Your new domain to-do list
Searching for the perfect .CO domain name can be pretty exciting, but the real fun begins after you buy your domain. We want to see your “next big thing” succeed, and while we know you’re resourceful, here’s a few quick tips to help you get started.
Remember, content is king
The first ingredient of every good website is good content. Whether you’re launching a business, brand or blog, you need unique, relevant content that will engage your audience – and inspire them to visit your site again and again. Online audiences are a key factor in the growth of your idea. Make your content relevant to your customer and you’ll find your audience recommending your site to families, friends and followers – and your business will start booming.
Have a great idea or service, but you’re a little confused about content? Head on over to Challenge.co, and take the thirty day challenge for a crash course in content creation that will help you transform your site into a resource.
Embrace your inner IT
Owning and managing your own site means learning a little about “web hosting.” Web hosting services provide server space that connects your site to the Internet. Check with the company you bought your domain name from, you will probably find a web hosting solution that fits your needs. Several options for free hosting services are only a quick Google search away.
When you’re ready to kick it up a notch, you can start thinking about things like Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) to grow your business. SEO is how to get your site to appear more frequently in unpaid search results and SEM focuses on paid search results. If you’re ready to boost your visibility in the search engines, paid or unpaid, check out sites like Kenny.co and challenge.co to learn some of the tricks and tips the pros use.
Get creative: Do-it-yourself or go-with-the pros
If your “in-house” creative department is you, there are tons of free online tools and services that can help you build a beautiful site. A simple search for web site builders, blog plug ins, fonts and graphic design programs will result in a treasure trove of resources.
If you’re ready to take your site to the next level, plenty of agencies specializing in creative, digital and branding services like pappas.co, distinctly.co and commotion.co will be happy to take your call. (Plus, blogs, magazines, Facebook and Twitter feeds are great sources for agency freebie advice!)
You don’t have to work alone
“Co-working”, or sharing a work environment, is not only something all the “cool kids” are doing, but it’s a great and affordable way to network, find potential partners and learn from others. Coworking spaces like nwc.co are popping up everywhere and offering individuals and companies a completely new way to operate, without a ton of overhead.
Beat the odds with mentors and money
Friends and family can be great cheerleaders, but the success of an idea or new business can hinge on your ability to seek and receive advice. “Incubators” are business programs designed to support early-stage companies and endeavors with a range of mentoring, investment and development services. Check out 500.co, fi.co and thenextbig.co for examples of successful incubator programs. And when you need financing to grow, Angel.co is an amazing way to connect with angel investors who can give you the funding you need to thrive.
Whenever you’re doing something new, small steps are everything. You’ve taken the first of many exciting steps and are sharing your idea with the world using a .CO. Keep us updated, take advantage of our articles and tips and never be shy with questions, your next big thing could be our next big headline.
