Hi, I'm Namer!
I'm a domain name generator powered by artificial intelligence. I've studied the internet (it's a big job but someone's gotta do it) and learned more about domain names than anyone wants to know. I'm ready to think of a creative and memorable domain name for your blog or website. Let's go!
Quick Guide to Starting a Website
Building your first website can seem overwhelming, but it's actually not that hard once you learn a few basics. The internet is full of information and tools to make your life easier. Here's a quick overview to point you in the right direction.
check_circleStep 1: Choose your domain
This is Namer's job! Your domain name is like your address on the internet; it's how visitors will find you. Here are a few important tips to keep in mind when looking for a domain name idea:
- Shorter is better.
- Avoid dashes (-) or other filler characters, because they are hard for visitors to remember.
- Make it memorable. Does it roll off the tongue easily? Is it simple to spell?
- Ideally choose a .com extension. Many new extensions are available these days, but .com is still the most memorable, professional, and classic option.
- Think about your brand first. Choose a domain name that matches the mood you want to convey. If you're not sure of your brand yet, you'll want to leave a little room to grow.
Tip: If you're not finding names you like with Namer, make sure to try a few different search terms and use the "More like this" button next to each result to expand your search.
check_circleStep 2: Choose a host
A host is the company that connects your site to the internet. There are a wide range, from free and bare-bones basic (good for an experimental project or very small site) to expensive plans that can handle a large site and manage a lot of important tasks for you. Here are a few popular ideas to get you started:
Free and bare-bones:
Services like these allow you to run a small site for free, but expect to get what you pay for. You may run into limitations with setting up email accounts, storing lots of data,
running multiple sites at once, or even needing to log in periodically to keep your account active. If you choose a free host, you'll need to switch or upgrade later once your new website starts to
get traction.
Low cost starter plans, with options to upgrade as you grow:
Plans like these are a good fit for most new websites. You can start with just a few dollars a month and upgrade as needed.
Note that many host providers offer really attractive promotional prices. It's great to take advantage of these, but note that usually the promo price only lasts for a year and then you'll be paying the full price, so make sure you know the terms or you'll be stuck having to migrate your site or expand your budget.
check_circleStep 3: Build your website
These days you don't need any coding skills to build a website. Whether you're experienced or just beginning, you can't go wrong choosing the extremely popular Wordpress.org platform. It's free, reliable, extensible, and can grow with you and your skills as your website matures. Most hosts (including the ones mentioned above) offer very easy 1-click installs of Wordpress once you've signed up for a plan with them.
Once Wordpress is installed, you're ready to start building your site! You can learn everything you need to know using free online guides and articles. If you prefer a more structured approach, the education website Udemy offers a wide range of online classes on website design, Wordpress, marketing, and tons of other useful topics.
check_circleStep 4: Manage your website
If you're planning to manage your website or blog yourself, here are some good topics to start researching:
- Protecting your site with security and regular backups
- Optimizing your site for search engines (SEO)
- Marketing techniques for driving traffic to your site
There's more to it than this, but these tips should point you in the right direction. Building a website or starting a blog can be a really interesting project! Good luck and have fun.