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Alright folks, the time has officially arrived. The Site Flip U, blog/site flipping contest begins in just a bit. Go get your domain (when it’s time) and get to work
A few tips on domain selection. You may have heard that it’s important to get a domain with your keywords in it. The truth is, in this case it doesn’t matter. The reason you hear about picking a domain with your own keywords is that when people link to you, it automatically includes said keyword. However, you have 30 days to flip these… so generally you won’t have a lot of people linking to you, you’ll be BUILDING links on your own. That said, when building links, it’s pretty easy to put whatever keyword you want in the anchor text of your link. Whether you are using Bookmarking Demon (Highly Recommended!), or commenting on blogs, you can insert your keyword without having to worry about it being in the domain.
Domain Tips
- Less than 15 characters
- Avoid numbers if at all possible (even spelled numbers). It’s something you’ll constantly have to explain. For example, with One Man’s Goal. It’s One… Spelled out. Trust me, avoid it.
- Descriptive, or at least in the same lateral thinking plane as your concept
- Easy to remember
- The shorter the better
- Never pass up a .net that includes your keywords to go after a .com that doesn’t
- .com’s are always more valuable than .net’s when it comes to auction, but the playing field is getting more and more level between the two. So try for a .com, but don’t settle for a junk .com when a good .net is available.
- SEARCH! THEN SEARCH AGAIN!
So how do I choose a domain?
Here are a few tips to get you started on domain name ideas. Choosing a domain can be downright impossible since it seems all the good ones are taken. Try these for ideas.
Nameboy
Bust A Name
Urban Dictionary (Thanks Britt/AP)
These sites will get you started and help you to find some inspiration. My favorite combo is Bust A Name, and Urban Dictionary. I generally don’t find the domain I’m looking for by using these sites, but it gets me on a creative path that allows me to find a domain name without struggling with it for days.
Don’t forget, I need everyone’s Google Analytics and Feedburner info sent to me before you can begin. Email it to bryanclark82 (at) gmail (dot) com.
Good luck everyone!
Remember, don’t register those domains until after 12 AM Central Time (US).
July 1st, 2008 at 5:32 am
Thanks for the info…… finally I am set up (did you get your affiliate commission through hostgator?).
Are we supposed to be revealing our domains here or keeping it secret?
Looking forward to the next step….. and will be working on the initial theme today.
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Bryan Clark reply on July 1st, 2008:
Awesome Forest. Glad to see that you are all set up. I’ll be revealing the competing domains as soon as I have all of them. Some people haven’t sent me an email yet, but I know they are in the contest. And yes, I received the sign-up commission. 50 pts! Thanks
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July 1st, 2008 at 7:53 am
Hi Bryan, I’m slightly confused… how can I set my feedburner account and google analytics if I don’t have a website yet? Technically we’re only supposed to buy it in the next 4 hours (I checked on an online clock it’s only 9.40am CT)…
I’m obviously blog but thought I’d get this clear - I’d really like to take part in the competition but if it’s not possible then I’ll just play on the sidelines.
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July 1st, 2008 at 8:05 am
Ok never mind - I sent you an email
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July 1st, 2008 at 8:24 am
@ Jovana: You can actually set them up no problem. Best thing to do is get a gmail account that you willuse for the blog itself. From that you can set up an analytics account - as Jay said in one of the other feature posts, you can register it against any domian and just change it later. Feedburner is an easy one as you can just open an account linked to your new gmail account, you wont have to put any domain info in until you purchase. I recommend getting throwaway accounts for the purpose of this competition. need anything else just let me know!
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July 1st, 2008 at 8:31 am
Thanks dear I worked it out myself after being stumped for a few short moments but your help is very much appreciated!
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July 1st, 2008 at 8:52 am
You are welcome!! What time is it on that online clock of yours??? I am in London (England) so have no idea what central time is!!
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July 1st, 2008 at 8:54 am
Alrighty folks. Im off toget an email for my new blog, and also set up the faux accounts at Feedburner and GA.
So essentially, when 12 oclock lunch hour strikes, we go to our registrar of choice, and register our new blog domain name, right? Then send it to you, Bryan, via email, yes?
Missy.
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July 1st, 2008 at 9:03 am
I’m a dufus (as usual), just re-read the original post of the contest. I need to set up a HostGator account, as i currently use DH for my host.
Off to do that as well, hopefully there cPanel is not too different than DH, as im no techie.
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Bryan Clark reply on July 1st, 2008:
It’s really simple, and if you have trouble, their customer support will walk you through EVERYTHING. They are the best support team I’ve ever seen.
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July 1st, 2008 at 9:40 am
AP: Here is the website where I’m tracking time: http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/time-zone/usa/central-time/
20 more minutes to go - yay!
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July 1st, 2008 at 9:46 am
Anyone know whether i can transfer all my sites to HostGator, or only one? And is this even a good idea? Let me know your thoughts. I just figure WHY have two hosts.
