Wikipedia – IMDB – Craigslist…Hmm…Stop Sweating your Domain Name!
Choosing a domain name for your blog is a big deal. Especially if it’s your first time. And by now you are probably aware that there are a lot of theories, thoughts, and techniques on how to obtain the perfect domain . If you let it, it can be quite daunting and become quite stressful. And you’ll quickly find that you have more questions than answers which can stall your progress and your domain name purchase. You’ll find yourself asking:
- Does it have to be a .com?
- Should I go with a Long-Tail domain name?
- Is it possible for me to do enough keyword research?
- How do I make it memorable, catchy, or pertinent?
- Will it have future resale value?
- Will it look good on a T-shirt?
There are two phrases that make me want to pull my hair out by the roots because they’re used so often. They are, “Content is king.” and “It is what it is.” But guess what? Content is king, and it is what it is. If you don’t believe me, think about the domain names of the websites listed in the headline. Now think about their traffic, their success, their value, and their role in everyday worldwide culture.
IMDB.COM
I am a movie fanatic! I remember when I found IMDB.com in the mid-90s. I couldn’t believe it. I was euphoric! It never failed me. Whenever I wanted to know “who was in that movie?” or “What year did that movie come out?” or “What sign is Keanu Reeves?” Hey! Don’t judge me! I always went to IMDB.com. But the thing is; I didn’t discover IMDB by typing I-M-D-B-.-C-O-M in (at the time), Netscape, Yahoo or Ask Jeeves. I found IMDB (repeatedly) by typing in what I was curious about. And each time there was a movie, television show, actor, actress, or even soundtrack I was interested in; IMDB popped right up on the first page. Though I don’t remember, I’m willing to bet that it took less than 10 searches before IMDB.com was bookmarked, and it’s been so ever since.
Wikipedia.org
Wikipedia? What the hell is a Wikipedia? That’s what I asked my then 16 year old son in 2002 after leaving the parent-teacher-conference. It was a meeting with his English Lit. teacher to discuss his obtaining information from the internet for use in his Ernest Hemingway report. Eleven years, and one grounding later; he, I, and millions of others visit Wikipedia.org on a regular basis.
Affiliate Thank You Cards
Five years from now, with a bit of luck and a lot of hard work, this post will be buried beneath the hundreds that come after it. But I hope its message remains active and effective because I think it’s important.
When I first began this business I was broke, well a little less than broke. But the desire was so strong, and the vision was so clear, that one day I knew I couldn’t wait a moment longer. And so as we all did, I started reading, learning, researching and training. In that process, I came across phenomenal people who either produced or promoted exceptional tools or resources, many of which I couldn’t afford to purchase at the time. But I made a concerted and deliberate effort to click on the affiliate links of the many who had so generously shared their knowledge and their time. Because I knew that over time, I would go back and purchase the tools that I deemed valuable and essential. It was the only way, at the time; I could send them a Thank You Card.
One of the things we love most about the internet is that free information and knowledge is so abundant and readily available. But it doesn’t get there by itself. It takes hard work and dedication. And quite a few people have gifted us with knowledge and direction, that if we apply it, will immensely aid us in our success and financial freedom.
Since childhood, I was taught to say “Thank You.” And even though it may often take a few days or even weeks for my Affiliate thank-you card to reach them, I know that when I go back to purchase that resource; I’ll have an additional level of satisfaction, because I’ll know that my Affiliate Thank You card has been delivered.
