Do You Own Your Name?
Marketplace sites, such as Zibbet, and free blog hosting services, such as Blogger, make it easy for people to create a business on the internet - without even needing to purchase a URL (website address).
But don’t get swept away by convenience! You really do need to purchase some URLs. Even if you don’t want to develop a site onto the website address, I recommend that you own your personal name and business name.
Why? Because people are going to Google you. Trust me, they will. And what do you want them to see when they do that? You want them to see good information, of course!
If you don’t purchase your personal name or business name, and someone else does, your potential customers could end up getting the wrong idea about you.
For example, let’s say that there was another person out there with my name. I already purchased CrissyHerron.com, but let’s just say that I didn’t - let’s say that the fictional Crissy did. And let’s also imagine that she hated marketing, and put up a bunch of stuff on her site that said so.
Well, if someone who was researching me or Indie Biz Chicks found that, they would wonder what kind of game I was playing. That person may not take the time to full investigate and realize that another person wrote that…
If this fictional scenario were real, I could lose business over not having bought CrissyHerron.com
Now, let’s say that your shop URL is Zibbet.com/YourBusinessName and perhaps you met someone on Twitter, and a few days later they wanted to visit your shop, but all they could remember was YourBusinessName… If they Googled that, what would they find? That’s why it’s important to purchase YourBusinessName.com
As you can see, it may not be necessary to purchase any URLs to set up an online shop, but it is still a worthy investment. You can purchase them for around $10 per year at registrars, such as GoDaddy.com. Remember - you don’t have to set up a full-blown website on it if you don’t want to. But you are protecting yourself from someone else purchasing your name.
Crissy Herron is the founder of Indie Biz Chicks, a website that provides business, marketing, and publicity info to “women who’d rather work for themselves, than work for the man.” You can follow her on Twitter and Facebook, or learn more about her passion for entrepreneurship and the DIY movement.Photo courtesy of goodrob13 via Flickr
Tags: business, buy domain, domain names, URL
Great first post Crissy.
I agree, buying a domain name (whether in your personal or business name) doesn’t cost a great deal. If you don’t want to set up your own online shop then you can just have a blog with info on your products, shop links etc. It all contributes to exposure for your business, which is a good thing.
Just over a year ago I purchased a domain name & a web hosting package. Being a bit of computer geek I loved the challenge of setting up & customising a ecommerce site (I use Cubecart) and blog for my jewellery business. To me, it feels great saying to someone that you can find my jewellery on blackheartjewellery.com.
Jules
Thank you, Jules! I’m glad to hear that you have already taken that step and have secured your business name! It definitely protects you and the work you are doing!Good job!
I also own http://www.portablegraffiti.com Even though it has no cart to buy anything, it leads right to my Portable Graffiti shop on Zibbet.
I have had the name since 1979.
Just 2 days ago, an old customer of mine in NH from 1994, found me by googling Portable Graffiti. They sent this email from my web site:
“I am trying to locate Judy to order more buttons for a rock band. Do I have the correct address?”
This email makes me think I should also add my name to my web site.
Thank you for this info! I have a shop domain, but didn’t think about purchasing my own name. Great pointers and you took the stress off with your reassurance that you don’t have to develop a site with it! I don’t do a whole heck of alot with my business url, but having it there is one more way for the search engines to find me.
After I read this piece I immediately went and purchased a domain name to tie in with my shops and secure a web site. I’ve been so thorough with every other aspect of starting a new venture I can’t believe I forgot something so obvious. Thanks for the reminder!
PortableGraffiti - What a great example of how that can play out in real life! I’m glad your customer found you! (and yes - having your name on your website is a big “must have.”
LibertyOriginals - I’m glad you found this post helpful. And you are right about the search engines. The more sites, pages, posts, etc that they can find with your name on them, the better.
KarinSF - Yay! I’m so glad that this inspired you to purchase a domain!! Thanks for the posting that!
Great advice, I just recently broke down and bought http://www.beachyrustica.com which I should have done a long time ago!
I try to tell all my friends this also! I’ve been a prowebmaster for over 5 years.. having a domain is very important when selling online also.. And its really easy to buy one and have it forwarding to your store..
Great post!
Unfortunately, my name is already gone - ack! - what do I do? (It’s a theraputic massage place in Victoria, B.C. - who knew?) I am so stupid about these things..
You’re not stupid! So don’t say that. Now, try to find something that is similar - such as your first name and last initial or your first name, middle initial, and then last name. But make sure you get a .com - that’s very important!
Thank you. Been meaning to do this and needed your push!
OK - so ’stillpointworks’, my Etsy and Zibbet name is gone. Can I link these stores to my real name - clairemaunsell.com (which is not gone!) Usually in my banner I say ’stillpointworks’ - jewelry by Claire Maunsell.
Does this work?
6 months ago I got myself a domain: http://www.smilingbluedog.com
and it’s forwarded to my Etsy shop.
Now I’ve opened a Zibbet shop, but now don’t know how I can
include it, without a lot of technical experience.
(BTW- Never thought to get one for my personal name… )
Thank you
I would love to own potatoface.com. unfortunately, I would have to pay $700 to buy it. Too ridiculous.
So if I purchase a domaine name how does it get out there where people can find you if you don’t have a web site?
Also is there a free real easy place for someone who doesn’t know a lot about computers to set up a web site. I know a little Html AND THINGS THAT I have learned since 2002 when I first got started on a computer.I am 73 years old so was not raised witha computer so you understand what I am talking about
Doh! I’ve been working with my husband on securing his band name, but never even considered the importance of doing so myself. Thank you so much for putting this out there.
I trademarked my business name and the logo as soon as I finished the dba for and I’m so glad I did. I did the trademark myself after doing a pretty thorough search. I’ve also bought a few domains in and around my name also. Kind of a good thing is that a cosmetic giant has TM’d the name Love the Skin You’re In and so when someone does a search my business also comes up…I take that as a good thing.
Thanks Chrissy for your article on this important topic. I’m also a member of your Indie Biz Chicks site and I love all the tips and tricks you pass on.
Thank you!
Sue
Thank you for the reminder. This is something I have been meaning to do but it got lost in the notes. You have a very direct easy to understand writing style and I am going to follow your blog now I’ve found you.
Thanks again Carrie
yup I bought my a few weeks ago so happy I did it.
I do have my own, and I would like to start redirecting it to zibbet.
I am alittle confused. New to all this .How does one go about getting a domain name?
Hi all!
Would someone be so kind as to recommend a few reliable sites where people can go and purchase their domain? This may help make it less daunting a task for people just starting out.
Thanks
