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Update final drafts of articles based on Medium article edits #179

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numerous updates based on Medium article updates
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26 changes: 13 additions & 13 deletions site/docs/user-guides/domain-name-selection.md
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Expand Up @@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ description: A guide to registering domain names.

Your website needs someplace to _be_, and that's where domain names come in. A domain name is a (hopefully) user friendly name that acts as the address for your website. In this document, we will go over how to select and register a good domain name.

A good domain name should match your brand, be memorable, and easy to spell. This can be challenging because the most obvious names are all already taken. But, with a little creativity, there are still plenty of good domain names to be had. In this article, will go through a step by step process to select a good domain name.
A good domain name should match your brand, be memorable, and easy to spell. This can be challenging because the most obvious names are already taken. But, with a little creativity, there are still plenty of good domain names to be had. In this article, will go through a step by step process to select a good domain name.

## Terminology

Expand All @@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ To start with, you'll need to be able to tell whether a domain name is already t

### Brainstorming base names

The process starts with brainstorming base names. If you already have a brand name that you want or must use, then you're kinda stuck on this one. But domain names are so central to a business that domain names and brand names are generally co-determined at the same time.
The process starts with brainstorming base names. If you already have a brand name that you want or must use, then you've got a clear starting point. Domain names are, however, so central to a business that domain names and brand names are generally co-determined at the same time.

You'll probably start with a few names in mind. These are themselves almost certainly taken, but that's just the way it is. Some good ways to generate possible names are:
- Asking other people for ideas.
Expand All @@ -45,13 +45,13 @@ Regarding the last option, just be aware that some of these tools are fronts for

### Determine applicable TLDs

Generally, a '.com' domain (or '.org' for a non-profit) is considered "the best" if you can get it, but a better name with another TLD is usually better than a poor name on .com (or .org). The three next most popular general purpose TLDs are '.net', '.co', and '.io'.[^1]
Generally, a .com domain (or .org for a non-profit) is considered "the best" if you can get it, but a better name with another TLD is usually better than a poor .com (or .org) name. The three next most popular general purpose TLDs are .net,[^1] .co, and .io.

[^1]: .net domains used to have a more specific implication, but now-a-days are pretty much general purpose.

Check if any of your possible base names can be used in domain hacking. Recall, this is where the domain itself spells out our suggests a word or phrase. Refer to the list of TLDs and check see if any TLDs match the last two to four letters of your possible domain names.

Also, there are many business type and profession specific domain TLDs such as '.ai', '.law', '.doctors', '.dog', '.wedding', etc. Search or read through the list of TLDs to find ones that might work and try them out in combination with possible names.
Also, there are many business type, profession, and theme specific domain TLDs such as .ai, .law, .doctors, .dog, .wedding, etc. Search or read through the list of TLDs to find ones that might work and try them out in combination with possible names.

### Try variations

Expand Down Expand Up @@ -87,34 +87,34 @@ Also, when searching for domain names, NameCheap (and most other registrars) wil

### Rinse and repeat

You may have to repeat this process a few times before you find something you like and is free. Each time through should generate new variations and ideas. Since it's relatively cheap to purchase a domain name, a lot of names are taken up by domain resellers which, if you have the money, may be an option. But if you're trying to find something more affordable, don't despair, there are still options available.
You may have to repeat this process a few times before you find something you like and is free. Each time through should generate new variations and ideas. Since it's relatively cheap to purchase a domain name, a lot of names are taken up by domain resellers which, if you have the money, may be an option. But if you're trying to find something more affordable, don't despair. You may end up with something even better than you started with. (Though the prevelance of squatters certainly sucks.)

### Hyphens, clever spellings, and numbers

Hyphens and especially misspellings should be avoided where possible. This is because no one will know there's a hyphen or exactly how you're misspelling the domain if you just say the name, so you always end up having to spell it out. Which can be clunky and may not be remembered anyway.
Hyphens and especially misspellings should be avoided where possible. This is because no one will know there's a hyphen or exactly how you're misspelling the domain if you just say the name, so you always have to spell it out, which can be clunky and may not be remembered anyway.

