Choosing a Web Host for Your WordPress Blog - Can't I Just Grow into a Domain?

The idea of starting with a sub-domain and growing into your domain has its advantages. Most notably, if your project fails, then you have not put out too much money on the project. Just be aware that it has some down sides.

1. You may get attached to a name with a domain that is owned by someone else, or that is being used.

2. You may lose a small percentage of your readers in the move.

If you are okay with running those risks, and your blog isn't a business or business-related, then go ahead and give it a try. Just do yourself a favor and still search for the domain name you would want anyway. That way you are not building a site around a name you can never have.

Choosing Your Domain Name

Now that you have figured out if you need a domain name, and an independent host to go with it, we need to spend some time talking about your domain name. If you have your heart set on one, then go ahead and check it, but if your first choice is taken, or you need to think of one, then try these criteria. A good domain name should be:

• Similar to your site's name or title.
  
• Related to what your site is about. Obviously you don't want to use flower.com to host a site about vintage motor bikes. It would confuse possible viewers.
  
• No longer than 15 characters if at all possible. This is not set in stone, but if you choose a longer one, then try to make it very catchy.
  
• Free of abbreviations. Write out "Double" instead of using things like "Dbl."
  
• Not in use by anyone else, unless they are willing to sell it and you are willing to pay for it.

Now that you have your set of a few good options, let's talk about checking a domain name's availability.

Next: How to Check the Availability of A Domain Name >>
 

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