it already exists. If you see a "site not found" message, there's a good chance that domain is available. This quick test helps you narrow down your options before you start the official search.
Why make a list first? Having several viable options ready prevents you from making impulse purchases or settling for a domain you don't really want. In other words, it keeps you from wasting money on URLs you won't use.
Already own a domain? No problem. If you purchased your domain through another company, you have two options. First, you can transfer it to your new hosting company. Alternatively, you can simply redirect it from where you bought it to your new website. Either way works, though many people prefer having both their domain and hosting billed by the same company for convenience.
What Hosting Plan Do You Need?
Here are a few things to consider when picking a Hosting Plan.
- Traffic volume: Estimate your expected visitor numbers and choose a plan that can handle the load.
- Storage Space: Consider the amount of content, images, and files your site will host.
- Security Features: Consider SSL certificates, firewalls, and regular backups.
- Technical support: Evaluate the quality and availability of customer service.
- Cost: Balance features with your budget, considering both short and long-term expenses.
Be aware of the introductory pricing and look for what the real price per year will be after the introductory price expires.
Choose a Reliable Hosting Company
Ideally you would want to purchase your Domain Name (URL) from the hosting company. It is easier to manage when both elements are together when it comes keeping track of subscription renewals and troubleshooting.
Choose a hosting company that offers a managed wordpress plan. Most of the big hosting companies have the fastest servers and will be your best choice for ensuring a well performing website. They should also offer atomatic installation of the WordPress Platform with a free SSL certificate installed, Also consider what type of technical support is included. GoJOEDaddy offers the same great technial support as any others by implementing Godaddy's qualified technicians to answer any questions you may have about your products or services.
Includes SSL Certificate
Personal Hosting Service
By becoming a certified GoDaddy reseller, JOE Design, Inc. can offer its clients a comprehensive solution for their website hosting and domain management needs. As a reseller, JOE Design, Inc. provides a branded version of GoDaddy's services, known as GoJOEDaddy. While the platform may have a slightly different name, GoJOEDaddy is technically the same as GoDaddy, leveraging the industry-leading infrastructure, reliability, and feature-rich hosting environment that GoDaddy is renowned for.
My clients also benefit from the convenience of a single point of contact for all their website needs, from domain registration and hosting to website creation and maintenance. With GoJOEDaddy, clients can rest assured that their websites are hosted on a secure, scalable, and high-performance platform, backed by the trusted GoDaddy brand and JOE Design, Inc.'s personalized customer support. Read More
Recommended Hosting Services
SSL Certificates
Lastly, include an SSL Certificate (Secure Socket Link) to your site. It puts the 's' in https: at the beginning of your URL. Some hosting compaines include this with your hosting package but others charge you extra for it. Regardless it is imparative to have one. Google search resluts will mark your site as unsafe in the search results if your site does not have the SSL certificate. The SSL certificate is only the first layer of security to ensure any content coming or going from your webiste is encrypted.
SSL certifcates are included and installed with all managed wordpress plans on GoJOEDadddy.com
Have Questions?
Please contact me directly.
Free Consulting is just a phone call away.
904-501-9526
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STEP 2
Install WordPress