SimplyWebtastic

If you decide to write an online blog, you will need to create a domain name so that others will be able to find you on the Internet.  You have two choices: subscribe to an online blog service like WordPress.com or Blogger.com, or create your own branded name like mine, SimplyWebtastic.com.

Take the time to consider your blog’s name and how you want people to access it.

If you subscribe to an online blog service, your blog’s domain name will be something like, mysite.blogger.com.  This format is slightly larger than a standard domain name, and it is harder for readers to remember.  However, for casual blogging this is a great method and above all, it’s free and a good, fast way to get started in blogging.

The alternate choice is to register for your own domain name.  You can read my previous article about choosing web hosts to get a better understanding about the costs and benefits of each method.

In this post, I would like to discuss the implications to your readers of choosing one method over the other. Your website name helps you build credibility and a sense of professionalism around your blog.  Having a domain name that reflects your topic, theme, mood, or brand image, helps the reader to associate more with your blog.  Above all, I think that this personalized domain name gives the blogger a truer sense of ownership and pride.  This is your domain!

There are also the more tangible benefits as well.  Your own domain means that you can have e-mail addresses branded with your domain name and depending on the name you chose, you may also get better search engine ranking.

I have been asked many times how I came up with the name SimplyWebtastic.  Honestly, I came up with this name back in 1998 just as the Internet was getting it’s steam.  For some reason, I liked it and decided to register it.  Now, 10 years later, I’m finding a use for it with blogging.  It may be slightly long, but I think it’s a name that is different and may stick in readers heads.  If that happens, then it will have turned out to be a very good name!

So, if you are thinking about blogging, give some (no a lot) of thought into how you want your name to show and what you want it to be.  Let it reflect who you are, and I think you’ll get more enjoyment from the blogging experience.