.info: Show What You Know
In a world overflowing with information, the .info domain cuts through the noise. The perfect space from which to inform, educate, and inspire. No need for confusing acronyms or letters — .info speaks for itself. Built-in relevance. It’s clear, simple, and instantly lets visitors know what your site is all about. What is .info? Say hello to .info, the original domain for websites that inform, educate, and share what you know. First launched back in 2001, it was one of the first “new” TLDs aimed to offer more choice beyond .co.uk and .com domains. With over four million .info domains registered, it’s an extension with staying power. Even in 2025, it holds its own against newer extensions. From day one, .info was built for clarity — letting people know, right away, that a site is about facts, insights, or expertise. It’s the perfect way to build trust in a crowded online space. It’s short, simple, and instantly recognisable. If you want a domain that says “Here’s everything you need to know” then .info might be the one. See also: What is a Top-Level Domain (TLD)? Who uses the .info domain extension? Experts, academics and businesses — anyone who wants to share information. It’s a natural fit for educational content. Universities, research groups and e-learning platforms often use it to share clear, useful information. Some people think .info is only for wikis or reference sites. Not so! Most now see it as a credible, professional choice for any site that shares insights. Some of the world’s most trusted brands use .info to build trust and reach a wide audience. Subject experts use .info to share what they know and stand out in their field. It’s also a smart pick for infotainment blogs, fact-based projects or public resources. Can anyone buy a .info domain? Yep! The .info TLD is open to everyone. That’s in contrast with the .edu domain, which is only available to accredited educational institutions. So if you’re sharing knowledge but don’t qualify for .edu, .info gives you the freedom to publish, teach or inform — no red tape, just information. The only rules are your domain name must be between 1 and 63 characters, and you can’t use special characters like exclamation marks or emojis (as is the case with all domain names). Beyond that, .info is yours for the taking. Why buy a .info Domain? The pros of .info are clear. First off, it’s memorable. People instantly understand that your site is all about sharing information. It’s also more available than other TLDs like .com, meaning you’re more likely to secure the domain name you actually want. For those looking to share knowledge and establish authority, .info is the perfect choice. Even with the rise of new TLDs, .info is still going strong in 2025. Why? Because it’s clear, simple, and instantly lets visitors know what your site is all about. No need for confusing acronyms or cryptic names. The .info extension speaks for itself, giving you: ☐ Instant clarity – No need to explain what your site does. .info says it all. ☐ Strong SEO potential – That is, it’s one of the easier ones to find through search engines. After all, people search for “info” all the time. ☐ Greater availability – Unlike .com, you’re more likely to get the domain name you actually want. ☐ A perfect fit for experts – If you’re sharing insights, this is a domain that makes sense. If you’re building a site to share knowledge, establish credibility, or create a space for experts to connect, .info is a perfect fit. It helps make your site memorable and helps your audience know they’re in the right place for fact-based content. As for the cons, it’s true that .info isn’t as common as .com — but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it can help you stand out more in a crowded digital space. How to get your own .info domain Start by thinking of a name that best reflects what you do and what you want to share. Once you’ve got it, head to 123 Reg, check if it’s available, and grab it in seconds. Need inspiration? Our domain search tool suggests ideas based on your keywords, helping you find the perfect .info domain — even if your first choice is taken. Not only that, but with 123 Reg, you can grab a .info domain right now for just 99p* for the first year. Search for your .info domain here to get started. Don’t wait too long though — good names can go fast. A quick search can save you from missing out, so go ahead and snag the domain you’ve got your eye on before someone else does. Is .info the right choice for you? You might be a subject matter expert, an educator, or simply someone with something really valuable to share online. The .info web address can work for any sort of site, from building a personal blog, to an online portfolio, or a resource-packed educational site. It’s a domain that helps you show what you know. And if you’re still on the fence, think about it this way: .info isn’t just a domain — it’s a chance to share your expertise with the world. It’s time to make that knowledge easy to find. Why not grab a domain today or start brainstorming your big idea? See also: Names That Click – How to Choose the Right Domain Name Wrap up With .info, you’re not just choosing a domain. You’re choosing a space to share your expertise and build trust. It’s simple, memorable, and designed to make your knowledge stand out. Ready to make your mark online? Get your own .info domain today and start sharing what you know. * First year only. Subsequent years will be charged at the then-applicable renewal rate. £0.15 ICANN fees and applicable taxes may apply. Excludes Premium Domains. Prices exclude VAT.
