[kelly614]

Can any of you farther along in the process than I am help? We'd like to get an 800# that I can forward to my cell phone. I'd also like to have a simple website done -- I may just buy the software and do it myself. I know how to purchase a domain (if we don't just use a "free" site like geocities) but need information on hosting.

I would love to get information and experiences to help me with this. I thought narrowing down our agency choices was difficult, but that was easy compared to the thousands of choices and options on 800#'s and websites! Please pm or e-mail me (kelly7278@comcast.net) with any information!

Thanks,
Kelly

[Hopeful2005]

I agree, choosing the 800# is a crazy dilemma.

If you choose a company that only offers 800# with pin# would a bmom's be less apt to respond, than to an ad with a straight 800#?

[Coley]

I don't think a 1800 number w/ a pin number would defer a birthmom that much. It's only 3-4 extra digits, you just have to make sure that they are always with your toll free number when you give it out.

You should be able to forward the number to your cell phone if not get one that goes directly to your cell phone.

I know of a few links for domain names and toll free number services but I will privately email them to you so no one fusses at me for posting them here!

Coley

[Nelson]

we got the cheapest 800 number we could find (turns out our long distance provider offered them for free!). I like Coley's idea to link it to your cell (then glue your cell to your body!) as to web sites, this may sound funny, but ask a highschooler. most of them are so rediculously web savvy now that they can make you a site in a couple of days for candy money (or the teenage equivalent!).

As for hosting, most ISP accounts now already include free web space. Ask your ISP if you have one. You don't need much space. Just make sure you can link your own domain name to it. Registering a domain name can be done for $5 a year if you shop around.

I wouldn't, however, spend much time or money trying to drive traffic to your site. the web is so cluttered that it would be a sisyphissian proposition. Personal sites are best used as secondary resources to extend your other material–ie. post more pictures, have a "fact sheet," start a diary/blog that let's expectant parents in on your thought–that sort of thing. We liked having it there just to refer someone to it at the end of a phone conversation, "Hey, if you'd like to see some more pictures, you can visit our site..." sort of thing. it extends the relationship and gives them one more positive action they can take down the road to connecting with you.

[definitelyjulia]

[Edited to Remove Terms Of Service and Forum Rules Violations]


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