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Posts from August 2019

Featured Blog: Wulf Cocktail Den

Wulf Cocktail Den

Looking to unwind with a nightcap after a long day? If you're looking to try a new drink, Wulf Cocktail Den may help! Lisa and Josh are cocktail enthusiasts who not only enjoy making cocktails but also blogging about them and connecting with people around the world who share their interest. It's always Happy Hour when you visit Wulf Cocktail Den!

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6 Tips For Creating The Best Domain

6 Tips For Creating The Best Domain

After creating your blog, you will start thinking about where your readers are going to find you, that is your domain. Make a domain that is memorable for your readers. While we make it easy to purchase your domain, it may not be easy to think of a unique domain for your blog. We are here to help!  Here are 6 tips to help you create the best domain for your blog. 

1) Represents your blog
Your domain should tell your readers what you are blogging about. It is like the title of an amazing book. Readers should get a sense of the story or journey you are going to take them on. 

2) Make it easy to spell
Only Mary Poppins and Google knows how to spell Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Use common spellings of words in your domain. Don't be tempted to use unique or complicated words to help your blog stand out. Your readers may not remember the special spelling and get frustrated when trying to find your blog. If you really want a unique name, check out the Pro Tip in #3.  

3) Select the correct top level domain
Top level domain is what comes after the dot (.com, .org, etc.). Most readers will automatically use the .com when typing in your address. If you can get the .com version of your domain you should. You can also look into other top level domains to help your domain stand out. For example, if you're blogging about beer you can purchase a .beer domain.

Pro Tip: You can have more than one domain point to your blog. If you purchase a fun top level domain, like .beer, you can also purchase .com and have it forward to your blog. The same is true for different domains. If you have a name that may be spelled wrong, you can register the wrong spelling and forward it to your blog.

4) Avoid a long string of words
You want to make sure it is clear what your blog is about. Keep your domain short and  memorable. Don’t add too many words or it may be awkward to say out loud or too long to type. Think of an overview of what you are blogging about.

Example: You are blogging about how cute your toddler is. Would you want your domain to be TheToddlerYearsofBrianMcGruffin.com or ParentingMoments.com

The second one is more memorable and can be used throughout your child’s life. They will only be a toddler for a few years.

5) Say your domain out loud
While it may look great on paper, keep in mind you may have to tell people your domain in person. You want to make sure it sounds good out loud. Does it roll off the tongue? Make sure the words are easy to pronounce and are understandable to all.

Pro Tip: Use your thesaurus! If your domain sounds awkward and you need to think of a new word, the thesaurus is here to help.  You can find new words with similar meanings to make your domain stand out. 

6) What about social media?
Once you find the perfect domain your job is not done yet. You need to go to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and make sure to start an account with that domain name. Even if you don’t plan on using those platforms you want to register them so they are under your control.

What other tips would you add to our list? Share in the comments your secrets to the perfect domain. 

 


Typepad 101: Buy Your Own Domain Name

One of the first things you may have noticed when you created your account was the URL created for your blog looks something like example.typepad.com.  Many bloggers are ok with their blog link looking this way, but if you want to customize your blog name and make it easier to remember for your readers, you can do that by buying your own domain name through Typepad.  Setting up a custom domain name for your blog is done through a process called Domain Mapping. Domain Mapping is available with Pro Plus accounts and higher.

Choosing a Domain Name

To get started, go to Account > Domain Mapping, at the top of the page you can do a search on the domain name you are interested in buying (ie: www.ilovestamping.com).

Buy Domain Name With Typepad

After clicking the "Check Availability" button, you will be redirected to a new screen showing the name availability in addition to other names you can purchase with different extensions. 

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After you select your name it will appear in your Shopping Cart. Your cart will also include the option purchase additional privacy protection which is recommended if you wish to keep your personal information attached to your domain name private.  When you are ready to purchase, click the green "Checkout" button.  

Create Your New Account

You will be taken to a new page with your cart overview and a prompt to create or login to your account.  If this is your first time purchasing a domain name through Typepad, you will need to create a new account.  This is not the same as your Typepad account and it can have different login credentials. 

Once your account is created, you will proceed with your purchase by choosing the Typepad Billing option and select to Pay Online.  This will set it up so you are charged with the credit card or PayPal account you have saved in your Typepad account. You will be directed back to Typepad where you click Approve to complete purchase of the domain. With successful payment, click Complete Registration.

Set Up Domain Mapping

In your Typepad account, go back to Account > Domain Mapping.  Your new domain should appear under "Domain Map with Typepad." Confirm that it's status is "Verified" - if it's not, that means the domain name registry waiting for you to pay your invoice or confirm your email address.  If it's marked as verified, click the button "Map a Domain Name" to set up Domain Mapping for your blog.

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You will be asked to enter a subdomain for your blog.  The most common subdomains used are "www" or "blog" for "blog.domainexample.com".  Then select if you want to map your domain name to your entire site or just a specific blog in your account. 

The next step is to check the box to "

Activate Your Domain Name

Scroll to the bottom of the page to "Mapped Domains."  Your new name should be listed but not activated.  Click the "Activate" link to make your Domain Mapping live.  The SSL status will first appear as "initializing" but if you refresh browser a couple of times it will change to "pending validation" to "active."  This means your blog is now loading securely with it's own SSL certificate.

 


Family Discount: Purchase a Domain Today!

Family Discount on Domains

You have a unique brand, make sure your domain represents that. Purchase your domain from Typepad and save today!

Typepad bloggers are one big family, and we love to give our family discounts. For the month of August you'll pay what we pay for all .com, .net, and .org top level domains! You can enjoy this discount with a new domain or when renewing a current domain. 

.com

$11.99 now $8.89

.net

$12.71 now $12.01

.org

$12.71 now $10.99

To purchase a domain, click on the Account tab, then Domain Mapping. Type in your domain then select .com, .net, or .org from the drop-down. Click on Check Availability. If the domain is available you can purchase it. If not, try another version of the domain name. 

Once the domain is purchased, you will need to apply it to the blog you want. 

Don't worry, if you already purchased a domain, you can still get this great deal. You can renew your domain at these prices as well. Renew for up to 9 years to get the most out of this discount. 

This pricing is only available until Saturday, August 31st, 2019. 

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