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How do you get that www.mywebsite.com at the top of your web browser? How do you go about choosing a domain name? What's your business name got to do with it?
In this tutorial, we will cover:
what makes up a website,
how to decide on a business name, and
how to buy & link your domain name to your Google Site.
1. Anatomy of a Website
So what do you need to build any kind of website? In general, you need (1) a domain name, (2) website hosting, and (3) a website builder.
Domain Name (Porkbun)
A web URL / name for your site.Website Hosting (Google Drive)
A place to store the content you post on your website.Website Builder (Google Sites)
A way to make the actual layout of your website.
Porkbun is the element that costs money - the yearly domain name fee. Google's services are free up to 15 GB. Oncuff sells templates for the Website Builder (though you could build your site from scratch). The big name website providers like Squarespace or Wix will bundle all of these items together for user convenience (which is sold at an elevated cost).
2. Your Art Business Name
If you're setting up a website, we need to figure out what your domain name (URL) is going to be! Your art practice is a small business, which means there's more than just your name to choose from.
Here's some of the most common business name conventions in art.
Common Art Practice Naming Conventions
Your First and Last Name
Pen Name or pseudonym
Business Name, usually word followed by "Studio", "Press", etc.
First & Last Name
The most common naming convention for the realm of Fine Art. Typically, a fine artist's brand is their self - their attitude and personality are tied to their artistic style (similar to musicians). When we make art, it's from the core of ourselves, so we tend to associate personally to it.
If your name is difficult to spell, you may want to consider using a pen name.
There are real safety considerations to using your real name. While using your real name makes it easy for those within your circles to find you across social media platforms, it means anyone can find you. If you're worried about harassment and other unwanted online attention, consider using a pen name.
2. Pen Name / Pseudonym
A fake or made up name / username that serves as a business name. This a practice common to digital illustration, gaming circles, and content creators. Fine Artists tend to shorten their real names into a pen name. Ex. Dali for Salvador Dali.
Pen Names can help keep your privacy safe online by giving you the ability to separate your real life persona from your online persona. It won't stop people who are determined to invade your privacy, but it gives some basic protections.
If you're concerned about safety, make sure your pen name:
has no relation to your real name,
isn't related to other usernames you use online, and
never links back to your real name through modes like email.
3. Business Name
Sometimes artists remove themselves from the picture by opting instead to have a business front. Unlike pen names, people will associate their real names with their business.
In printmaker circles, it's common to name the business after something the artist relates and then to and add "Press" or "Studio".
Ex. Pomegranate Letterpress + Design in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
3. Business Name Checklist
Before we even get close to linking up our website, it's really important to double check your desired business' name. Typically, your domain name is your business' name. We need to be unique but easy to remember against other people and parties. This list is here to help you filter down potential names and save heartache later. Sometimes our favourite names are distinctly bad business names.
You need to be certain about your business name! Once you settle on a name it can be difficult to switch your branding later.
▼ Business Name Checklist
Is your business' name...
easy to pronounce?
easy to spell?
easy to remember?
distinctive & unique from other names?
reflective of the goods / services you offer with your art practice?
limiting the scope of your products / art practice?
already taken by someone else?
the .com is already taken by someone else?
too closely associated with questionable or socially frowned upon activities?
1 - 4. Be Easy & Distinct
Unfortunately people are bad with names. If your name has multiple spellings or is phonetically hard to spell, it's worth considering a shorted pen name or making up a whole new name.
Ex. Kaitlyn can be spelled many ways including Caitlyn, Katelyn, Kviiilyn... etc. So, I use kathollander for instagram. Kat typically is short for Katerina with a K and Hollander is fairly simple to phonetically spell.
5 - 6. Reflect Your Practice
Most use their full name in Fine Art, which is automatically reflective of themselves. But, a full name doesn't tell people what the artist does.
If you use a pen name or business name, consider what your primary focus is or what you want people to know about you and your work (i.e. multimedia versus single medium, distinct themes, etc.).
Ex. "Clay Pot Studios" suggests that the business sells ceramic pottery. They could also sell sculptures, but it might not be implied from the name. A more broad name could be "Earthen Studios". But this name too comes with implications and associations.
7 - 8. Taken Names
While it is possible to buy taken domain names, you likely won't get it or it's going to be very expensive - there is a whole industry of buying and selling desirable domain names. Sometimes the owner forgets to renew their name and you can grab it for a reasonable price.
The .com extension is the most desirable extension but other region specific ones like .ca (Canada) might be available instead. Only opt for this different region if the .com would have no association to your business.
After a quick Google Search (next step), you might find your desired name is already in use elsewhere or is associated with socially taboo topics like s 3 x. Artists often are adjacent to these topics by virtue of their practice (ex. nude life drawing), but the general public isn't. Careers can be affected by activities outside work. If you work as a teacher, that kind of association typically is damaging to your career.
