So you’ve taken the exciting first step by securing your domain… congrats!! But registering your domain is just the starting point. To make the most of your new domain, you’ll want to consider a few key setup steps that can help you reach your goals. Whether you’re creating a website, setting up email, or forwarding your domain, there are a few important steps to consider to get everything running smoothly.
Set up domain parking
We’re big fans of grabbing your first-choice domain name the moment you think of it, even if you aren’t ready to build out your website quite yet. Setting up domain parking is a great way to make use of your domain name while you finalize your longer-term plans. Domain parking involves a simple holding or “coming soon” page on your domain so that you can at least establish an initial online presence or display your contact info. And, if you’re interested in making a little extra cash, you can even sell space on this parking page in the form of ads. At Epik, we offer domain parking as an easy-to-enable feature that will give you a professional-looking placeholder page until your website is ready to launch.
Enable domain forwarding
Domain forwarding acts like a digital mail forwarding service, automatically redirecting visitors from one domain name to another website. Whether you’re managing multiple domains or need to direct traffic to an existing site while building a new one, domain forwarding can be a practical solution. For example, you can use your domain to point to your established presence on platforms like WordPress, YouTube, or Twitch. This not only creates a professional touch by linking your custom domain to these platforms but also makes it easier for visitors to find and remember your online content.
Set up your email
Your domain isn’t just for websites: it’s also the key to establishing a professional email address. An email that matches your domain, like jeff@tacocats.com, instantly adds credibility and builds trust with customers and clients. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference compared to sticking with generic email providers like Gmail or Yahoo. To get started, you’ll need an email hosting plan, which many domain registrars (including us) can provide. From there, you can create custom email addresses tailored to your needs, such as contact@tacocats.com or sales@tacocats.com.
Get Hosting
With your domain secured, the next step is to get web hosting—the space where your website’s files will live. Hosting is essential for getting your site online and accessible to visitors. Many domain registrars like Epik offer hosting services, but you can also choose a third-party provider based on your needs. Look for a hosting plan that aligns with your site’s goals, whether it’s a simple blog, an e-commerce store, or a high-traffic corporate site.
Build your website
Once you have hosting, it’s time to build your website. If you’re comfortable with coding, you can create a custom site using tools like HTML and CSS for complete creativity and control. For a more straightforward option, platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace offer handy drag-and-drop builders to help you create a professional site without the advanced tech skills. Alternatively, you can hire a professional web developer to bring your vision to life. Whichever route you choose, focus on creating a site that’s visually appealing, user-friendly, and responsive across all devices.
Bolster your brand with multiple domains
Registering multiple domains is a smart way to protect your brand. By securing different versions of your domain, like common misspellings or alternative extensions (e.g., .net, .co), you can prevent others from capitalizing on your name. This helps stop cyber squatters from snatching up similar domains and potentially causing confusion or damaging your reputation. Catching typos or slight variations also helps your customers find you, even if they make a mistake while typing your domain. It’s an easy, low-cost way to keep your brand safe and reachable online.
Conclusion
Setting up your domain is just the first step in creating a strong online presence, but with the right tools and a little planning, you can turn it into something powerful. From securing hosting and building your website to setting up professional email or features like domain parking or forwarding, every step helps you maximize the value of your domain. Whether you’re starting a business, showcasing your work, or building a personal brand, these foundational steps set the stage for your success.
Frequently asked questions
No, you can still make use of your domain through domain parking, forwarding, or setting up professional email addresses. A website isn’t required to start utilizing your domain.
No, hosting is typically only needed for websites. You can use your domain for email with an email hosting service without purchasing web hosting.
It depends on your needs. For basic sites, shared hosting might work. For more complex or high-traffic sites, consider VPS or dedicated hosting. Many providers offer plans tailored to different uses.
Not necessarily. Platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace allow you to create websites with drag-and-drop tools, no coding required. If you prefer a custom site, you can hire a developer.
Yes, you can change your domain name by registering a new one and setting up forwarding from the old domain to the new one. Keep in mind, rebranding and SEO are important to consider when making this change.
Domain renewal usually happens on the anniversary of when you originally registered the domain name. This can vary, though, depending on how long you chose to registere your domain.
Absolutely. You can add as many domains as you like to your account, either for additional websites or for domain forwarding. Most registrars offer bulk management and pricing for multiple domains.
Implement SEO best practices, like using relevant keywords, having clear navigation, and ensuring your site is mobile-friendly. Additionally, consider digging into tools like Google Analytics to track your site’s performance.