There’s a lot to think about in business. But what’s in a name? Did you realize you need to own your company and personal name across multiple web platforms? This is the reality of doing business in the 21st Century – so let’s jump right in.
Master of Your Domain
Doing business in the modern world means you absolutely have to be online. And you absolutely need to own at the very least your company’s domain name, where you can launch a business website at some point. Even if you’re not ready to build the site out yet, get your name reserved ASAP. This is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill. Tip: Don’t be fooled, there are scam websites that make you think you are checking to see if your domain name is available, but then steal it and make you try to pay an exorbitant amount. Work with a website consultant or reputable hosting website such as 1and1.com or GoDaddy.com and be ready to purchase your domain(s) immediately.
Get Personal and Competitive, Too
Personal branding is extremely important, so while you’re at it, you should strongly consider purchasing your own name or some variation of your name, as a domain. Also, you might want to pick up your competitors’ domain name or something they might want. Say you are a professional dog walker. You might want to buy BestDogWalker or FavoriteDogWalker just to keep a competitor from getting it later. Or you can use it, yourself. Tip: It’s okay to be a domain name hoarder. They are cheap and a great investment. Domain names are like shoes, you can never have too many.
Get Super Social
Names aren’t just for website URLs anymore. You need to get your company and personal name – or some variation on it, on all of the social media channels, too – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, etc. Social media sites can be just as important, if not more so, than your actual website! Tip: Claim your name on social sites whether or not you use them right now. It might also keep someone else with the same name or someone who might want to harm your reputation from getting it.
I hope this topic has inspired you to secure your business and personal name across all of the necessary platforms. Do not delay – you can indeed be the master of your domain.