Beginner Blogger

[SarahDinsmore]

Hi there,

I've been reading SSWT for a month and listened to two live webinars and I want to start with a blog but move to Internet Marketing fairly soon. I purchased a domain name before reading Get to #1 on Google by Ben Norman which discourages the use of Stop Words.

Now I'm hesitating on getting started with my blogbecause I have two Stop Words and after reading Lynn's tips, I'm thinking my domain name isn't strong enough.

I'm wondering if I should start for the sake of momentum or back track and rethink my keywords, etc. I've heard Lynn say to take action.

My domain name is www.theheartofthings.com and my blog is about learning how to rethink your assumptions and beliefs to move what's in the way of enjoying your life right now. I'd have photos, videos, creative adventures, stories, and a colorful montage.

Feedback is most appreciated.

~Sarah

[cindybidar]

Hi Sarah, welcome to the forums! I think your domain name is fine. I say don't worry about details like stop words until you've got a lot more experience and momentum. Right now just concentrate on getting into the habit of blogging regularly. The rest will work itself out.

[lindastacy]

Welcome to the forum Sarah! I agree with Cindy and Lynne... take action. Waiting for everything to be perfect is paralyzing.

However, if you aren't happy with the domain name you purchased, I would say to go ahead and buy a different one. It's a minimal expense and I think it's better not have to change domain names later.

[angienewton]

Sarah,
I would also say just go ahead and get started. Domain names being keywords isn't a huge deal, you'll be focusing on optimizing separate pages on your site and blog anyway. Lynn always mentions this....look at the name of her blog, clicknewz.com (is not a keyword phrase!) and look how successful she is!

If you like your domain name then keep it and go ahead and get started!

[KathleenMN]

Welcome Sarah! I'm with the others, if you have another domain name in mind, and it's available go ahead and get it. Otherwise, just get started. If you continue to question yourself at every turn it's easy to get stuck in an endless loop of research (I know this from personal experience).

Just go ahead and get started, you can correct and change as you go.

Kathleen

[TMichaelRogers]

I agree with everyone here. The domain name only makes a difference if you are attacking a popular niche and building a less personal site, IMHO. Your topic will require a very personal touch and feeling of the site. Your domain name is fine. My primary domain is actually a made up word. Great content and social marketing is what drives people to it.

[Desdichata]

Sarah:

My first rule of a good domain name is whether or not a person can remember it and if it spelled correctly. Your domain passes both test. These are important when your domain is being passed by word of mouth.

[David Jackson]

I'm hesitating on getting started with my blog because I have two Stop Words and after reading Lynn's tips, I'm thinking my domain name isn't strong enough.

I'm wondering if I should start for the sake of momentum or back track and rethink my keywords, etc. I've heard Lynn say to take action.

Hi Sarah:

While taking action is definitely important, getting it right is equally important. If you're not happy with your domain name, take your time and brainstorm, until you come up with something you're happy with.

David Jackson

[SarahDinsmore]

Thanks for the quick and quality responses on my first posting to this Discussion Forum. I appreciate your feedback. I went for it and used the domain name with stop words because I like it and didn't want to lose my enthusiasm to start.

I have a branding type question. In installing WordPress Simple Scripts, is it better branding to add /blog (forward slash blog) to my url as I'm beginning with a blog but anticipate a website in a few months or leave it off?
If there's something more I need to know, don't hold back.

Thanks.

Ciao, Sarah

[cindybidar]

You can set up WordPress to act as if you've installed the blog on a subdomain (www.yourdomain.com/blog) without actually doing it. On the settings page click "Reading" and set your home page to the static page of your choice, and the blog page to something else - usually just a page named "blog." Then when people land on your home page they won't see your latest posts, but there will be a link to the blog in your navigation.