Websites

[Jay Saunders]

I thought that I would make a quick (he hopes) comment about websites that might be useful to many users of this group.

I have noticed a plethora of people joining this network listing their website address as an offshoot of freewebs. If you have ever tried to direct someone to your website verbally, you will have encountered how difficult it is. The solution is very simple, inexpensive and give you more professional credibility.

Simply purchase a domain name and have that URL redirect to your freeweb. This is indeed what I do with my site:

I use the free webspace provided with my broadband account and have http://www.jaysplays.net redirect to that address. However the navigation line in the browser always lists JaysPlays.net. Incorporated with that domain name, I also gain 3 POP3 email accounts. All of this for the princely sum of £2.99 per annum.

And in all honesty, which looks better?

http://www.freewebs.com/jaysaunders

or

http://www.jaysplays.net

As an aside, the professional agents and producers that have visited my site have commented on the professionalism of the site in comparison to many of my peers (and that included the domain name).

[Mary J. Dressel]

I totally agree with you. Purchasing your own domain name looks very professional, and like you really are somebody! It's so worth it, and you can pay annually with freewebs.

[Shelagh Watkins]

Hi Jay and Mary,

I agree that having a domain name is worth the few extra pounds/dollars. I would also recommend adding a visitor counter. There are many free counters around and the one I use, statcounter.com, is excellent:

http://www.statcounter.com/

[D. J. Stephens]

I completley agree. Purchasing your own domain name adds professionalism to all your promotional materials.

www.djstephens.com

[Jay Saunders]

I also use statcounter (and again, it's free folks) and you get a huge amount of data on who is hitting your site, where they are, what browser they are using - and how long they spend on each page!

[Inez Laurie-Douglas]

It's definitely worth it to have your own domain name. Presentation is very important. I am also working on getting the counter - can help in making crucial marketing decisions.

[Gijo George]

Google Analytics is a tool which gives you detailed report about your visitors like where they come from, which keywords have been used etc. It comes absolutely free and all you have to do is to join the program and copy a few lines code to your website.

[Tracy B. Evans]

I use my own domain name, and I went through: www.renewaldomains.com.

Their prices are pretty cheap and I have had no problems with them at all. Check it out.

[Amber Rigby Grosjean]

Thank you for the information. I do agree, having your own domain does look more professional but for those who have no funds, finding a domain you can afford is very hard. Financially, it is very hard to promote books period, adding more for domain names and other online important things make it more difficult. I will keep looking for something as I build my budget from nothing lol.

But thank you for the information!
Amber

[Jay Saunders]

Yeah, budget is important when you're starting out. But I have to admit that my domain only costs me £9 per annum and that includes 3 POP3 email accounts - so there are good deals out there.