Start With Your Own Domain

If you are planning to promote an affiliate program, one of the things you have to consider is having your own website.

Why do you need it?

Having your own domain makes you look professional, build trust and a big plus that the advertising networks / affiliate networks take you more seriously. Some of the networks out there won’t accept your application unless you have your own domain name.

I’ve seen some people who started with a free domain / web hosting, build some quality backlinks, good Alexa and PR rank. But once they move their own domain, they have to start everything over.

So it’s really important to start with your own domain!

But what domain name should you have?

Finding a good domain name is hard these days but not impossible. First of all you need a Top Level Domain (TLD), even better if you can go with a .com TLD. If you target a certain country, you can buy a Country Code Top Level Domain (ccTLD). E.g. if you are targeting the UK, you should buy a .uk (.co.uk) domain.

The simple one-word domain names are sold or held by domain brokers. You have to be creative. Combine simple (key)words in a unique fashion. Create a list of basic words that describe your niche or the product(s) you promote then add a positive word that will make your name stand out.

Pick a short domain name that is easy to remember. It has to be short enough to type. Having the right keywords in your domain name would give you better chances to getting targeted visitors.

Once you come up with some great domain name, check their availability.

Where can you buy a cheap domain name?

There are some great domain name registrars you can choose from. You can buy domains for as low as $0.99.

The next step is finding the right web hosting for your website, at a good company, and of course at a reasonable price.