How to Start an Online Business (Without Any Money)
Your imagination is your most valuable asset when it comes to starting an online business. It’s all about that great idea. You don’t need money in the bank or a computer science degree to make it happen. A spark of genius can ignite an empire. Starting strong begins with the essentials: buying a domain, building a website, setting up a custom email address. These steps lay the foundation. Once you’ve set your target, your time and energy become your first investment. One of the best things about doing business online is the flexibility — you control the model, the hours, and everything in between. You’re the boss. If you’re looking for a quicker way to win customers, selling through existing marketplaces gives you access to an instant audience. And if managing stock and storage isn’t your thing, a model like dropshipping lets you run a shop without ever handling the products. Easier said than done? Fair enough — there will be a few bumps along the way. The competition’s fierce. And once you’ve decided to launch your business, there’s also the small matter of registration, taxes, and keeping things above board. Let’s get into it! #1 Choose your business model Think about the core of your business: the product or service you’ll offer. What are you passionate about? What skills and expertise do you possess? Consider the size of your venture: is this going to be a hustle on the side, or a full-time commitment? When it comes to no-to-low cost online business ideas, here are just some of the models to choose from: ☐ Wholesale (Bulk Distribution) Wholesale is all about buying products in bulk from manufacturers or distributors, then selling direct to other stores. This could be clothing and apparel, electronics and accessories, food and drink… you name it. Success as a wholesaler depends on one very expensive thing, however: space. You’ll also need time to build a reputation before expanding into bulk distribution. So, when it comes to ideas for starting an online business from zero, wholesale might be more of a medium-long term model to aim for. Luckily, there are easier ways to get started. ☐ Dropshipping (Inventory-less Retail) If you’d prefer to avoid managing inventory and shipping — or if space is tight — then dropshipping could be the best option for you. Here’s the idea: when a customer places an order, it’s shipped directly from the supplier to them. Imagine running an online clothing store. With dropshipping, you can partner with manufacturers to send items straight from the factory to your customers, saving storage space and cutting out the logistical headache. Dropshipping has a lower barrier to entry than wholesale due to the lack of upfront inventory and storage space costs. Profit margins tend to be lower, as you’re essentially paying the supplier to handle all the fulfillment. But it’s a great place to start. ☐ Reselling Reselling is about buying products, new or used, and selling them on at a higher price. While the word might conjure up images of selling second-hand goods on eBay, the majority of online shops are essentially resellers. The reselling model is especially common on major online marketplace platforms. For example, you might purchase popular mobile phones from major retailers and resell them at a higher price. The key difference between resellers and dropshippers is that resellers hold stock, even if only in small quantities. ‘Arbitrage’ is another sort of reselling where sellers set out to profit from price differences between markets. While it can work for some, it’s important to keep everything above board! ☐ Private Label Going private label is way to build brand identity without the hassle and expense of manufacturing products from scratch. Essentially, you partner with a manufacturer who produces a generic product, which you then customise with your own branding. You can offer unique products under your own name, even if you don’t have the resources to create them yourself. ☐ Handmade Goods and Custom Products Artisans and craftspeople have long put their skills to work selling handmade goods online. This might includes unique jewellery, clothing, furniture, art, and more. You can add personalisation options for a special touch. A popular subcategory is Print on Demand (POD), where you sell custom items like t-shirts or mugs made especially to order. ☐ Digital Products This category encompasses a wide range of products, including eBooks, software, digital art, and more. Creating and selling digital products can be a cost-effective way to reach a global audience. Say you’re the author of a series of eBooks, for instance. You could sell your titles on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, Apple Books, or through your own website. Just be sure to use Digital Rights Management to deter any unauthorised copying and sharing. ☐ Subscription Services (Physical) Offering products on a subscription basis has the potential to bring in a steady stream of revenue. Subscription boxes filled with curated physical products, such as beauty samples, gourmet snacks, or hobby-related items, offer customers the excitement of receiving new surprises regularly. One