Steve Ryan’s Quick Guide to getting a domain and a website (for low to no cost)

Having a website is essential and super important.  If you don’t have a website, you are losing out on branding opportunities for people to know who you are.  It is a missed opportunity for building and enhancing your reputation.  

Step 1 - Find a domain that represents your brand

I personally recommend Name Silo because they are cheap and easy to use.  Here is my affiliate link and it won’t cost you anything extra and that is a wonderful way to show some support. https://www.namesilo.com/domain/search-domains?rid=ec25f51yj 

Step 2 - Put up version 1 of your website

Version 1 of your website can be similar to a linktree and just show your social media links.  If you are pressed for time and on a budget, Carrd is perfect for you.  If you use their free package, their branding will be there.  If you decide to use their really cheap paid service, their paid plans start at $19 per year and here is my affiliate link for this https://try.carrd.co/ym4f7r6z 

They have a wonderful simple template where you can easily put your social media links and you’re good to go.  If you use the free version, your website will be on card’s site, for example yourname.carrd.co but if you get their paid service, then you can connect your domain name that you purchased. 

Note - If you decide that you are going to use their free service, there is one step that you have to do, see Step 3

Step 3 - Forward Your Domain if necessary (optional)

 If you are using Carrd’s free page service or if you have another website or free page somewhere, then there is one step you will need to do.  Go into your domain register’s page (i.e. Name Silo) and then go to where you can manage your domain and choose to permanently forward is to your website.  For example, let’s say the domain you got is example.com and you decided to use carrd’s free page and they gave you example.carrd.co then you would simply forward example.com to example.carrd.co 

The reason that you do this is when people put in your domain site, then it will automatically go to your website and this will also allow you to brand as well. 

Step 4 - Collect Email Addresses

Email is still relevant.  You want the opportunity for people to join your email list, even if you aren’t actively emailing them.  Here are some options for you including free options.  

Disclaimer - Some of these paid options below have my affiliate link and I may earn a commission from it, but it won’t cost you any extra and its great way to show support!

Google Form - totally free and you can have the list go to a Google Sheet

Active Campaign - This is my favorite and you may be able to have a 14 day free trial 

Convert Kit - This is my 2nd favorite and they have a wonderful Community with workshop and tips.  They also have a free plan if you have under a certain amount of subscribers.