UPDATE: After doing much soul searching (and domain searching), I decided the best domain for this blog is Inspired to Write. When I have writer's block and just do not feel up to SEO or keyword writing, I come to this blog and I just write. Usually after I purge my thoughts here, I become inspired to write. The new domain is www.inspiredtowrite.com, which you will notice in your address bar. Thanks for everyone's advice.
At some point in a blogger's journey, there comes a time to take the plunge and purchase a custom domain. A custom domain is the URL address people type in to arrive at your website. This domain will not include the host's name in the title such as blogspot or today. It will simple read www.yourdomain.com or .net, etc.
I have been writing on this blog for close to two years now and the style of writing and purpose has changed during this time. Julie's Journeys began as a place for my family and friends to stay up to date on my life, including pictures and short blurbs. It then transformed into random thoughts that had no real focus, but came from my heart.
Last fall, I began my journey as a freelance writer on several sites that I now earn income. During that time, I decided to revisit my blog and make it a hub for all my writing ventures. Along with that, I began writing in my blog on a fairly regular basis focusing the posts on updates on my writing experiences and other writer's that inspire me.
After I decided to make writing a part time job, I began discovering a multitude of professional writers and bloggers whom I have a lot of respect. I read their blogs, including Problogger, No Job For Mom, Zen Habits, and many others. I follow the tips, experiences, and advice from their blogs pretty regularly. I have also joined Twitter and discovered there is a ton of information on writing and promoting your work in online social networks.
Much of the advice and tips for creating a good blog talk about having your own domain. This is something I have always considered, but never got around to it. Having your own domain gives you more credibility and creates a website that you can completely call your own. I have thought more about doing this lately and have decided to take the plunge.
Before I continue, I want to pass on what I envision for my blog based on my writing interests the last few months. This blog is going to keep the general focus of writing endeavors. However, I want the flexibility to go slightly off course with inspiring messages on occasion, just my perspective on things in life. I would also like to include posts regarding my perspective from reading books or quotes that inspire me.
Coming up with a name is not as easy as it sounds. I looked at several articles on tips including this one, and have a couple domain names in mind, but I have not committed to one yet.
This is where I need you help. For anyone that reads this post, please pass on any words of wisdom or ideas you may have for crossing over to a custom domain. I really appreciate your advice. Either way, I will be changing the name soon!
Thanks!
More from Julie McElroy
