Your Blog and You

A guide to understanding the changes a domain name brings to your blog and you.

What is a domain name?

Let’s Cover the Basics

What is a domain name?

- A domain is a unique sequence of numbers and letters used to identify an object attached to the Internet.

- You can use almost any word or phrase as a domain name.

Let’s Cover the Basics

What is a top-level domain?

Let’s Cover the Basics

What is a top-level domain?

- .com, .net and .org are each examples of a top-level domain.

Let’s Cover the Basics

Can I use any top-level domain?

Let’s Cover the Basics

Can I use any top-level domain?

- .com -- primarily for “commercial” web sites.

- .org -- primarily for “organizations.”

- .net -- primarily for “network services.”

- No restrictions for most general TLDs, however, some restrictions apply for more specific TLDs.

Let’s Cover the Basics

- .gov, .mil, etc.

- country codes generally require citizenship in that country

- other specific use TLDs

Let’s Cover the Basics

Example of .com vs. .org

WordPress.com - a commercial enterprise, selling free blogs with services that require a fee.

WordPress.org - distributes free blogging software that anyone can download and modify.

Let’s Cover the Basics

Do I need a domain name?

YES

Do I need a domain name?

Your domain name is your identity.

Do I need a domain name?

Your domain name is your identity.

Your domain name is your brand.

Do I need a domain name?

Your domain name is your identity.

Your domain name is your brand.

Your domain name is how people find you.

Do I need a domain name?

Your domain name is your identity.

Your domain name is your brand.

Your domain name is how people find you.

Your domain name gives you portability.

Do I need a domain name?

How to Register a Domain

- Visit a Domain Registrar

How to Register a Domain

- Visit a Domain Registrar

- GoDaddy, Name.com, NEPAGeeks.com

How to Register a Domain

- Visit a Domain Registrar

- GoDaddy, Name.com, NEPAGeeks.com

- Domains can range in price. Most registrars charge less than $20. Some offer free domains bundled with other services.

How to Register a Domain

Thank you, NEPA BlogCon!