Choose a name that's easy to remember, but makes your URL stand out. Amazon.com's name has nothing to do with books, but everyone remembers it. Yahoo and Google are also quirky names that everyone remembers. Artist Lesley Riley uses LaLasLand.com, and I never forget that name.

You might choose a name that relates to what you write, or the name of your business if you run a writing or editing service. If you don't have a clever name in mind now, start with your own (offline) name (such as JaneDoe.com) and sort things out from there.

And, a writer should always maintain a website in your own name anyway, even if it's just a few pages and links to your major website/s. That way, people can find you easily on the Internet if all they know is your real name or pen name.

To buy the use of a domain name and get hosting, many beginners start with www.GoDaddy.com because they're easy to use and affordable.