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So you have a small business. Maybe you have a little side hustle that you love, and people are starting to get to know you by word of mouth. Fantastic! Maybe you're taking your handmade goods on the road and selling out of booths at fairs and events and you're getting great feedback. Amazing!
Increasingly, people are asking you if you have a website so they can direct their friends there and you have to tell them no. You hate the missed referral opportunities, but you're no tech expert. You make things, you don't write code. Aren't websites and domains only for big companies that have technical support teams to create those for them?
Luckily for you, the answer is no! A domain can benefit any business, no matter the size.
Your domain name gives people an easy way to find you. Once you begin using it and its reputation grows, it's how people will come to recognize and identify you on the internet.
A domain name is an integral part of your branding. It lets your contacts know at a glance what your business is all about and that you provide a safe, trusted space, just like your booth at that last summer fair you sold from! It's your little corner of the internet and an extension of you.
Here are some things a registered domain name can do for you and your side gig.
A custom domain name can definitely boost your business's credibility. It shows you're serious about what you're doing and it can help instill confidence in potential clients and customers.
A professional online presence is often the first step in building a relationship of trust with your audience. When you don't always have the luxury of speaking to who you're selling to face-to-face, a professional-looking domain name (and website - even a simple one) can add a few points in the trust column.
With more people searching for services and products online, having a domain name increases the chances of your home business being found. When someone searches for your specific type of service, a domain name allows your business to appear in search engine results, making it easier for new fans to discover you.
Your domain name becomes a critical part of your business’s identity. A memorable and relevant domain name can make a strong first impression, helping to build and strengthen your brand.
It also makes it easier for customers to remember and recommend your business to others!
As an entrepreneur, personal independence is important to you. It's why you started your side gig in the first place, right? Having a domain name gives you complete control over your online space.
Unlike social media platforms or third-party websites where changes to algorithms or policies can impact your visibility and reach, a website under your domain name remains entirely under your control. Just the way you like it.
In controlling that space, you can customize the website’s look and feel, optimize it for search engines, and add or remove content as needed. This flexibility allows you to provide a consistent and personalized experience matching your in-person connections to further strengthen your relationship with your audience.
A domain name allows you to create a professional email address, such as info@yourbusinessname.com. This can also help in building trust with your customers or clients. And it looks great on a business card at trade shows!
Investing in a domain name is a small step that can make a big difference for you. You've put a lot of effort into your little endeavor, so make all that hard work shine.
As a small yearly expense, registering a domain name is a smart move to establish your gig's credibility, increase your reach, and take building a professional brand to the next level.
Need additional support? Submit a domains ticket here.