popular example might be subscription cooking packs and spices. ☐ Affiliate Marketing Affiliate marketing is a performance-based way to earn, where you make commission promoting other people’s products or services. Typically, you’ll earn a little for each sale made through unique referral links. The key is to focus on products or services that align with your audience’s interests and needs. Affiliate marketing can bring significant earning potential for popular bloggers and vloggers, Youtubers and social media influencers — which brings us nicely to the next category… ☐ Freelance Creative Freelance creative work lets you turn your skills into a flexible way to earn. Set your own rates, choose your hours, and work on your terms. Whether through a freelance platform or your own website, a good portfolio can show off your best work and happy clients. Creative freelance services might include: ✓ Graphic design✓ Illustration✓ Photography✓
The Most Expensive Domain Names Ever Sold
Many of us overestimate how much it costs to register a great domain name. You might assume that domains are expensive, especially when they’re short, snappy, and with one of those famous endings like “.com” or “.co.uk”. You could be under the impression that all the best domains have already been taken, anyway — gone, snatched up, like the last doughnut in the office or a Saturday parking space at Lidl. This isn’t always helped by media coverage of high-profile sales. And for sure, some domains can be very pricey indeed. The most expensive ones fetch the same sort of prices as masterpieces at an art auction. The reality, however, is that you can easily pick up a fantastic domain for absolute peanuts. And there are still plenty of excellent choices available. Then, what’s the typical price for a domain name? That’s difficult to say. The average price of a domain depends on a few factors, be that the extension (TLD), the registrar you choose, and the additional services you opt for when you buy. While it’s tough to give an average, let’s go out on a limb and say you can expect to pay between £10 to £30 per year for a good proportion. If you look in the right places, though, you’ll be able to find fantastic deals on cheap domains. What’s for sure is that finding the right one can make a huge difference to your online success. So, whether you’d like to start a blog, show off your professional portfolio, or even start an online business, it’s great to know you can do it with hardly any cash in the bank. Explore thousands of domains and turn your idea into a reality The most expensive domain names ever Figuring out the exact price of a domain name sale is a bit of a guessing game. Many sales are made with non-disclosure agreements in place, keeping the exact numbers under wraps. In at first place is the US-based automotive website, cars.com. Widely regarded as the most expensive domain ever publicised, a report from the website itself shows the domain as an asset valued at approximately £666 ($872 million).¹ (This begs the question, though: if other companies were to reveal the value of their domain as an asset, wouldn’t some be worth even more?) Moving on, number two on the list is business.com. A generic and highly sought-after domain, this digital asset was officially acquired for a staggering £264 ($345m). It’s a good example of a memorable keyword that captures a big audience. In third place is the self-explanatory carInsurance.com. Sold for the princely sum of £39 ($49.7) million, it all goes to show how important it is to have a website name that people can easily understand and connect to. And here’s the full list:² 1. Cars.com — £666 million2. Business.com — £264 million 3. CarInsurance.com — £39 million 4. LasVegas.com — £68.75 million5. Insurance.com — £28 million 6. VacationRentals.com — £28 million 7. PrivateJet.com — £24 million 8. Voice.com — £24 million 9. Internet.com — £14 million 10. 360.com — £13 million 11. Insure.com — £13 million 12. Fund.com — £10 million 13. Sex.com (again*) — £11 million 14. Sex.com — £10 million 15.Hotels.com — £9 million 16. Porn.com — £8 million 17. Shoes.com — £7 million 18. Porno.com — £7 million 19. Fb.com — £7 million 20. We.com — £6 million *Sold for the second time (Insert own joke) Why are some domain names so expensive? Domain names can fetch high prices for all sorts of reasons. Just like prime real estate, a premium domain name is an investment. Domains that combine keywords with commercial value, together with popular endings, can sell for eye-watering sums. A good domain makes it easier for customers to find you, boosting brand recognition and setting the stage for future growth. You’ll notice that all twenty on the list are “.com” domains. This just goes to show their popularity and perceived value. That’s especially in the United States, where it’s arguably seen as the default domain extension, even above “.us”. Short, catchy, and easy-to-remember names are more valuable for branding and tend to perform better in search engine results. Take domains like “Uber.com”, “Zoom.com” and, of course, “google.com”, for example. These names are easy to remember, relevant to the brand, and roll off the tongue. Trending topics or industries also tend to increase the demand for specific domains. With millions of domains already registered, unique and relevant using the traditional suffixes can indeed become more difficult to come by, driving up the cost. Older domain names with established traffic and backlinks also tend to command higher prices. Where can I find a cheap domain name? There are upwards of 350 million domain names already out there. With roughly 1 million new domains registered monthly, that number will be over half a billion by 2026.