This isn't a hard "never", though, since most of the times people click on domains. My own domain name, 'liquid-labs.com' is hyphenated. In retrospect, I wish I'd spent more time and found an un-hyphenated alternative, and also, it's been OK.
This isn't a hard "never", though, since most of the times people click on links rather than type in names. My own domain name, 'liquid-labs.com' is hyphenated. In retrospect, I wish I'd spent more time and found an un-hyphenated alternative, and also, it's been OK.

Personally, I would avoid misspellings or "clever" spellings more than hyphens. IMO, a clever spelling has a higher chance for confusion and is easier to misread or just forgotten. And while the position of a hyphen is clear, there are numerous ways as to how exactly you might misspell a domain.
Personally, I would avoid misspellings or "clever" spellings more than hyphens. IMO, a clever spelling has a higher chance for confusion and is easier to misread or just forget. And while the position of a hyphen is clear, there are numerous ways as to how exactly you might misspell a domain.

Numbers, like clever spellings, can be confusing. If you end up using numbers, spell them out if you can. Digits are allowed in domain names, but also must be explained; e.g. "such-and-such and the digits forty-two".
Numbers, like clever spellings, can be confusing. If you end up using numbers, you'll have to be explicit whether it's "spelled out" or "the digits".

But, if you have just the perfect name and it's available with a hyphen-or even a clever enough to be memorable spelling-I wouldn't say never. If you love it, and you have the perfect branding idea, then that counts for a lot.
But, if you have just the perfect name and it's available with a hyphen-or even a clever enough spelling to be memorable spelling-I wouldn't say never. If you love it, and you have the perfect branding idea, then that counts for a lot.

## Registering your domain name

The registration process itself is rather straightforward. You just go to your registrar of choice, tell them the name you want, select a term, and then pay some money. We offer just a few notes.

First, in selecting a registrar remember it can be different than the registrar where you did your searching. If you're here specifically for the 'Host Your Own Website Free and Easy' series, then we recommend you register with [AWS Route 53](https://aws.amazon.com/route53/). Otherwise, [Namecheap.com](https://namecheap.com) is a good option, or you can just google 'registrar' and find one you like. I recommend staying away from GoDaddy, but even they're fine if you like.
First, in selecting a registrar remember it can be different than the registrar where you did your searching. If you're here specifically for the 'Host Your Own Website Free and Easy' series, then we recommend you register with [AWS Route 53](https://aws.amazon.com/route53/). Otherwise, [Namecheap.com](https://namecheap.com) is a good option, or you can just google 'registrar' and find one you like. Personally, I recommend staying away from GoDaddy.

Second, you should sign up for "privacy protection" or "domain privacy". When you register a domain name, you have to provide contact information to establish ownership. By default, this information is publicly available unless you add a privacy protection service. Some registrars (like AWS Route 53) offer this for free, while others may charge a small fee.

Finally, just know that you'll see some difference in pricing for domains from different registrars. Any big difference (like 50% off) is always going to be an initial price only. The prices for domains are more or less set and should pretty much cost the same (in the long run) everywhere.
Finally, just know that you'll see some difference in pricing for domains from different registrars. Any big difference (like 50% off) is always going to be an initial price only. The prices for domains are more or less set and should pretty much cost the same (in the long run) everywhere. You can save a little by using a registrar that offer privacy protection for free.

## In closing

- A domain name that works with your branding is probably the most important things
- A domain name should be memorable and ideally, easy to spell.
- Avoid hyphens, clever spellings, and digit numbers if at all possible.
- Generally avoid hyphens, clever spellings, and numbers.

Once you have a domain name and you've [built your site](/docs/category/website-development), you're ready to [deploy your first website](/docs/get-started/your-first-site).
26 changes: 16 additions & 10 deletions site/docs/user-guides/website-development/build-with-a-template.md
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Expand Up @@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ description: A rundown on building a template based website.
---
# Build with a Template

With the availability of templates and tomes of reference material, building a custom or semi-custom website is actually within reach and may be the best option for putting together a small marketing or other simple website. In this article, we'll over some methods you can use to get exactly what you want without too much cost or effort.
With the availability of templates and tomes of reference material, building a custom or semi-custom website is actually within reach and may be the best option for putting together a small marketing or other simple website. In this article, we'll go over some methods you can use to get exactly what you want without too much cost or effort.

