What's in a (Domain) Name?

Our Internet Service Providers often provide us with a FREE email account and their name for us (like MyName@att.net). Or we can sign up for a FREE account through hotmail.com, Gmail.com, ad infinitum. However, if you have a business, it makes a LOT of sense to register a domain name even if you don't need a website*.
If you register a domain name (for about $1/month through GoDaddy.com) you can set up 100 forwarding accounts that will forward to your Gmail or other account. This benefits you because it:

• Is permanent. If you change from Gmail to Hotmail, you just have to change the forwarding and not notify all your contacts of an address change or update all the on-line accounts that asked for your email address. (And who will remember them ALL?)
• Brands YOU. Every email you send will remind recipients of YOUR domain name and not Gmail, etc. (They get enough promotion, do YOU?)
• Looks more professional. Putting your registered email address on your business card looks more permanent. (Putting Gmail on your card, is like putting a PO Box on your card. Totally OK but might raise a question mark about business longevity - how long have you been around and how long will you BE around?)

If you are interested in registering a domain name, we recommend Godaddy because of all the services they provide and the 24/7 help desk. CLICK HERE to search for availability and call us if you need ideas on a domain name.

*Next post on why EVERY business needs a website (even if it's just one page)!