³ Thankfully, new endings (TLDs) are constantly being released. Novel suffixes, like “.blog“, “.shop“, or “.tech”, and the newly released “.ai” domain extension, offer a fresh and creative alternatives. It’s easy to find cheap domains that can work well for your online brand. According to the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) database, there are almost 1600 domain extensions, or “Top-Level Domains” (TLDs) to choose from. That’s a lot of choice! If you invest a little time and effort in research, lots of domain registrars (domain name sellers) run promotions and offer discounts, especially on multi-year registrations. Great registrars like 123 Reg (that’s us) may even offer additional perks such as free privacy and security features, which can add extra value to your purchase. Comparing prices and taking advantage of these deals, you could save lots. At 123 Reg, we offer competitive pricing on a wide range of domain extensions, starting from as little as 0.79p for the first year. You can easily browse our selection and find the perfect domain name for your business, all without breaking the bank. No need to rush into
Ditch the Desk: How to Become a Digital Nomad
How does this sound: sipping espresso at a café in Milan one week, lounging at a beachside bar in Bali the next, perhaps a few days in Singapore after that — all the while with your trusty laptop, earning on the go and working to your productive best. If only life were this simple! Too often, little things like dodgy Wi-Fi (and paying taxes) make for a different reality. Yet, with the right set of online tools and a certain kind of mindset, the digital nomad thing could work for you. Digital platforms can bridge the gap between work and wanderlust, keeping your workflow uninterrupted no matter where you’ve set up office. What is a digital nomad? l How digital nomads make money l Is the digital nomad lifestyle right for you? l Best places to be a digital nomad l Top Digital Nomad Visas l Navigating taxes l Making your plan l After arrival What is a digital nomad? The ability to make a living online has opened up new possibilities. This shift towards a more flexible work environment has been a boon for adventurous remote workers, offering the opportunity to work from just about anywhere. ‘Digital Nomad’ was added to the Oxford Dictionary in 2020, defined as “a person who earns a living working online in different locations that they choose for themselves.” Working as you travel, not tied to any single location — it’s a lifestyle choice as much as anything. To succeed, you’ll be reliant on technology and the internet to stay connected and productive no matter where in the world you are. The global digital nomad population is now estimated to be around 35 million, with most aged between 25 to 44 years. Nevertheless, around a quarter of self-described digital nomads are over the age of 40.¹ ❝The global digital nomad population is now estimated to be around 35 million❞ And this new craze isn’t going away. The UK now has the second highest proportion of digital nomads (12%) after the USA (37%), with Germany a distant third (5.6%).¹ The digital nomad community is diverse and there’s a near-even split between genders. So what’s the difference between being a digital nomad and just working abroad? One key part of it is that most digital nomads spend less than four months in any one location. This isn’t a coincidence. Rightly or wrongly, many are working while on tourist visas that last 30 to 90 days. They should, therefore, still be paying tax back home. More on that later. Excitingly, the last few years have given rise to ‘digital nomad visas’. Valid for a full 12 months, these visas offer the chance to stay medium-long term, blending the flexibility of remote worker travel with the stability of traditional work. Almost 60 countries (and counting) now offer visas like these — and we’ll list a few of the best! How do digital nomads make money? According to Flatio’s Digital Nomad Report, the majority earn between €10-50k annually. Two-thirds of those respondents said that they pay tax back to their home country. There are essentially three main ways to make money remotely online: (1) as a remote employee, (2) freelancing, or (3) running your own business. Here are just a few of the most popular choices: Remote Employees Web Design: Creating and designing websites for clients globally.Programmers/Software Engineers: Building and maintaining software appsWriting/Editing: Producing written content for blogs, websites, and publicationsSocial Media Content: Managing social media accounts and strategies for businessesGraphic Design: Designing visual