Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

AngelicaP33 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-28-2009

Can anyone give me advice on what is a good domain name to use? I understand you need to get a domain name first before creating a website. ANd what exactly is a domain name? Is it the http address? New to all this-thanks!

Tess · #2 (**permalink**) 07-28-2009

Hi Angelica

Yes, you've got it - your domain name is your HTTP address on the web. I'd recommend getting a domain name that reflects your business name, exactly if possible. So if your company name is XYZ Virtual Assistants then you might want to purchase www.xyzvirtualassistants.com [assuming it's not already in use by someone else].

And then you'll need to be aware that you must renew your ownership of your domain name each year, usually for the same cost at which you purchased it initially [about $10 a year].

I hope that helps

Essential · #3 (**permalink**) 07-28-2009

Angelica,

I am curious. Do you have a business plan?

AngelicaP33 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-28-2009

Thanks Tess! Ok now I have another question. I've been brainstorming about a business name and I came across GRIP Bookkeeping Services (I thought of the word GRIP from the logo/pic I am using on my business cards and website) Anyways, should I use instead Virtual Assistant rather than Bookkeeping Services? If I use my whole businessname+the virtualassistants.com that will be like 46 char. Is that too long of a domain name? Any suggestions?

AngelicaP33 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-28-2009

Originally Posted by Essential

Angelica,

I am curious. Do you have a business plan?

It's not complete yet but I am working on it.

Tess · #6 (**permalink**) 07-28-2009

No, it was just an example

I would go with whatever your company name is for your domain name.

Congratulations on taking those first important steps!

e-IndyOffice · #7 (**permalink**) 07-28-2009

I agree with trying to keep the domain name short - you will be typing it a lot and so will everyone else trying to find you. Pick a name you like and fits your business model or your personality. I worked for about 6 weeks to find my business name because everything I thought of was either taken or friends vetoed it!! I think mine is a little too long, ebusinessonlinesupport but it descriptions what I do and that was an important factor for me. Good luck and take your time.

Janet

THVA Trish · #8 (**permalink**) 07-28-2009

Angelica,
For example, my business name is THVA; my url is www.thvaonline.com (b/c some company wanted $900 for the thva url). When you decide who will host your site, they usually can provide the url registration (for a small fee) and you can type in different urls until you get the one you want. It's actually fun to do this, b/c everything you do just takes you one step closer to your goal. Have fun.

AngelicaP33 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-29-2009

Originally Posted by e-IndyOffice

I agree with trying to keep the domain name short - you will be typing it a lot and so will everyone else trying to find you. Pick a name you like and fits your business model or your personality. I worked for about 6 weeks to find my business name because everything I thought of was either taken or friends vetoed it!! I think mine is a little too long, ebusinessonlinesupport but it descriptions what I do and that was an important factor for me. Good luck and take your time.

Janet

Thanks Janet! I will take your advice and take my time. I tend to rush things and then that's that....but I don't want to later on down the road regret that I didn't take more time on my business name. I'm still jotting things down on paper. I've only asked one friend about my "Ideal" business name, maybe I should ask more than one!

Office Goddess · #10 (**permalink**) 07-29-2009

I like www.GRIPBookkeepingServices.com (assuming it is available to use). You don't HAVE to have VA anywhere in your name and GRIP definitely leads to some great logo designs and taglines.