Be the Ruler of your own Domain

At last glance, the reported percentage of people using the Internet to plan their next vacation was exceeding 90%.  With that number nearing 100 - what can you do to make sure they are finding you?

The key to successful Internet marketing is to make sure you can be found.  It's one thing to have a website but, if your customers are not finding it - it's of no use.  This is especially hard when your customer doesn't even know that you exist - yet.  This is the primary function of www.DoorCounty.com.   Whether it's an article in a magazine or an ad on TV or the newspaper, our website is always listed as the "Go To" spot for more information about Door County.  Once they put Door County in their sites, you can make sure they find you by visiting your personalized page on DoorCounty.com on a regular basis.  Take a moment to verify that your photos and information are relevant and accurate and, most of all, your listing can be found in the right places.  If not, contact Cathy Lynch for help!

The next thing you can do is register your own domain.  Even if you don't have another website other than your page on DoorCounty.com, you should still register your domain.  Included with most registrations is a tool called "web forwarding and masking" so anyone typing in your domain will automatically pull up your information - even if it's on our site. 

This is how you do it...

Domain Name Registration

In my opinion, there is NO excuse for not using a professional domain and matching e-mail address to promote your organization.  If YourBusinessNameExactlyAsItAppearsInYourLogo.com is available, you need to register that domain name.  If you have another choice, register that one too but don't pass up your complete business name if it's still available.  It's even advisable to purchase common misspellings of your name and have them point to the correct address - contact me with questions.

If neither of your first choices are available, make sure the name isn't "tricky" or too clever that your customer won't remember it - even if your name is really long. 

Masking and Forwarding: This allows you to point your domain to an existing web site or page without letting the visitor know they are on another site.  It’s the perfect way to piggy-back on another site and still maintain your BRAND.

(Here's a working example of Masking and Forwarding.  www.DoorCountyVisitorBureau.org/capetwisco.htm )

A practical application of this would be to have your domain pointing to your InnLine page.  When the customer types in your domain name, they will go directly to your page.  Let me know if you have questions.

“Matching” e-mail:  Also a MUST.  Nothing undermines the stability of your reputation than the use of an unassociated e-mail address.  When you register a domain name with GoDaddy.com, you automatically have access to matching e-mail.  Always make sure you have info@yourdomain.com activated as a default for anyone guessing at your address.

One of the best resources for domain name registration is: www.GoDaddy.com   

Registration includes Web Forwarding and Masking as well as “matching” e-mail addresses.

Still under $10/yr.

Alias e-Mail address:  Members of the Door County Visitor Bureau are eligible for an Alias e-mail address.  If you have a domain I recommend that you use an e-mail associated with your domain but if you don't have your own domain, you might want to consider the benefits of requesting an Alias for your business.  The format of our Alias Address program is YourBusinessName@DoorCounty.com.  Any mail sent to your Alias is automatically re-routed to your existing e-mail address so you don't have to worry about checking another account.   Using an Alias offers a stable e-mail address that can be printed on promotional materials - if your e-mail address changes, simply let us know and your Alias will be redirected to your new address.  The format of our Alias Addresses in advertising tells your customer Who you are and Where you are - a powerful message and easy to remember.  Finally, this service is offered free of additional charge to our members.

Questions?  Contact me anytime.  Phil Berndt, (920)746-6663 or (920)868-3521 ext. 809

e-mail: phil@doorcounty.com    Main Web: www.DoorCounty.com   Organizational Site: www.DoorCountyVisitorBureau.org