Im thinking probably not, as then i would also have to transer all domains, etc. I have quite a few domains under DH.
Also im thinking i should be able to get my domain for this contest for free, upon signing up for Hostgator. I got one when i first signed up with DH.
Forest, did you or are you getting a free domain from them?
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Bryan Clark reply on July 1st, 2008:
Missy, I’ve never used Dream Host, so this is based on what I’ve heard. But I’ve heard that they aren’t all that good of a host (but they pay good commissions!). You’ll love Host Gator, and especially the support staff. If you have ANY trouble. Call them! They are fantastic, and they’ll walk you through just about any install.
As far as moving your domains. If you decide to do that, call support. I think they can do it for you!
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Jovana reply on July 1st, 2008:
I have a hosting account with Hostgator - wow, they are AMAZING. Much better then my other hosting account.
They have 24/7 support and their customer services people really go out of their way to help.
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July 1st, 2008 at 9:48 am
Oh no just using them for hosting…. never used them before so was being slow getting started. They seem good though.
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July 1st, 2008 at 10:39 am
Jeez! Now i dont know what to do, as far as hosting. I really dont want to mess with my account at DH.
Bryan, when you read this, do chime in.
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jayson reply on July 1st, 2008:
Hey Missy -
Here is my 2 cents. I have hosting at both Dreamhost and Hostgator. I like having both, even though it costs a bit more a year. Why? There is never a perfect host, and it’s nice to have that “backup” account if you ever need it.
I’ve never had any problems with Hostgator and I absolutely love having their 24-hour online support. They have saved my hide a few times. Never had a complaint with them.
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July 1st, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Missy. I might recommend that as you are ultimately going to be selling the site in 30 days time that you spend the $10, sign up with hostgator and use that account for your competition blog. You will be very pleased with them I am sure. cpanel etc is all good so don’t worry about a thing. Jayson’s advice is great, a backup host is always good but, having used the majority of hosting out there, I do not have a bad thing to say about hostgator.
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Bryan Clark reply on July 1st, 2008:
AP is exactly right. If you don’t like it after a month. Just cancel it. But I’m pretty sure that you’ll make the switch. I used to use Go Daddy hosting, and I still do on some sites. But for any new ones I register, they go straight to Host Gator.
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July 1st, 2008 at 12:29 pm
oh, and I am so far behind on this competition so I have to get on it right now!!!
Good luck to one and all
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Bryan Clark reply on July 1st, 2008:
Thanks for answering all of the questions Neal! Ladies and gentlemen, have you met my new assistant?
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July 1st, 2008 at 1:21 pm
TO EVERYONE - Thanks for entering, and those of you that haven’t sent me an email including your domain, analytics, and feedburner information… I need it ASAP!
Good luck all, and I can’t wait to see who wins. And remember, signing up through https://siteflipu.com/hostgator gets you an extra 50 points! The commission is also split between myself and the winner.
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July 1st, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Bryan, mine’s coming. I have been really busy. I haven’t had time to research a good niche for this flip, but I have a “general topic” backup plan that I’m willing to tackle just to enter on time lol.
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Bryan Clark reply on July 1st, 2008:
Pure awesomeness!
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July 1st, 2008 at 1:44 pm
I’m sending my info, getting it all ready now. Been crazy busy this morning. Dont start wethout me.
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July 1st, 2008 at 1:54 pm
*is curious*
Can we register our domains yet? Or not? I’m slightly confused with this central time.. thing..
I live in Africa you see
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Bryan Clark reply on July 1st, 2008:
Yep… register away… you’re 17 hours behind!
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Jovana reply on July 2nd, 2008:
Don’t worry, I’ll catch up!
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July 1st, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Ok. info sent via email. I still have to get you the pw on Feedburner and GA. Give me another few mintues for that.
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July 1st, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Email’s sent! I used HostGator affiliate link, so enjoy the coffee you buy with that! I was crammed, so I’m already set up for a loss. lol. Let’s see, I have a 16 char. domain, .net, and a general topic. Ah well, it’ll just make me work harder to put the smackdown on you all!
How many are in anyway? I should fall in at 10th place or better, regardless of well I do? lol
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Bryan Clark reply on July 1st, 2008:
I’m not sure how many are in yet. Still waiting on verification emails. And just work hard, domain doesn’t matter all that much!
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Jovana reply on July 2nd, 2008:
I wasn’t sent a verification email yet :/
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July 22nd, 2008 at 9:40 am
Curious that bookmarkingdemon thing. Anyone using this? is it worth it? And most importantly…can i use it for ALL my sites? I have like 100! lol
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Bryan Clark reply on July 23rd, 2008:
I use it daily Chelsea. It’s simply the fastest, and most automated way to build links. And yes, you can use it on unlimited sites.
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