If you are looking to create a website, then there are a few essential things you need to consider first.

Before you start thinking about the content that will go on your site, you need to make some critical decisions.

1.        Choosing a domain name

Domain name for startups? Domain name for corporates? There’s a difference. Regarding a domain name for startups, your domain name should be a combination of your businesses name, with a domain extension that represents who you are as a company or individual.

Choosing a domain name is your first step when starting a website. It is your digital home that people will use to connect with you.

When you see .org, what do you think of? Non-profits, right? You need to bear this in mind when choosing a domain extension.

You can scan websites like GoDaddy and NameCheap for extensions, but finding one that represents your business and allows you to use the exact name you want can prove quite tricky.

At .icu, we represent startups, trailblazers and individuals who are doing authentic things in the creative and tech industry.

Say your businesses name is SmartPets, and you make AI dogs and cats that can accompany you on an afternoon stroll and make you a cup of coffee, placing your name next to an extension like .icu immediately gives people the impression that you’re joining a fast-growing community of innovators.

Get yours today.

2.        Get a business email address

Having an email address that matches your domain name and extension is crucial if you want to be taken seriously.

Why?

Using free email services does nothing for the credibility of your business. Say your name is Victoria. What looks more professional? Victoriasmartpets@gmail.com or Victoria@smartpets.icu?

Unfortunately, internet users are quite judgmental, making their mind up about a brand or business within seconds.

As a result, when you opt for a free email service, many people you communicate with will immediately be under the impression that you cannot afford $5 per month on a business email subscription.

What do you think that says about your reliability?

When people visit your site, most of them will have just found out about you, visiting for the very first time.

If they like what they see, their next step will be to get in touch with you to enquire further. If visitors see you are using a free email service, it could create doubt in their mind about your offering.

It may seem like a minor detail, but as they say “To create something exceptional, your mindset must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail.”

So, if you want to build a website that can help you attract new customers and grow your business, opt for an email that matches your domain extension.

3.        Design a logo for your business

Lastly, you need to design a logo and perhaps a monogram to go with it.

By design a slick logo that also ties into the representation of your business, you will be enhancing the brand you are now starting to build.

When it comes two designing a logo, you can go about it in two ways.

Either you hire a graphic designer, or use an online logo generator.

Let’s look at both options:

Hiring a graphic designer

This option will more than likely get you the most unique result, but it may end up being more costly.

You can expect to pay anything from 100 – 500 dollars for a good one. This depends on who you choose to work with.

This design will typically include a logo with a well-defined company name and mark. The more straightforward, the cheaper, because a logo design with intricate patterns and sophisticated typography will most certainly increase the price.

The key to keeping costs down is by being upfront and honest with the designer you choose to work with from the very beginning. Let them know exactly what you want and spend some time putting together a Pinterest board with visual references.

Using a logo generator

Logo generators allow you to create professional-looking logos without autonomously. This is usually the cheaper and less tedious option.

You won’t have to wait for a real human being and their schedule, but you won’t get a one-of-kind logo design this way either. You will, however, get a professional-looking logo that you can tweak online.

So, in short, whether it comes to a domain name for startups, an email address for your sole proprietorship, or a logo for your personal website, it’s imperative to pay attention to the details.