Affordable Custom URLs for Your Online Business
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- The Importance of Having a Custom Website URL
- Steps to Purchase a Domain Name
- Choosing a Unique Business Name
- Searching for Available Domain Names
- Applying Discount Codes for Cheaper Prices
- Connecting the New URL with Your Online Store
- Managing DNS Settings
- Configuring CNAME for www
- Forwarding the Domain
- Updating Your Big Cartel Account
- Editing Shop Info
- Adding the Custom Domain
- Final Steps and Processing Time
- Conclusion
How to Get a Cheap Custom URL for Your Online Business
Are you tired of having a generic website URL for your online business? Do you want to give your business a more professional appearance by having your own custom domain name? In this article, I will guide you through the process of obtaining a cheap custom URL for your website. By following these steps, you'll be able to enhance the credibility and branding of your business, making it stand out from the competition.
1. Introduction
Having a custom website URL is essential for establishing a strong online presence. It not only adds credibility but also makes it easier for customers to remember and find your website. In this article, we will explore the steps to purchase a domain name and connect it to your online store, specifically focusing on the platform Big Cartel. Let's dive into the details!
2. The Importance of Having a Custom Website URL
Before we proceed with the process, let's understand why having a custom website URL is crucial for your online business. A custom URL, such as "www.yourbusinessname.com," adds a professional touch to your website and creates a sense of trust among your customers.
With a custom URL, you can enhance your brand identity, making it easier for people to recognize and remember your business. It also allows you to have personalized email addresses, such as "yourname@yourbusinessname.com," which adds professionalism and authenticity to your communication.
3. Steps to Purchase a Domain Name
3.1 Choosing a Unique Business Name
Before you can purchase a domain name, it's important to choose a unique business name that aligns with your brand and industry. Having a common name might make it more expensive to secure a domain, as there could be multiple businesses with similar names. Be creative and think outside the box when selecting a name for your online business.
3.2 Searching for Available Domain Names
Once you've decided on a business name, visit a domain registrar like GoDaddy.com to search for available domain names. Enter your chosen business name in the search bar and see if it is available as a domain. If your desired domain is already taken, consider alternatives or variations that are still relevant to your brand.
3.3 Applying Discount Codes for Cheaper Prices
Purchasing a domain name doesn't have to be expensive. Look for discount codes for domain registrations online. Simply search for "GoDaddy discount codes" on your preferred search engine, and you'll likely find various options to apply during checkout. This will help you get your desired domain at an even cheaper price.
4. Connecting the New URL with Your Online Store
Now that you've purchased your custom domain, it's time to connect it with your Big Cartel online store. Follow these steps to seamlessly integrate your new URL with your existing store:
4.1 Managing DNS Settings
After logging into your GoDaddy account, go to the "My Products" section and click on the three dots next to your domain. Select "Manage DNS" from the options to access the DNS settings.
4.2 Configuring CNAME for www
Scroll down the DNS settings page until you find the "CNAME" section. Look for the entry with "www" in the column labeled "Type." Click on it to edit the settings. In the "Points to" field, enter your Big Cartel store name (e.g., "mikathehusky.bigcartel.com") and save the changes.
4.3 Forwarding the Domain
Scroll further down the page and click on the "Forwarding" option. Enter your purchased domain name (e.g., "mikahusky.com") in the appropriate field. Make sure to include "http://" before the domain name. Select "Permanent" and choose "Forward only" as the type of forwarding. Save the settings.
5. Updating Your Big Cartel Account
To finalize the process, you need to update your Big Cartel account with the new custom domain. Here's how:
5.1 Editing Shop Info
Log in to your Big Cartel account and go to the "Edit Shop Info" section. Look for the field that asks for the domain name you want to use. Select the option that says, "I already have my own domain." Enter the desired shop URL (e.g., "mikathehusky.com") in the given field.
5.2 Adding the Custom Domain
Next, input your custom domain using the format "www.yourdomain.com" in the provided space. Save the changes, and your Big Cartel store will be linked to your new custom URL.
6. Final Steps and Processing Time
It typically takes a couple of hours for the changes to propagate across the internet and for your new URL to become fully functional. Be patient during this time and ensure you have completed all the necessary steps correctly. Once the processing is complete, your business will have a personalized and professional website URL.
7. Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully acquired a cheap custom URL for your online business and connected it with your Big Cartel store. By investing a small amount in your own domain, you have elevated the credibility and branding of your business. Now, customers can easily find and remember your website, contributing to the overall success of your online venture.
Remember to leverage other marketing strategies, such as making your business go viral on TikTok, to further optimize your online presence. Thank you for reading and supporting my channel. I wish you all the best in your journey towards a thriving online business!
Highlights:
- Having a custom website URL adds professionalism and credibility to your online business.
- Choose a unique business name to avoid domain availability issues.
- Look for discount codes to save money on domain registration.
- Properly configure DNS settings to connect your new URL with your Big Cartel store.
- Update your shop info in your Big Cartel account for a seamless transition.
- The processing time for the changes to take effect may take a few hours.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use any domain registrar to purchase a custom URL?
A: Yes, you can choose any reputable domain registrar to purchase your custom URL. However, this guide specifically focuses on using GoDaddy as an example.
Q: How long does it take for changes to be reflected after connecting the new URL with my online store?
A: It typically takes a couple of hours for the changes to propagate across the internet. During this time, the new URL may not be functional. Be patient and ensure that all the steps have been correctly followed.
Q: Can I use the same process for platforms other than Big Cartel?
A: While the steps outlined in this article are specific to connecting a custom URL with Big Cartel, the general concepts can be applied to other platforms as well. The terminology and specific instructions may vary depending on the platform you are using, but the overall process remains similar.
