domain name help

someone elses thread brought up a question...

first...tell me...would you advise me not to use my first and middle name like i had originally wanted because when you google it you get inundated with porn??

second the other name i love doesn't have the .com available although no one seems to be using it...would you go with .net or some other alternative??

also...someone mentioned that they have gmail host it for them...so...how does that work?

Gmail does not host websites, but you can have your email managed by google.

And I'm pretty sure any female name is going to bring up porn....

This is a hard one, coming up with the perfect domain name. I used my first and last name. It stays true to who I am, and.. luckily doesn't pull up anything questionable.

As for the dot net or dot com, I think you can get away with one or the other [or even a .me] But if one is taken, it may become an issue if the other domain [.whatever] comes into play on the search engine registries.

What a bummer, I feel for ya. Wish I could help more.

thanks guys...my first and last name doesn't bring up porn haha but unfortunately and oddly enough there's already a photographer in my state using it!

i just found out that i could add online to the end of the other one i like and it's available so i'll probably just do that.

whatever you do, register it with godaddy and search on google before hand "godaddy coupon codes" you'll save yourself some money.

thanks so much for that tip! will do!

also...if i'm still in the portfolio building stage...should i hold off on registering the domain and ordering a logo?

i have worked at other studios and have produced work that i'm proud of but don't have the rights to any of those...so...i'm really at square one here. i'm thinking i should just concentrate on refing my vision and putting together a solid portfolio...i'm very likely getting way ahead of myself thinking about websites and domain names but just trying to see the big picture vision i guess.

I don't use websites to promote photography or anything, but my advice on your last question would be to at least register the domain name so you know you have it, and than just park it.

It is a relatively low yearly amount to know you have your domain name locked down until you are ready to go live.

If you are sure the domain you want is the one you are going to go with.

Stay away from GoDaddy!!! Im using it right now and it's a pain in the ass!

sbattey wrote in post #12406422
And I'm pretty sure any female name is going to bring up porn....

not necessarily true, but easy to find out no?

erinavery wrote in post #12408291
thanks so much for that tip! will do!

also...if i'm still in the portfolio building stage...should i hold off on registering the domain and ordering a logo?

i have worked at other studios and have produced work that i'm proud of but don't have the rights to any of those...so...i'm really at square one here. i'm thinking i should just concentrate on refing my vision and putting together a solid portfolio...i'm very likely getting way ahead of myself thinking about websites and domain names but just trying to see the big picture vision i guess.

I am so there... I was working at another studio, and now am happily out on my own. IMO--- You're not getting ahead of yourself. Here's what I did.

Bought a web page from photobiz $15 a month although it's like 250 for the set up. (I'm sure you can get a cheaper site, but at least this way I can update it myself, and the shopping cart is secure not to mention great customer service and a 30 day money back guarantee) As far as the portfolio thing I just did away with the galleries, and put together a nice slide show. I can add galleries later when I have more photos to add. You have to also buy a Merchant acct and through photobiz you get one for $4 a month.. so Basicly for $20 a month you can have your own site, online ordering, and cc transactions.

I also went to godaddy, and for $7 a year I got my name http://www.jennifercoa​ts.com . That says alot, because you are standing behind you name, and it makes it easy to remember. I would always go the .com route. Anyways all that said to let you know that you can spend very little and still offer professional services.

P.S Do Daddy was great and so is their customer service.

Oh yeah, if you do sign up with photo biz please list me as a referral. thanks

And did I mention that there are NO CONTRACTS from any of the above mentioned. just saying

^^ what do you mean they're a pain the ass? their website hosting or email?

i actually went ahead and did it just now...because it doesn't cost too much and at least i have it for when i'm ready.

edit: that was for the posts above you.

but to you thanks so much for all that. i will definitely look into them as well and list you as a referral if i go that route.

the website tonight is the one I'm having problems with. the hosting and e-mail is fine. the interface creating websites are not too user friendly.

oh another question...do i have to get my business license and tax id number and all that before setting up the website? i'm thinking i do...or at least before i try and actually take on any paid jobs.

i didn't set a license or anything but I didn't put anything for sale or paid job assignment on mine. its just a gallery per se.

jeppoy wrote in post #12408801
Stay away from GoDaddy!!! Im using it right now and it's a pain in the ass!

Obviously because you have no idea what your doing, its easy as 123 period.