4. Search Engine Name Check
At the very least, we need to make sure no one else has your desired business name. Return to section (2) if you haven't gone through our "Is your business' name..." list!
For the third, and final time: make sure you're absolutely set on your name! It's very difficult to change your name after you've start posting online.
But I really want this taken name!
You can use ICANN's lookup tool to see when the domain is up for renewal. Sometimes you can snatch up your name if the prior owner lapses on renewal.
▼ [ Task 1 - Google Your Name ]
Go to Google.com. Search your name / business name.
If the following arises, you should return to Step 2 and reconsider your name:
your name is taken,
the .com is taken, or
there's not safe for work (NSFW) activities attached to your name. Make your name safe for work (SFW).
On the far right side → click "Tools" to see how many hits (total search results) your name gets.
The lower the number, the more likely your name will show up first in search results once you publish your site.
5. Domain Registrars
Now that you've settled on a name, we now can buy our Domain Name! Domain Registrars are the stores that sell Domain names and you can compare prices between providers for the same name. Some Domain Name providers only have domain names while others have other services like web builders and custom emails available for a fee.
Oncuff uses Porkbun.com and our guides feature their services. We are not sponsored by Porkbun in any way. We use them because they have good pricing, customer service, and hilarious little jokes littered through their website.
▼ Cheap Domain Name Providers
Porkbun
Namecheap
GoDaddy
Dyandot
Cloudflare
But I already have a website! How do I move my domain name to Google Sites?
If you already have a domain name associated to a website with a service like Squarespace or Wix, you can transfer the domain name to Google Sites and stop using their web hosting & builder services. You can also transfer ownership of a domain name to other Domain Registars. We don't have tutorials on how to do this, but you can find tutorials on your domain provider's site.
6. Buying a Domain on Porkbun
Porkbun sells in USD - check what your credit card currency exchange fees are before purchasing. On a domain registrar, we can check our desired name, its current pricing, and its availability (unavaliable, owned, or owned but being sold though a third party vendor).
If your name is owned by a third party already, reconsider your name. There is a whole industry of buying desirable domain names and reselling them for high prices.
▼ [ Task 1 - Buy a Domain Name with Porkbun ]
Go to www.porkbun.com. Search your desired name in the box.
Look for the ".com" version of your domain. .com is preferred as it tends to be trusted and recognized by most people.
When you have selected the name you want, → go to the top right corner and → select Checkout.
Double check the spelling of your domain name. If it's spelled wrong, go back to step 2. Porkbun has auto-renewal yearly so you can set the renewal to the minimum of 1 year (select longer if you want to pay now rather than yearly later).
Once you're certain, scroll down the webpage. On the bottom right side → click "Continue".
Porkbun requires you to make an account to buy a domain. This also allows you to manage your domain name.
On the right → fill the "Create an Account" fields. Follow the prompts to verify your account.
You will receive an email with a code to verify your account.
Choose your payment method and enter your payment details.
If you use a credit card, double check your card's foreign currency exchange fees before purchasing.
Check off the "Terms and Conditions" checkbox.
Click "Continue with Credit Card" to finish your payment.
7. Domain Linking: TXT (Plan A)
Now that you own the domain name, you need to prove your ownership to Google. That way, we can later assign the domain to your Google Site.
When you switch from Google Sites to Porkbun, don't delete your previous tabs! Keep everything open as you go. We will return to prior webpages to complete these steps.
If the TXT record doesn't work, go to Step 9 (CNAME). If it still doesn't work, we recommend contacting Porkbun support for help.
▼ [ Task 1 - Get to Console from Google Sites ]
In this step we travel from your Google Site to Google Search Console. Then, we copy the TXT record to input on Porkbun in the next step.
Open your Google Site.
Go to the Settings Menu (Along Top Bar → Click Gear Icon).
In the Settings Menu, on the left side → Select "Custom Domains" and → select "Start Setup".
In the long input box, type in the domain name you have bought without the www. .
When the name is inputted, an message saying the domain isn't verified will appear. Click the text "Verify your ownership" to go to Google Search Console.
In Google Search Console, we can verify the domain name is yours.
Make sure the Google Account you have signed in is the one with your website on it (a problem if you have multiple Google Accounts logged in).
Then, on the left side where your domain name should automatically be filled out, → click "Continue".
A new menu will appear.
Under "1, Select Record Type" → TXT (recommended).
Go to "3. Copy TXT", → on the right side → click the "Copy" button. This text is now copied to your clipboard. You will input this text on your Porkbun account.
▼ [ Task 2 - Porkbun / Google Search Console ]
In this step, we input multiple DNS records on Porkbun.
One TXT Record from the last task to verify our ownership of the Domain Name to Google.
One CNAME Record from this task that's required by Google to make it work.
ghs.googlehosted.com.
Log into your Porkbun account.
You should automatically arrive at the "Domain Management" page, but if not, select it from the "Account" menu in the top right corner.