content for digital marketing, branding, or product designVirtual Assistance/Remote Customer Service: Offering technical or customer service support, whether that’s B2B or B2CFreelance Consultancy: Offering expert advice in your field of expertise, such as marketing, finance, or IT. It’s especially important for digital nomads to have strong portfolios to showcase skills and projects (and to prove you’re working, not at the beach!) Don’t forget to keep your LinkedIn and other career site profiles/CVs up to date. See also: Portfolio Websites for Creatives Freelancers, Side Hustlers Freelancing is well-suited to the digital nomad lifestyle. Many of the careers listed above are options for going it alone as a freelancer. With smart side hustles, you can add further income streams. Other ways of making money online include: Affiliate marketing: Earning commissions by promoting products Selling digital products: eBooks, courses, or stock photographyTeachers/Tutors: Teaching languages, academic subjects, or skillsVloggers/Youtubers: Creating and sharing video contentBloggers: Crafting written content to inform, educate, entertainInfluencers: As with bloggers, they might endorse brands and products, or perhaps sell ad space See also: 10 Passive Income Streams to Unlock Financial Freedom and How to Build Your Side Hustle on a Budget Online Business Owners Starting an online business is a great fit for the digital nomad lifestyle, offering the freedom to work on your own terms. This flexibility means you can adjust your business to match your needs, growing your range of products or services as you move around the world. Dropshipping to order (holding no stock) is one way to reach customers worldwide right from the get go. Selling digital products is also popular choices that allow entrepreneurs to set their own hours and work from anywhere. As your business grows, it’s possible to grow without being held back by physical space. See also: The 2024 Guide to Starting an Online Business Is the digital nomad lifestyle the right choice for you? Digital nomads often report high levels of satisfaction when it comes to work-life balance. Much of that can surely be attributed to the flexibility and autonomy the lifestyle affords. There are both good and bad points, though. Digital nomadism isn’t for everyone. Recent statistics suggest many of those who tried it post-pandemic have since returned home. This could be down to shifting policies — some bosses have ordered return-to-office mandates, for example. Brexit is another factor: us Brits abroad used to be able to live and work in the EU visa-free. Now, we need to clear off after 90 days (like Americans do). Nevertheless, the
Names That Click: How to Choose the Right Domain Name
Choosing the right domain name is one of the fundamentals for online success. It’s the first thing many people see about your brand — and may even help to define it. The right choice is bound to make a big impact. But while buying a domain name can be surprisingly cheap and easy, it’s a challenge to up sticks and move home later on. That’s why it’s so important to get it right from the start. In this guide, we’ll go through some practical tips on how to pick a domain name that’s smart, affordable, and sure to make a lasting impression. What is a domain name? To start with the basics, a domain name is a specific address that you enter into a web browser to visit a website. Every website has its own special domain name — much like any house in the street has its own postcode. Each domain consists of three main parts: the subdomain, the second-level domain, and the top-level domain (TLD) or domain extension. Looking at www.123-Reg.co.uk, for example, that’s the “www” prefix, the unique name in the middle, and the “.co.uk” suffix at the end. So, what’s a URL? Well, web addresses and URLs are basically the same but, strictly speaking, the URL includes a protocol (like “HTTPS”) at the beginning. Forward slashes are then used to create more subdirectories or paths. But that’s more than enough detail, for now. Here’s a quick breakdown of what a URL — that is to say, a full web address — is made up of: You’ll have noticed that a lot of websites have “www” at the start. This is the most common subdomain out there. The same age as Taylor Swift and at least equally as famous, we think you know what it stands for. You may be surprised to learn, though, that it’s used by only around 50% of websites online today. For the most part, subdomains are there to help us make sense of navigation. They are used to set up specific sections within websites. For example, an online store can use a subdomain like “shop.something.com”, while a blog could be set up on “blog.something.com”. Similarly, a mobile-friendly version of website might exist on “m.something.com”. The heart of a domain name is the second-level domain. This is the juicy core of the web address, acting as a unique identifier for the site. It’s what most people will remember and associate with a web address. More often than not, the second-level domain reflects the brand name itself. For example, the “123-Reg” part of www.123-Reg.co.uk. Last but not least, the top-level domain (TLD) or