Retired to Make Money Online

As mentioned earlier, it is suggested that domains be purchased from 1 and 1, and moved to Hostgator for hosting services.

When you purchase the domain you have the option of changing the “name server.” I have a small hosting account with 1 and 1 just so I have a complete dashboard listing all my domains and where they are presently residing. Many are on Hostgator.

If you signed up with 1 and 1 and are transferring your domain to Hostgator. These are the steps:

1. Log into the 1 and 1 account.
2. On the control panel, select MANAGE DOMAINS.  It is the first line on the upper left of the Administration page.
3. Domain Overview page appears.
4. Check the domain name you wish to transfer to Hostgator.
5. Click the drop down beside DNS and select Edit DNS Settings.
6. You will then be on DNS Settings page.
7. Domain Data:  Check DNS
8. Basic Domain Settings: Select My Name Server from the drop down box.
9. Advanced Domain Settings:  Primary Name Server.  Type in the primary name server that Hostgator gave you.
10. Secondary Name Server:  Set to My secondary name server.
11. 1st secondary name server:  Type in the secondary name server provided by Hostgator
12. Click OK at the bottom of the page.

This is much easier than you think.  Just follow these steps.  Then wait about 48 hours before doing anything else.

Transferring the domain residence is the one thing online that is not instant.  It takes time for the DNS settings to take effect.  Occasionally, the domain is transferred in a shorter time, but I have found that if I start to work on one before the 48 hours, it may appear one time and not appear the next time I look for it.  According to all hosting sites I have seen and worked with, it usually takes the 48 hours.  So, save yourself some anxiety.  Wait a couple of days before you do anything else.

If you are retired and ready to make a little — or a lot — of money online, WordPress is probably the best way to start, especially if you are not particularly web savvy.  If you follow our steps, you will find that it is easy to set up.  One click!  But, we have to get there.  Today we are purchasing a domain.

If you have signed up for the Keyword Academy, and quite honestly that is the best first step, you may be ready to get started.  Purchasing a domain based on what you have learned from the Keyword Course is easy enough.

I have suggested that you make your purchase at 1 and 1.  Why?  Because you can buy a PRIVATE domain for the same price as a PUBLIC domain.  Again, I emphasize the need for PRIVATE.  As I see it, there is no need to have your personal information available to anyone who looks up the “WhoIs.”  The “WhoIs” tells the entire world who has registered the domain.  The information includes your name, your address and your contact information.  While I am proud of my domains and their content, I am not interested in having my name and address displayed before the world.

Additionally, 1 and 1 offers discounts on domain prices from time to time.  If you are retired, you have learned the value of a dollar.  Take advantage of those offers.

When you are ready to purchase a domain, do not be disappointed if your first, second or third choice is taken.  Young folks have been online buying up domains a lot longer than some of us have been online.  Get creative.  If you have signed up for the Keyword Academy, you should have watched the first few videos (for $1.00) and learned how to pick your domain.

Purchase your domain.  In fact, you may be ready to purchase several.  When you buy your domain, it will show up as “waiting for approval” for several hours before the listing says “ready.”  Sit back and relax.  Getting started takes a few days, so check back at 1 and 1 tomorrow to see if your domain is ready to be moved to Hostgator.  (Next post will be about moving your domain to Hostgator.)  If you have chosen another hosting company, the moving procedure is still the same. So, don’t worry.

$6.99 Domain Name Specials at 1&1

While all of us retired baby boomers may not be up to speed (yet) on all the computereze and how-to’s, we have two real advantages when it comes to making money online.

First of all, we have time.  Unlike so many younger people we do not have to rush off to a job.  We have already paid our dues so to speak.  And, while the golf course is calling some of us we can easily set aside a couple of hours a day to work on our online projects.

Secondly, we have experience, experience, experience!  Wise baby boomers who are out to make an income from home working online will find a topic, subject, product, or niche that we know something about.  Of course, we may need to dig a little deeper into the subject matter, but we do have time to do a little research.

With all the talk about special keywords and selecting the proper niche(s) for your site(s), you have to do something with them.  That is where content comes into play.

Content is important on any site.  How many times have you searched for something and found page after page of hype or words that offer no real information?  These sites do not last long.  They may reach Googles first page but be assured that they will not stay there long.  As a retiree with years of life experience and expertise in various areas, when writing content for your site, bring a different perspective to your readers.  Or, share some of your personal knowledge or expertise that may not be found on other sites.

For example, there are millions of site that offer schemes and ideas and “how-to’s” for making money online.  In other words, this particular site is in competition with millions, literally millions, of other sites.  However, our perspective is from that of a retiree who decided to earn an income from home and started with virtually no knowledge of how to do it.  Our goal is to take the reader step by step of what we have discovered that works.

The one real advantage of being a retiree is that you have skills and knowledge that others may not possess.  You have time to create valuable content that will set your site apart.  Once you decide on your topic, it is imperative that you deliver on your promise to the reader.  That is done through specific informative content that is original and unique.

While we are very aware that no two people are going to do the exact same thing, our suggestions are designed to give retirees the basics.  Once you have a feel for what works, it is our hope that you will venture out on your own, discover new things that work for you, and perhaps share them with us.