Read the six part series on creating a freelance business plan
 

Freelance Web Designer - Quick Start Guide Step 2

Date January 28, 2008

Register Your Domain Name

1and1.com has the best domain prices. Plus, you have the option of private registration for no extra charge. Should you register every domain extension (.com, .net, .org)? Always register the .com (dot com) extension first. Registering other extensions is a good branding strategy but probably isn’t worth the extra hassle or cash during your startup.

Stick with the .com and, if necessary, you can build traffic with the other extensions later. Keep it simple in the beginning. The objective of this step is to get the right domain, based on your chosen niche.

Choose Your Template Providers

The following is a list of affordable, top-quality template sites, with varying payment options.

1. www.TemplateMonster.com
2. www.101WebTemplate.com
3. www.BoxedArt.com
4. www.TemplateSystems.com
5. www.TemplateGuys.net
6. www.CityMaker.com
7. www.WebTemplatesZone.com
8. www.LayoutBank.com
9. www.NewTemps.com
10. www.TemplateWorld.com

Your goal is to move your design business online as quickly as possible. Once you get online, then take the time to learn those Web design strategies that pique your interest.

Look for templates you can adapt quickly to your service offerings. Avoid elaborate and flashy templates. Is it easy to navigate? How long does it take to download? Look at your niche. Would they find your site appealing? If it doesn’t appeal to you, it probably won’t appeal to your niche market either.

Go to Step 3

Like it? Share it!

  • Technorati
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • blogmarks
  • Furl
  • Ma.gnolia
  • StumbleUpon

Related posts:

  1. Freelance Web Designer - Quick Start Guide Summary
  2. Freelance Web Designer - Quick Start Guide Step 4
  3. Freelance Web Designer - Quick Start Guide Step 5

Leave a Reply

XHTML: You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>