domain extension, such as “.com”, sits at the end of the address. The extension is really important because it gives users an idea about the type of website they’re visiting. Along with the second-level domain, the TLD is the main thing you’ll need to think about when choosing a domain name. What is a domain registrar? A Domain Registry is the organisation that manages and maintains the records for specific top-level domains. For example, Nominet is the official registry for .UK domains, while VeriSign is the official registry for .com and .net domains. A Domain Registrar is an organisation that sells domain names to the general public. Much like buying chocolate, you wouldn’t approach the manufacturer themselves but rather an approved dealer like a supermarket or newsagent. A registrar must be accredited by a domain registry before it can sell their TLDs. Every time a registrar makes a sale, they then pay a fee to the appropriate registry. So, you can also transfer your domain to a different registrar, but you can’t transfer a domain on the registry! Finally, the Domain Registrant is the entity (an individual or company) that has registered a domain name. If a registrant makes any changes to the records for their domain, the registrar will then notify the appropriate registry so that their records are kept up-to-date. Learn more about transferring your domain to 123 Reg How to choose a domain name What’s in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Right? Well, Shakespeare wasn’t aiming to establish a successful online presence in 2024. One leaf to take out of the Bard’s book, however, is to have an awareness of how words and letters can affect an audience. Your domain is your online signature. And with that, here are our top tips for choosing the right one. There are more than 350 million registered domain names out there today, according to the 2023 Domain Name Industry Brief Report. With new domain names registered at a rate of around 1 million each month, that total is expected to rise to over 550 million by 2026. As we’ll explore, the right choice of website address can have a huge impact. The most recognised extensions (gTLDs) include “.com”, “.org”, and “.net”. There’s also the major country code extensions, such as “.fr” or “.jp”. In recent years, there’s been an explosion of new, weird and wonderful choices, like “.fun”, “.club”, “.london” or “.fit”. It’s a good strategy to choose a clever matching combo. Here’s our advice on choosing the right domain name for you: ➤ Keep it short and sweet You want a domain name that’s easy to remember, say, and type. It should be straightforward and give potential visitors an idea of what your website is about. A domain that people can easily shout out will help with word-of-mouth recommendations and make it more likely for visitors to return to your site. 15 characters should be about the upper limit in most cases. But less is more. Avoid words that are prone to being misspelled, as well as hyphens or awkward sets of numbers. Special characters aren’t an option when choosing domain names (and that’s a good thing). ➤ Be on brand Try to find a brandable domain name. For many start-ups and small business owners just getting the ball rolling, it can
2024 Guide to Starting an Online Business
Launching an online business has never been easier. You can do it without big upfront funding and there’s no need for serious tech skills. With the flexibility to set your own schedule and call all the shots, this is an opportunity to be your own boss. With just a little clever strategy it’s possible to reach a huge audience right from the get-go. Whether you’re looking for a gentle income stream on the side — or dreaming of a worldwide e-commerce empire — anything’s possible. With that, here’s our guide to starting an online business in 2024. Why start an online business in 2024? | Come up with your business idea | Choose your business model | What type of entrepreneur are you? | Conduct market research | Write the business plan | Get the funding | Register your business | Manage your accounts | Buy the domain name | Choose your online platform | Set up shop | Start taking payments | Build your online presence Why start an online business in 2024? Building an online business is a great chance to do something rewarding — in more ways than one. To start with the obvious, the entry barrier is often very low. Online ventures tend to come with minimal start-up costs, compared to a bricks-and-mortar business, saving money on rent, utilities, and other associated start-up expenses. It’s a way to get a foot in the business door without reaching deep into your wallet. For those who do already have a physical shop, going online offers a great way to increase revenue and expand, reaching new avenues and wider audiences. You have the flexibility. As the customer base grows, you can expand operations without the constraints of physical space. You have the power to map your online business to fit exactly what you need. Whether you’re starting small with a niche product or dreaming big with a diverse range, you can up the size and complexity as you go along. You needn’t be a tech wizard. With so many user-friendly