Baldwin Web Design - Web Sites for the Small Business, Hosting, Domain Name Registration

What is a Domain Name?
A domain name is the name address of a web site, also known as URL (Uniform Resource Locator). For example, this site's domain name is baldwinwebdesign.com.
How do I check if the name I want to use is already taken?
Domain names ending with .com, .net or .org can be registered through many different companies known as "registrars". The registrars list the domain names that are registered with them. You can also go to Internic's Who Is Directory. to see if your name is already registered.

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Why do I need Hosting Services?
In order for your site to be seen on the Internet it must be stored on a computer, a web server, that is connected to the internet. Hosting companies rent space on their web servers that are running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What is Copyright and how can I protect my site by Copyright laws?
Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (title 17, U.S. Code) to the authors of original works of authorship, including web sites. Web sites that contain original artwork, music, or text are protected by Copyright laws. When someone copies the work and displays it publicly without permission of the author, they are breaking Copyright laws. Registration with the US Copyright office is not required but they do encourage it to make public record of what is protected. Many sites display the copyright notice on their pages (© 2000 John Doe). The use of a copyright notice is not required under U. S. law, but is often beneficial. More information can be found on the US Copyright Office web site.

How will my customers find my site if they don't know my site address?
In order for your customers to find you, or the products and services you offer, they will use a Search Engine such as Google, Altavista, Lycos, or Yahoo. Search engines store web site addresses and their contents in a database. Periodically they index sites on the internet and grab the keywords and text on your page. To ensure your site is indexed it is a good idea to register your site with the search engines. Go the to search engine's web site and look for the words "Add URL" or "Submit a Site". You will be asked to fill out a form with your address and description of your site. Some search engines are starting to charge for this service.

What else can I do to get my site marketed?
Many marketing experts believe that the more reciprocal links you have the higher your site will appear in search engine results. What's a reciprocal link?... When your web site address is listed on another site and someone clicks on it and is directed to your web site. For example, if you are in the real estate business it is a good idea to add your web address to as many sites in the real estate industry that you can. Publications and E-zines are always a good bet. Another good practice is to add your web site address to your other advertising materials.

Have a question but couldn't find the answer? Email our Sales Dept.