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@YourDomain.com: Name It To Claim It
note: My internet experience began as a CompuServe subscriber. CIS as they were known delivered content over local phone exchanges at 2400kbs. If you were on the road there was a toll-free 800 number to jack into to retrieve a local number.
As the bbs model evolved into the web, I migrated to Earthlink — still modem/phone line connectivity — and with it came my original "@earthlink.net" email address.
Eventually the need for high speed meant either a local dsl or cable based subscription. If I wanted to keep the earthlink address, which I did, my choice was Time Warner cable or Verizon dsl. Time Warner became Brighthouse, and still carries Earthlink. If I change ISPs – or move out of TW’s market – that “@earthlink.net” address disappears. I didn’t know then what I know now, which is to secure a unique domain registry and a host.
1. Register your own unique URL. Don’t rush. It’s almost guaranteed your first, second and tenth choices are already taken but don’t give up; be creative. Explore alternative names. Once you’ve secured your own domain you have total control over your primary email name choices.
2. The temptation is great but resist the urge to go with anything other than a "dot-com" or "dot-net" domain. Unless you’re absolutely sure your domain will be for email only, lower tier URLs like “name@name.biz” are mostly ignored by search engines.
3. Select a host (hosts sell and maintain server space that delivers your uploaded content in response to web requests). Check if they offer CP control panel, a versatile tool which makes site administration and customization a lot easier.
Research the details of turnkey sites offering all in one registration, hosting and EZ setup based on themed templates. Pitfalls include incorrectly added subdomains that can result in blacklisting. (My preferred hosting partner is Linksky; they offer several great plans running on state of the art mirrored servers.)
4. Once you’ve selected your host, you’re set. Use an existing template, design your own or commission a custom site design; host your own blog; install a Content Management System (CMS). A properly optimized home (index) html page by itself can work wonders as a unique beacon shining your individual light throughout the internet. Congratulations! You now have your own unique “@i.d.”
your email – your brand Professional communication strategies these days include social, blog, chat, text and even phone. But the one medium that underpins all the above is email. The strongest current in the broad river that makes up our digital connectivity — chit-chatting to the planet about family, job, interests and goals — email (alt. e-mail) sets the tone for our image, online and beyond.
go beyond “ocho8t56@gmail.com” Karla Gower, associate professor of advertising and public relations at the University of Alabama, says that “Social media platforms, such as MySpace, Facebook and Twitter, have changed the way people communicate and behave.” And in so doing they’ve greatly expanded the opportunity for one-to-one communication beyond the platform dependent messaging provided.
For most of us, email is the first step – the point of contact – in starting a conversation and the essential link in maintaining one.
You don’t really need an ISP (Internet Service Provider) — alternatives are a dependable hangout offering free WiFi for your away from home office. But before settling for the ubiquitous web (or ISP) standard issue @gmail.com or @yahoo.com, consider how that dovetails with the image you’re projecting.
sorry — that name’s taken The biggest drawback is dealiing with duplicate names. Free and/or ISP generated accounts are presented with millions. You may want the name Mom called you to dinner by, but odds are very short that’s not in the cards. If your name’s unusual enough you may luck out and be able to jump on board with something that’s, well, not that bad. More likely is the scenario where “Jeff” ends up as “jeFf3592”. On a business card? Not what you’d want as first choice for brand building.
Web mail’s fine for students, online registrations and teasing out phishers, but not so much for projecting a professional image. For that you need your name in front of a unique, ideally memorable, domain. (There are instances, though, where you would want a web or ISP issued address, usually arising from employer mandates involving social networks.)
claim your own domain When you invest $15 or so annually for a domain, you’ve staked a claim to your own unique identity. It’s your brand — whether it’s corporate, storefront or individual, you’ll be judged by appearance and content, only now it’s digital, manageable, customizable and permanent as long as the domain is maintained.
Aside from immediacy, there’s a very practical aspect to operating out of your own domain — 100% portability. If you’re dependent on an ISP (earthlink, cox, verizon, rr) issued address, it’s only as good as your account status. Move, change providers or just decide to drop out and you’ll lose it and your audience.
The downside is that without a little IT support setting up and definiing a domain based e-mail could turn into a frustrating exercise because of the setup involved. The good news? If you’re able to settle for basics, it’s an easy path to learn.