Translators: To Look Professional You Need Your Own Domain Name - Part 2

Prior to logging on to a registrar make a list of domain names that you would like for your translation business.

Follow the advice in this article and don’t take any chances: prior to logging on to a registrar make a list of domain names that you would like for your translation business; before you search for your domain name choose the registrar you want; don’t discuss your potential domain name with anyone; and once you find that your chosen domain name is available for purchase – buy it immediately!

• Purchase Your Domain Name

Purchase the domain name from a domain name registrar. There are several very good articles on how to go about registering your own domain name, so we strongly suggest you read up on this topic before you go any further. We’re certainly not endorsing any particular domain registrars over others. We should also mention here that your Internet service provider may also provide domain name registration services.

Registration of your domain name is not expensive, and this is not an area where you should try to save a couple of dollars.

• Purchase an Email Hosting Package

You may prefer to purchase an email hosting package so that your domain name can be used for email. Email access will probably come with your web hosting package if you want to put a website at your domain. You need an email hosting package if you’re just wanting to use your domain name for email. These packages are not expensive at all, and even the most expensive packages give you unlimited storage with up to 10 email addresses.

• Don’t Forget to Renew Your Domain Name

The most important thing to remember about having your own domain is that you must remember to renew your domain name. This is especially important if you decide to purchase your domain for only one year at a time. Make sure you understand how the domain name registrar will be contacting you regarding renewal – the last thing you need is to try to check your email and find that you’ve been locked out because you didn’t receive a renewal reminder. Of course, there is a way around this problem: simply purchase a multi-year domain name subscription, but you’ll still have to remember to renew the subscription when the due date arrives.

• Follow Instructions from the Domain Name Registrar

You’ll receive instructions from the domain name registrar on how to use your email, so follow these instructions carefully. If you choose to, you could probably use your registrar’s webmail if you purchase a hosting package with unlimited storage; or you may choose to use an email program on your computer. We believe you should be able to get instructions on how to do this from your domain name registrar.

So there you have it! If you want your freelance translation business to look professional, our advice is that you really should have your own domain name.