Domain Names- own & promote your name

Buying your domain name and promoting your business or talent is not tough to do. Consider promoting your name as well as your business; especially if you are an Independent Tech, a Sales Professional, an Artist or planning to start a business.

Start with purchasing your name, such as BobSullivan.com. If your name is already taken then try something like AskMarci.com, BobinSeattle.com, BobTheWindowGuy, etc. Now you can start a simple Wordpress web site or redirect the new domain name to your Linkedin profile. Big Dog IT can set up and host a simple to use Wordpress site. If you aren’t ready to start your own site that can come later.

GoDaddy.com
This is a good place to purchase domain names. Best practice is to avoid hosting your domain at the place you buy the name.

With or without your own domain name (BobJones.com) you can post your profile at some of the directory sites listed below (there are many).  Adding your profile to social media sites and business directories is usually free and doesn’t require attending meetings or events. Include a business website and any other domain names that you want to promote.

Prepare a short description and a long one to have on hand so you can paste it right into your profile fields. Also include a small picture of yourself.

Here is a reasonable list of sites to get you started.

Facebook.com
After you create your personal profile you can create a business page on FB.
Facebook Business

BizNik.com
This is a social networking site which features articles and events. BizNik offers many features to help promote your business. Biznik members connect online, and meet in person in many cities.

Twitter.com
You will add your name or biz name after  twitter.com/….
Even if you aren’t ready to start tweeting, save your URL to use later.

Zoominfo.com
Directory

Meetup.com
Join a group- they have in person and online groups

Plaxo.com
Directory

Manta.com
Directory

Spoke.com
Directory

Xing.com
Directory

Bing.com
This is the new MSN live search – top right, Sign In

Google.com
Set up a personal profile at Google – sign in with gmail or create a new account to set up your profile.

Maps.Google.com
Add a review for another business, ask someone to post reviews for you.

local.Yahoo.com
Add a review for another business, ask someone to post reviews for you.

Yelp.com
User reviews for businesses and local search web. There are allegations that Yelp doesn’t offer a way for people to respond to or delete unfair reviews. Google something like how to use Yelp, or problems with Yelp and see what you think.

YouTube.com
Create a profile – google a phrase such as: how to use youtube for your business

Animoto.com
Not social networking or a directory, but I like this site because it’s a great way to create video with images, text, songs, or upload your own audio.  Look at the sample videos for ideas.

If you want to open a paid account enter this Referral Code: yhbpzkqj
Tip: look at the FAQ about image size – then crop & size your images before you start to upload. A FREE 30 second video uses about 15-20 images.
Animoto.com/help/faq

Ning.com
Here you can create your own social network. Start by naming your social network and choosing features (photos, videos, forums, events, etc.). Then customize your social network’s appearance and launch it! People who join your social network will have a customizable profile page and will be able to send messages and connect. Remember though, your content lives on the Ning network in their server.

Another tip in sending your profile out there…do a search for one of your competitors names, someone in your field, or a person you know is active in building their online exposure. Use those directories and sites to post your information.