Google Domains

There are several servers where you can purchase domains. I have used Google Domains and NameCheap in the past. Other options include GoDaddy and any other website host such as Wix and Shopify.

Being able to have your own website, as a marketer or even as an extension to your resume and portfolio, is an opportunity you shouldn't pass. It shows the world your commitment to your craft. It gives people an idea of who you are, better than a one-page paper that lists your job positions. A website is an extension of yourself. You can customize it so that you portray what you want other people to know about you. After content, the most important aspect of your website is your website name.

I bought my name, Michelle Gallardo, back in 2020. I created a portfolio and I used my website as an added sample of my design and written work. However, I share a name with a popular news anchor, Michelle Gallardo. Although I was able to buy my name, it doesn't always happen. Because of anchorwoman Michelle Gallardo, I was not able to get michellegallardo as a username for, well, any social media platform. LinkedIn included. So my solution was to tweak my name a bit. I am michellegllrdo. No "a"s. Even though that makes my name harder to remember, it's better than user135756.

I decided to buy my usernames as a domain and link it to my website. Google Domains make it easy for anyone to search names, see their availability, shop around for endings (i.e. .com, .org, etc.), and purchase a domain. The steps I took are below.

Go to Google Domains to get started.

Search the name of the website you'd like to purchase. Notice here how Google gives you notes on the names you're looking to purchase. I have michelleandreagallardo (my first, middle, and last names) as well as my username michellegllrdo (no "a"s). Google notes my long name might be too long for people to remember and that my middle name can be problematic because of how similar it sounds to other names.

After examining the pros and cons, you make a decision to purchase. Add the domain of your choice to your cart and checkout.

At checkout, make sure you select automatic renewal unless you are 100% sure you will remember to come back every year to purchase your domain for another year. Thankfully, domain sites, such as Google, send reminder emails when your subscription is about to renew or expire.

Most of the domains at Google cost around $12. Although, I have seen some listed at $8 and others at $25. It really depends on your domain name and if there is any competition surrounding it with different endings.

I now own both michellegallardo.com and michellegllrdo.com. If you test both pages, you will see either one will take you to my portfolio. I made this happen by forwarding my username domain to my main website. Google makes it easy for everyone to manage their domains, including forwarding, which in other sites like NameCheap can be a hassle.

To forward your domain to an existing domain, simply go to your domains tab and select the domain you want to redirect. Select web forwarding and insert the URL of the page you want to forward to and that's it!

Now when I click on "manage" at my new domain, I can see the webpage it's redirecting to. You can always edit or stop it altogether if the need arises.