Why Personalised Online Photo Album and a Domain Name Can Be a Great Last Minute Gift
Who else wants creative last-minute gift ideas for the holidays?
It is an idea that is a little on the techie side, but is a lot more personal than a camera or cellphone – start with a web domain name. You can can explore endless possibilities based on an initial idea of a personalised domain name, from a pretty website, awesome photo blog, eye-catching online photo album to a custom photography portfolio and online store.
It can be a great gift by itself or can be combined with a ready-made photo gallery to become the best surprise gift.
Here are some reasons why it is a good idea:
- No assembly required and no instructions in Chinese.
- It is easier to find a good domain name than a passive 3D TV.
- It’s hypoallergenic.
- Enables someone personalized, cool, and permanent, photo gallery.
- Save a tree — you don’t have to wrap it!
- Give someone the secret identity they’ve always wanted.
- Domains are cheap; you can register one for a year for as little as $6.95
- You won’t shoot your eye out with it!
- It can be passed down from generation to generation like a great framed portrait.
- You can buy it at 11:59pm on the day before the birthday, wedding, anniversary or any special day, and still have it in time.
Owning a domain only gives you the rights to the name, e.g., johnandmary.com. It is like a declaration that the name is yours. You can go to any of the web domain registration companies such as Godaddy or Namecheap to purchase a domain name.
Making the Domain More Personal and Useful
But for those who actually need to use the domain name for a web site, e-mail, etc., you need to have the domain hosted. Owning one without hosting it really is called “parking” the domain. Less than $10 a month gets you hosting for that domain. We have been using Hostgator for more than 8 years and it has been the best one out of 30+ hosting companies that we have tried. So bottom line, $120 (or less) buys a hosted domain for a year.
Now once you have a domain hosted, you can create a memorable website based on the templates given at the hosting company. You can also get an online photo album for the domain. You can even help that special someone to have an online photography portfolio. But you need to get the right hosting service. See the next section about how to choose a good host.
A domain is so “cyber” that you may want something solid to go along with it. As well as the obvious selection might be a set of beautiful business cards with the new domain details on them. VistaPrint will print 250 business cards in color for 20 dollars (or no cost for new customers, with a nominal $10 shipping-handling charge).
Where to Buy
You will notice about 30 gazillion websites that let you register domain names, and another 30 gazillion that will host that name for you. And there is plenty of overlap. There are also plenty of sites that will help you find a hosting company; check out Hosting Comparison and best hosting services.
If you do not have the time to research for the best domain registration company or web hosting, then here is our recommendations:
- Hostgator for most comprehensive DIY hosting including Sitebuilders with 4000+ unique templates, one-click-installer for lots of web applications, shopping cart, forum, and much more. You can easily install the photo gallery application such as 4images, Coppermine, and Piwigo or choose a more popular platform such as WordPress, Joomla or Drupal to create an online photo gallery. Click here to try for a penny.
- Weebly for simple website builder with beautiful templates. Nothing fancy but straightforward easy-to-use website creation tool. Click here to try for free.
The longer you wait, the higher the chances you will lose the name you want.
Go to Godaddy, Netfirms or Namecheap to purchase a domain name now.
Domain Name Suggestions
What do you do if the name you want is taken? Be creative. Change the word order. Use .net, .org, .name, & others. Try synonyms. Here are more ideas:
- Use names: www.PamelasPlace.com or www.CarlasCreek.com
- Small business owner name: www.PeterPhotoshop.com or www.SuzyStudio.com
- Use nicknames: www.RockRuth.com or www.AwesomeAmy.com
- Incorporate job: www.LisaaLawyer.com or www.DrDrewDrill.com
- Incorporate a persons interests: www.GolferGuss.com
- Incorporate a quirks: www.ScreaminSam.com
- Make a statement: www.ILoveLily.com or www.BewareOfCameron.com
- Name of pet: www.MaxsDad.com