platforms and handy tools out there, it’s possible to set up shop with only limited tech skills. Good website builders provide templates that make it utterly easy to launch a professional-looking website in minutes — then manage stock and update pages daily. If you’d prefer instant access to customers, you might try the existing marketplaces of Etsy, eBay, and others. And there’s never been a better time to start. In fact, the UK now boasts the world’s third largest e-commerce market in the world after China and the US. Online sales account for more than a third of the total retail market in the UK, in spite of what’s going on with the economy. Online sales even increased by 36% last year. By 2025, the total domestic revenue from e-commerce is predicted to be worth £230 billion. So, if you’ve got something to share with the world, 2024 is the time to make your mark. Finally, did we mention you can do it all from home in your pyjamas? Come up with that business idea So you’ve decided to start an online business. Exciting! The first step is to define your business idea. It’s about turning that spark of inspiration into a clear, actionable concept. There are several key things to think about — to guide your thought process and to help shape this vision into something tangible and viable. First, consider the scale and commitment of the business venture. Are you looking to start a side-gig to complement your lifestyle and income, or are you aiming for a full-time enterprise that’ll become a primary focus? Think about the core of your business: the product or service you want to offer. This is where your passion meets market demand. Is there a specific product or service you are passionate about or have expertise in? Define the niche. Pinpoint a specific market segment and, instead of trying to serve everyone, focus on a particular group with shared interests. Tailor your products or services to meet their preferences. This approach helps your business stand out and builds stronger connections with loyal customers. Identify your passions and market gaps to find your niche effectively. How well does the business idea align with your skills and experience? Will you need additional training or partnerships? A business idea that fits your strengths and areas of expertise is more likely to take off. Choose your business model There are four primary business models in e-commerce lingo. Those are: Business-to-Business (B2B), when a businesses sell products or services to other businesses. When it comes to wholesale, a B2B might act as intermediary in a supply chain, purchasing goods in bulk from manufacturers and selling them to retailers or other businesses. Business-to-Consumer (B2C), where a businesses sells direct to consumers. This is the biggest e-commerce business model there is — whenever we make an online purchase as an individual customer, we’re engaged in the B2C model. Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C), when consumers sell goods or services to each other through an intermediary platform. Casual and occasional selling on eBay or Facebook Marketplace would fall into this category. Consumer-to-Business (C2B), when consumers provide services to businesses. Switching around the B2C idea, this one is a bit oddly named, as it typically refers to freelancers selling to businesses. For example, getting paid to upload photography to Shutterstock. Decide: What type of entrepreneur are you? Think about what you love and what you’re good at to find a business model that fits. Understanding the dynamics can help you position your business and work out your opportunities. Whether you decide to go wholesale and manage stock yourself, or to “dropship” orders straight from supplier to customer, the choice should reflect your strengths and market positioning. Think about your Value Delivery Method. That’s a posh way of asking how you’ll meet the needs of consumers. This choice goes beyond logistics; it shapes the entire approach to bringing value. Each type of business has its unique set of
Important domain registration changes
Over the last couple of weeks you may have seen a number of communications from 123-reg and others relating to some changes that The Internet Corporation for Assigned Domains and Numbers (ICANN) has made to global domain policy. This policy change has been made to introduce an added layer of security on the internet to keep customers online. Domain Registration Changes As of 1st January 2014, ICAAN, the body responsible for overseeing the co-ordination of the global internet system incorporated changes which has seen registrars, like ourselves, having to ask customer’s to verify their WHOIS contact information for all new domain registrations, domain transfers and registrant contact modifications. It is important to state that these changes have been made by ICANN and not 123-reg and it is very important to us that you understand why this needs to be done and to show you exactly how these changes can be applied, easily and with very little time on your side. What do you need to do? ICANN has deemed this process necessary whenever a Registrant changes any of the following details: Registrant First Name Registrant