97% of consumers use the Internet to learn more about local businesses. This statistic implies the importance of establishing a strong online presence, starting with a professional website.

However, securing a domain name is simply the starting point; the real challenge is managing this strategic resource.

Here, we address the crucial question: “I have a domain name; now what?” and then guide you through additional exercises after the domain name purchasing.

From choosing the finest hosting company to creating an engaging website, we shall focus on the vital steps and recommendations to turn your domain name into a successful platform.

Step 1: Selecting Your Ideal Web Hosting Provider

“I have a domain name; now what?” This is where the real work begins. Your website, a complex interplay of files and applications, requires a reliable foundation for its online presence. This foundation is provided by a web hosting service- the digital equivalent of a physical server.

A web host is the focal repository of a website’s files and makes these files available for the World Wide Web to access.

  • Shared Hosting: Shared hosting entails cohabiting a server with other websites. Each website has its designated space, but they rely on the same server resources.
  • Managed WordPress Hosting: This premium service is carefully architected as a performance-focused approach to optimise WordPress sites to load quickly despite significant traffic.
  • VPS Hosting (Virtual Private Server): VPS hosting offers an elevated shared hosting tier with enhanced isolation and greater control. You are allocated a separate virtual space while you share the same physical server as other users.
  • Dedicated Hosting: As the term implies, dedicated hosting entails having premises for yourself or, more appropriately, having an entire server. You have complete autonomy on all aspects of customisation and configuration.
  • Cloud Hosting: Cloud hosting is based on a cluster of interconnected virtual servers that perform cooperatively to maintain your site’s usability. Consequently, cloud hosting breaks down your website into numerous servers while distributing its contents. In any case, where one or more servers experience a traffic outage, others will ensure your business is constantly represented online.
Also Read – Top Protips to make your WordPress website more secure and faster

Step 2: Navigating Domain Transfer

When you want to combine web hosting and domain administration under one provider, domain transfer— moving your domain name from its current registrar to a new one—becomes crucial. Owing to this protection, unauthorised domain transfers are less likely.

Presuming you are eligible to proceed, access your account with your current domain registrar and locate the option to unlock your domain. Request an authorisation code (EPP code) from your current registrar. This unique code serves as a security measure to approve the transfer.

Visit the domain transfer page of your new web host. Enter your domain name and authorisation code and follow the subsequent instructions. You will receive emails from your current and new registrar requesting the transfer confirmation.

After your confirmation, log in to your account and navigate to the Domains section to monitor the transfer status.

Also Read – 6 Key Reasons to Transfer Your Domain

Step 3: Developing Your Website

The website creation process offers numerous options, catering to varying levels of technical expertise and budget constraints. Carefully evaluate these options to select the website-building approach that best aligns with your needs and skill set.

Here are the primary methods to consider:

  • Website Builders: User-friendly and often equipped with a greatly simplified graphics interface with a drag-and-drop function, website builders are best suited to beginners. Many of them provide users with predesigned themes and templates that aid in building a webpage regardless of your coding expertise.
  • Content Management Systems (CMS): If you would like to have increased ability to modify the appearance, feel, and manageability of your site, then getting a CMS is beneficial, especially when choosing WordPress. Although this option does assume a certain degree of skill, it is the most flexible and comes with plugin and theme support for further customisation.
  • Professional Web Development: If you prefer a hands-off approach, hire an experienced web developer. This route allows you to collaborate with a team of specialists who ensure your website is optimised for traffic and search engine visibility, managing every detail from layout to branding.

Step 4: Website Security and Brand Protection

Robust security measures safeguard sensitive information, inspire customer confidence, and protect your brand from cyber threats.

Here are some essential strategies to implement:

  • SSL Certificates: SSL certificates encrypt sensitive data, including customer information, during transactions, making them especially important for online retailers. It guarantees that users registering or saving information on your platform will do so in a secure environment. Furthermore, as Google favours safe websites, SSL certificates indicate a website’s credibility while improving its search engine rating.
  • Encourage Strong Passwords: Brute-force attacks are often used to exploit popular passwords in hacking attempts. Prioritise creating complicated passwords that use a mix of capital and lowercase characters, digits, and symbols to combat this.
  • Frequent Software Updates: Software updates regularly fix vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit. They also frequently include new features and better functionality, which improves the website’s usability and speed.
  • Trademark Protection: A federal trademark implies that your intellectual property and brand are protected throughout the country so that no one can use them as their own. Trademarking helps build on your brand authority while at the same time affords you the legal right to sue for infringement.
Pro Tip: Boost your security by enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA). With MFA, you’ll need more than just a password—expect a one-time code or push notification to verify your identity. This simple step helps keep your accounts safer from unauthorised access.

Even if a hacker gains one credential, MFA deters further access. Pair it with data encryption to enhance security, making your website less vulnerable, especially for small businesses.

Step 5: Optimising for Search Engine Visibility

SEO plays its role in directing a substantial amount of organic traffic to your website. Your website gains a prominent place in search engine result pages (SERPs) after being indexed by search engines like Google, boosting the online visibility of your business. Here is how to achieve optimal search engine visibility:

  • Create a Sitemap: A sitemap directs search engines towards your website’s organisation. Most website builders offer automatic sitemap generation.
  • Optimise for Search Ranking: Ensure your website content loads quickly by optimising image sizes and minimising the use of excessive videos or interactive features. Compelling meta titles and descriptions entice users to click on your website in search results.
Pro Tip: For an improved SEO, undertake keyword research to ensure all terms relevant to the website are incorporated into the site. Speed up the web page by reducing the number of HTTP requests for better result and faster loading.

Implement browser caching to enrich the user experience. Last but not least, it is crucial to periodically track your website’s position on the search engine result pages and tweak your SEO strategy to remain relevant.

Also Read – How to Make A Sitemap For Your Website SEO

Step 6: Building Your Digital Identity

Being active on social media sites and having an effective corporate email plan will enrich your brand awareness and customer trust and, subsequently, flourish your business.

  • Social Media Engagement: Begin by identifying the social media platforms most frequented by your target audience. Engage your audience using features specific to that platform, including hashtags, stories, and lives. Consequently, ensure you are active on your accounts, measure key performance indicators, and modify your approach based on findings.
  • Professional Email Communication: A custom email address utilising your domain name conveys professionalism and credibility to your audience. Send high-quality email content and informative newsletters, announce special offers, and share valuable content with your subscribers. Measure your email campaigns by tracking their effectiveness by tracking open rates, click-through rates, and other key metrics.

The Bottom Line

“I have a domain name now what?” signifies your starting point on the website development journey. This guide has equipped you with the essential knowledge to navigate the subsequent steps.

Crazy Domains empowers you throughout this process, offering a comprehensive suite of tools. With its domain search, registration, web hosting, and website-building features, you can establish an online identity and brand recognition and build a thriving website.

Empower your brand with a strong online presence. Choose Crazy Domains to get started.