More and more associates are purchasing personal domain names every day.  A domain name like www.marysmith.com showcases your individuality and professionalism much better than a generic address like www.remax-nj.com/msmith .  Our regional helpdesk specialist Troy Murphy has a list of suggestions for acquiring and managing domain names.

Today’s Tech Tip:  Domain name tips

If you are purchasing a domain name for the first time, we recommend Domain Direct www.domaindirect.com.  Their pricing is reasonable and their website is easy to navigate.

You should select a short domain name for maximum effectiveness.  www.marysmithsellsmorehomesinbergencounty.com may seem like a clever name, but nobody will ever take time to type it into a browser. 

Avoid RE/MAX trademark infringement when selecting a domain name.  The trademark guidelines from RE/MAX International are very restrictive, and if you violate them you will be forced to stop using the domain name.  Our advice is to avoid using RE/MAX in your domain name altogether.  (Trademark Guidelines can be accessed on RE/MAX Mainstreet at www.remax.net ) 

Always purchase the minimum plan when obtaining a domain name.  This is sometimes known as domain parking.  Other additional cost features such as domain name e-mail are unnecessary, and are actually disabled when you are properly linked to the special features of your personal website.  Take advantage of  the RE/MAX Mainstreet e-mail forwarding system for creating a personalized e-mail name.

Don’t ever buy a competitor’s name and then point it to your website.  Besides being unethical, this is definitely false advertising and you will find yourself in big trouble with your real estate commission.

After you purchase a domain name, you will be connecting it directly to the domain servers for your agent website, not just forwarding.  This step activates powerful features of your agent website, such as direct URL addresses for your listings.   (For example, www.marysmith.com/1234567 equals a direct link to your listing #1234567)  Complete instructions are available in the HELP section of your Regional Intranet Resource Center (IRC).  Allow 72 hours for your domain to start working after it has been set up.  Always verify that your web site is working properly with the new domain name before you advertise it.  ( i.e. do a property search, or try a direct listing url address)  If you have any questions about this process, contact the helpdesk for assistance at (800) 828-7065 or e-mail to HELP@REMAX-NJ.NET

Now, promote your website with your personal domain name.  Put your domain name on all of your advertising materials, sign riders and giveaways.  Put your domain name on your print advertising. Put it on your business cards. Put it on your car!  Put it any place where people can see it, and remember you and your website.  Familiarity is the first step toward successful personal promotion.

Time's up! Gotta go. Have suggestions for other Tech Tips?  E-mail me.

As always, feel free to contact Amanda or Troy at the regional helpdesk with any tech support question at mailto:help@remax-nj.net or (800) 828-7065.

Mark Schilling
Information Technology Manager
mailto:markschilling@remax.net