On this page you will see the domain names you've purchased through Porkbun. Find the domain you are linking to your Google Site.
At the far right side of the row, → click the button with the red outline and arrow inside to get to the settings menu.
A large menu will appear. Find the "DNS Records" area and → click "Edit" (Pencil Icon).
The "Manage DNS Records" menu will appear. We will input the first record (TXT).
Under "Type" → Select "TXT - Record".
Under "Answer" → Paste the text from Google Search Console (Last step of Task 1).
When both "Type" and "Answer" are filled, click "Add". You will not get a confirmation message, the fields will go blank.If
We will now add a second record (CNAME).
Under "Type" → Select "CNAME - Canonical Name Record".
Under "Host" → Type "www" (no dot at end).
Under "Answer" → Paste / Type:
ghs.googlehosted.com.
*Don't forget the period at the end of this paste. .com.
When all 3 fields have been filled, click "Add".
Return to Google Search Console and → click "Verify" in the bottom right corner.
Success: If all is well, the console will show you a success message. Go to Step 10 of this guide.
Failure: If not, go to Step 9 of this guide to try to verify the name a different way.
8. Domain Linking: CNAME (Plan B)
Sometimes Plan A doesn't work. This is an alternative way to link our Domain to Google Search Console. If this still doesn't work, contact Porkbun support. They will likely be better at diagnosing the issue better than us.
▼ [ Task 1 - CNAME Record ]
This is an alternative verification process of your ownership of the Domain Name to Google.
On Google Search Console, click "Ok" on the error message.
Under "Type" → Switch the dropdown menu to "CNAME". New details to copy should appear.
Return to Porkbun and → open the DNS records of your domain.
On the Right Side of domain name listing → Click "Settings" (Red outline button with arrow). → Find "DNS Records" and → Click "Edit" (Pencil Icon)
Under "Type" → Switch to "CNAME - Canonical name record". New fields should appear.
The information from Google Search Console needs to be pasted into the Porkbun fields.
Copy the "CNAME Label / Host" from Google and → Paste into "Host" on Porkbun
Copy the "CNAME Destination / Target" on Google and → Paste into "Answer" on Porkbun.
Click "Add" on Porkbun.
Then, click "Verify" on Google Search Console.
You should get a success message. If not, check for the checkmark in Step 10 of this guide. If it still does not appear, contact Porkbun support to help.
9. Finish Assigning Domain to Site
Now that you have your domain name in Google Search Console, we need to finish linking it. That way, when people enter your URL, they get to your website!
▼ [ Task 1 - Finish Assigning URL to Sites ]
Return to your Google Site. → Along the Top Bar → Click Settings (Gear Icon) and → Select Custom Domains. If your domain name isn't already written in the box, input the domain name you are seeking to link.
If you see a checkmark appear in the box, then your domain is successfully validated on Google Search Console and can be assigned to your website. → Click "Next".
If not,
Check which Google Account was signed into Google Search Console when you did the validation. If it's on the wrong account, then you will have to remove ownership of the name on Google Search Console, delete the porkbun records, and reassign it.
Try the CNAME record instead of TXT.
Refer to Porkbun support if needed.
The next menu shows a step we have already performed. So, click "Done". You will get a loading screen.
Your domain should now be connected! You can check if the URL is connected in the "Settings" tab. It may take up to 48 hours for the domain name to attach to the Google Site.
10. URL Forwarding
Finally, we need to set up URL forwarding on Porkbun. Right now, your website URL is www.yournamehere.com . But, the non-prefixed url yournamehere.com is not currently linked to your website.
This means by default (without forwarding), if someone inputted oncuff.ca instead of www.oncuff.ca, they would not reach the website. So, in this step we will make the second, non-prefix address (subdomain) forward to your www. (domain).
▼ [ Task 1 - URL Forwarding ]
In this step, we make the non-root (aka subdomain) version of your domain forward to root www. (aka domain).
You will need to input this text with your domain name filled instead:
https://www.[yourdomainhere].com
Return to your Porkbun Account. Open the "Details" tab (red outlined button with arrow inside at the far right side).
Find "URL Forwarding" → Click "Edit" (pencil icon).
You will see the "Edit URL Forwarding" menu.
Under "Hostname" → leave the field blank.
Under "Forward Traffic To" → input your URL with the full root.
https://www.yourdomainhere.com
Go to the left bottom side of the box and → Click "Toggle Advanced Settings".
The menu box will extend downwards.
Go to the left bottom corner and → Click the checkbox "Include the requested URL path in the redirection".
Go to the bottom right corner and → Click "Submit"
Remember, Porkbun will not show a confirmation message upon submission, it will only clear the form fields.
If you scroll down further, you will see an additional entry with the information we just inputted plus the ones from the last steps. The added URL forwarding path should be active where the non-root (subdomain) now forwards to the www. root. Your domain is now fully linked!
Google Sites
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