Last Name Registrant Email Address The verification email is sent upon any modification of a customer’s contact details – even if it is a phone number change, if the email address associated with the domain has not been verified already. To help you better understand how this process will work: If you are the owners of example.com and you changed your phone number on 1st January (the phone number associated with the domain), you will receive a validation email. Any customer that verifies their domain name will only have to verify it again if the same customer changes their email address that is associated with their domain name. The most important thing is that your domain is not suspended so to help prevent this, we have made the process simple and extremely easy for you. If you have or will make any future changes, the following shows you exactly what will happen and what you need to do. After making changes, you will automatically receive an email from services@123-reg.co.uk Contained in this email is a link to verify-whois.com which you will need to click and verify your address. Unfortunately, if you do fail to verify this within 15 days, your domain name will be suspended by ICANN. If a domain is suspended it will be re-directed to a holding page that will give the affected customer the ability to have the verification email re-sent, thus un-suspending the domain. We advise all customer’s to verify via as soon as possible via the email link to avoid this from happening. What does a suspension mean? Suspension means that all DNS settings will not work – this includes MX records and any email address associated with the account. So if this is the case, the any affected customer should change the email address associated with the domain from the Control Panel with a new address that they have access to (not one linked to the domain) – this will trigger a verification email being sent to the new address so the customer can verify the domain and have the domain un-suspended. Please remember that if a domain is suspended it does not mean that an affected customer has lost control of this domain. However, it will remain suspended until the domain is verified through the verification email sent out by 123-reg. So what should you do now? It is critical that you do ensure that your domain name is associated with a valid email address, which is different to your domain name. The last thing we want is for you to make a change and we send the verification to an incorrect email address. Keeping these details up to date will help us to ensure the smooth running of your domain name. We are always on hand if you do get stuck, however. If you do need any help, support or guidance on any of these matters, simply get in touch and a member of the team will be happy to assist you. Just head over to https://www.123-reg.co.uk/support/
Shorter and Simpler – will .uk domain benefit your business?
Today, Nominet has announced its plan to proceed with the shorter .uk domain extension following its second consultation period. The change will be the most significant advancement to the .uk domain market ever and will allow more than 10 million existing customers a shorter and more unique equivalent of the current .co.uk. There is no doubt that this change is a landmark one for businesses in the UK. There has been a shift in how businesses want their domain names to work for them – with shorter extensions becoming more popular than ever. The announcement of the .uk will bring businesses in the UK into line with France (.fr) and Germany (.de) with a simpler domain extension. The .uk extension will open up space for people and businesses to buy the domain that they want and they might have missed out on previously. What’s more, when launched businesses need only make a small investment in this domain to further enhance their online brand. The news is also a positive one for the UK’s digital economy and further highlights the support for small businesses in the UK. The domain name market is currently undergoing a major transition as new gTLD’s are set to market and the release of .uk will open up space for people and businesses to buy the domain that they really want. What’s more those businesses that have already purchased the .co.uk domain name will be offered first refusal on the shorter equivalent. So here is a breakdown of the changes Web addresses ending in .uk rather than .co.uk will be available from the summer of 2014 Businesses will be able to register shorter simpler alternatives to .co.uk The move brings the UK in line with Germany and France Nominet will announce a launch date in early 2014 We will be offering our customers the chance to extend their domain portfolio with a .uk gTLD. See if the .uk domain version of your website is available. The combination of a shorter extension alongside the trust of the ‘.uk’ brand will bring about the extension of choice within the market, further enhancing the opportunities for those businesses who want their own online space. Over the coming months we will be in consultation with Nominet and we are committed to making sure we keep everyone up to date with any changes in advance of the launch date announcement.