## Why build a custom site?

Expand All @@ -28,24 +28,30 @@ Here are some resources for HTML templates:
- [W3Schools templates](https://www.w3schools.com/w3css/w3css_templates.asp): offers a number of high quality purpose specific templates (resume, image portfolio, apartment rental, etc.).
</div>

Because of the large number of (sometimes unorganized) templates, you might also try googling for your specific needs. E.g., "one-page tech startup html template" turns up a number of resources providing just that.
Because of the large number of (sometimes unorganized) templates, you might also try googling for your specific needs. E.g., "one-page tech startup html template" will turn up a number of resources providing just that.

## Learn a little HTML+CSS

While becoming adept at HTML and CSS in general is a tall order, learning some basics that will allow you to edit content and make simple design changes. There are plenty of courses out there, such as those offered by [Codeacademy](https://www.codecademy.com/learn/learn-html), [W3Schools](https://www.w3schools.com/html/), and [web.dev](https://web.dev/learn/html), all of which offer free courses.

## Get help

You can post design questions on the user experience StackExchange: [ux.stackexchange.com](https://ux.stackexchange.com/). For more technical questions regarding CSS and HTML specifically, you can post to [StackOverflow](https://stackoverflow.com). Finally, for search engine optimization (SEO) and non-development technical questions, there's also the webmaster StackExchange: [webmasters.stackexchange.com](https://webmasters.stackexchange.com).

In addition, Cloudsite users can get [unlimited, affordable, personalized website consultation](/support#unlimited-website-consultation) offered through [Liquid Labs](https://liquid-labs.com). We'll walk you through setup, explain concepts, provide advice, and answer any question you might have regarding design, feature implementation, and operations.

## Hire a web designer

There are numerous web designers out there. You can search for design professionals/companies through google, or go through a gig site, which generally provide reviews, ratings, and a portfolio for you to consider. Here are some gig work sites to help you get started:
If you're not married to the idea of a "website for free", for a minimum of $200-$500 you could hire someone to produce a site design for you. You can search for design professionals/companies through google, or go through a gig site, which generally provide reviews, ratings, and a portfolio for you to consider. Here are some gig work sites to help you get started:
<div class="flow-list">
- [99Designs](https://99designs.com): An Australian site specializing in design services.
- [Guru.com](https://guru.com): A very user friendly site with tons of information available on any prospective freelancer/agency.
- [Fiverr](https://fiverr.com): One of the most popular gig work sites, this may be the "value" option.
- [Upwork](https://upwork.com): Another popular gig work site, Upwork lets you search job packages or post your own job and solicit bids.
</div>

Expect to pay a few hundred to $500 at least for a site design, with Fiverr and Upwork seeming to offer the most discounted rates. You may be able to spec your own job and save your money (if it's simple) by posting a request for bids on Upwork.

## Learn a little HTML+CSS

While becoming adept at HTML and CSS in general is a tall order, learning some basics that will allow you to edit content and make simple design changes. There are plenty of courses out there, such as those offered by [Codeacademy](https://www.codecademy.com/learn/learn-html), [W3Schools](https://www.w3schools.com/html/), and [web.dev](https://web.dev/learn/html), all of which offer free courses.
Fiverr and Upwork seem to offer the most discounted rates. You may be able to spec your own job and save some money by posting a request for bids on Upwork.

## Get help
## In closing

If you have questions, need advice, or just looking for solutions regarding your website, we offer [Unlimited Website Consultation](/support#unlimited-website-consultation) for WordPress, Docusaurus, and custom websites. Leverage our decades of experience, avoid headaches, and skip the hassle of figuring things out on your own. We'll even provide advice and explain concepts; any website design question, feature implementation, or operational issue, we've got your back.
Creating your own simple website is more approachable than you might think. Find a template you like and edit in your own content, colors, and logo. Use websites like [ux.stackexchange.com](https://ux.stackexchange.com) and [StackOverflow](https://stackoverflow.com) to get free help. You can also get free hosting with Cloudsite and [affordable, unlimited consultation](/support#unlimited-website-consultation) for Cloudsite managed websites.
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