Picking a Domain Name and Web Host - Getting Online - Part 2

Apr 7

In part 1 of the Getting Online series, we looked at why to move sales online. If you are reading part two, you are ready to take the next steps.

Picking a web host and domain name seems obvious, but there are many different approaches you can take.

In this part of the Getting Online series, we take the big step of naming your site and picking a tool to help build your website.

1. Pick a Webhost

Unless your company is an extreme case, a tool called a website builder will be the best way to get started. Website builders make it really simple to get up and running, let’s look at why;

Three reasons to use a website builder.

You don’t need to learn to code, it’s mostly drag-and-drop
Security is part of the service. They keep the servers secure, if you keep your password secure
They have all of the features an ecommerce shop would need.

Five popular choices that I like.

Squarespace - Easy enough to use; it has a reasonably priced e-commerce offering and lots of great mobile-friendly templates to get you started. From €17 per month.
Wix - Another website builder - useful templates, many are mobile-friendly. Starting at €17 per month.
Shopify - The most powerful of the e-commerce platforms, includes an excellent checkout experience. This platform also integrates well with in-shop POS systems. - From €29 per month and rising sharply for other plans
Wordpress with WooCommerce - an open-source platform for e-commerce. Good value for money. It requires configuration which you may need to seek professional help with you will also need a host such as Blacknight.
Blacknight site-builder You are supporting local with Blacknight. A reliable company around for many years. Their new site builder offers excellent value for money. From as little as €8.33 per month!

2. Choose a Domain Name

After choosing a web host, you will need a domain name for your website.

Many hosting companies offer a free domain for the first year if you purchase a website from them, be sure to check your chosen hosts latest offers first.

Tips on picking a name

Keep the name as simple to spell as possible

Use NameCheckr to see if the social media names are also available for your brand. A social media presence is essential for online sales.

In many cases, your chosen domain name will already be taken. You have three options;

Choose a different name; this is the cheapest and certainly the quickest option
Choose a .ie instead of the .com e.g. simplitech.ie instead of simplitech.com
Try to buy the name you would like from the owner (this can run into thousands of euro, so be sure you really want to pursue this approach before starting)