advice It's never too late...

Ali · May 19, 2015

GoWebnames.com said:
Great success story, Ali. You are quite an inspiration already.

Would you like to throw more light on the outbound marketing that you do for the domains?
Things like: Who do you contact? How do you source the contacts? Do you mail other domain owners? What you write to them?

Thanks!

Sure. I use a platform called Zoominfo to gather my information about a prospect. I seek out the company utilizing Zoominfo, I see who is who, what their title is, I google them, try to find any relevant information I can use to determine if they are the right point of contact for the company. I seek out the decision maker. More often than not when you contact a CEO of a company, they will either disregard your email or forward it to their right hand. In my experience it has been a VP level exec. Generally in marketing/brand development/new product development. More often than not, I email the CEO and CC who I assume to be his/her right hand... at least when it comes to these types of decisions. There are other tricks to find out who the decision maker is. You can call support, low level employees and ask them. They are usually happy to spill the beans (if they know).

I keep my emails VERY brief. Think about it... we are domain investors... how often do you get a 75 paragraph email from some shit "web design" company or some "domain investor" who owns a "similar name" and tries to pawn it off on you and expects you to read a 9,000 word email? No one want's that!

So keep it 2-3 lines max and STRAIGHT to the point. Executives don't have time to play around, they respect short emails. If they want the name, they'll respond. If they don't respond, sent a 1 line follow up 7 days later. The follow up is key. A majority of my sales have happened because of a follow up. People have a tendency to reply to them. It's usually a big fat "NO" but the time when they respond with "How Much?" makes it all worth it.

Doron Vermaat · May 13, 2015

Great post Ali. One of my favourites quotes is a Chinese proverb meaning “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now" so I can't agree more with the title of your post.

Some people should just grow trees instead of investing in domain names tho. I'm pretty sure the majority of those that give domaining a try end up loosing money (especially with the new gTLDs imo) . Even with all the right info (sources recommended by you) some people just don't have the creativity and salesmanship in them that you need to be a profitable namer/domainer.

NamePrime · May 13, 2015

NameFit said:
Great post. Sadly enough, the forums are full of 'get rich quick' schemes. As @dv82 said, many do not have creativity, craftsmanship, and I will add above all 'patience'. Advise to new people joining the forums is that do not get swayed by mind boggling numbers, thousands and thousands $$$'s of sales within few months. What you will NOT see on these forums are the 'proven models' - the sales of the names that have held by owners for 10+ years and have resulted in steady income.

'Get rich quick' motto is what have gotten most people to try domaining. Heck, that's what have gotten me here! But after spending some $$$ I realized that it's not the case. I've been stubborn way back then, registering crappy domains I know I shouldn't (based on "domain veterans" advice on forums, blogs and sites). Maybe sometimes, we need to experience failure ourselves first to wake up to the reality. I remembered spending $1k+ on without a single sale. I've made a lot of $1 sales thread here because of my stubbornness. But now, slowly but surely I'm gaining confidence. Thanks mainly to domainSherpa , namepros and DNF I'm creeping up to the positive side.

Total money spent: 3535.14
Total sales: 7909.01

I'm still dreaming of the day I become an owner of a "real" premium domain

Perception said:
DomainSherpa is a priceless asset to my career!

Yep! Especially Adam's videos and portfolio reviews.

Ali · May 13, 2015

greatescape said:
It's not that easy.

I have a 4-5 hundred domains names and haven't managed to sell much.

You're talking about patience. But it takes money to have patience. It's a gamble.
You can't renew hundreds of domains indefinitely, in the hopes of MAYBE selling one for a lot of money.

The truth is, most people are too late. The good names ARE taken or they cost a lot to purchase ($10k+).

I am sure I have domain names with potential, but waiting for the right buyer takes time, and you have to renew the domains until he comes..

Thanks for the comment! You have 400-500 domain names? Why invest in so many domain names from the start? (Assuming you just started).

All the good names are not taken. You have expand your definition of a good domain name. When I first started I was buying names like MonthlyRewards.com for $185 and selling it for $1,500 within a few weeks. I bought Cloey.com for $477 and sold it for $1,999. InpatientDetox.com was acquired for $53 and sold it for $800! This is all within months of starting.. I could go on. It's not about quantity at first. It's about quality and not just super premium quality, all sorts of quality. You have to be very selective with the names you acquire at first, otherwise you'll be sitting on $5k in renewal costs without having any sales. Why throw yourself under the renewal bus before you are profitable enough to afford the renewals and still be profitable at the end of the year?

The truth is, it's never too late.. but you have to go about it in the most logical, lucrative and positive way.

bonin said:
Thanks for this useful post, I'm on the train now, let's see where this train will take me

The best train in the world!

MillionDollarDomain said:
Excellent post Ali, From time to time you prove that you are ready to give back something to this domaining community.. That's the art of successful people..!! Cheers

Thank you for your kind words

NameFit said:
I think everyone needs a strategy, there are risks involved in every type of business. I had a recent post in the listing out the strategy that has 'worked' for me.

https://www.namepros.com/threads/ho...-marketplace-or-own-site.857905/#post-4857976

There is lot more than just 'intrinsic' value of the name - like planning/marketing/sales channels/negotiations that form the strategy but quintessential for a name is 'quality'. For any name, there are hundreds and even thousands of alternatives, but good alternatives are only couple.

You are absolutely right. It takes much more than just knowing which names to buy. You cannot sell a name without planning, marketing and a solid sales approach. Well said!

STP said:
Great stuff from a great, hard-working guy! Just a post of appreciation.

Thank you!!

Ali · May 17, 2015

Nazz said:
I get you, though it doesn't need to be one word..

You're right. Even two/three word domain names can be extremely lucrative. Domain names like LifeGoesOn.com, DropTheBass.com, NowOrNever.com.. things of that nature can bring about some nice ROI's!

NameFit · May 13, 2015

Great post. Sadly enough, the forums are full of 'get rich quick' schemes. As @dv82 said, many do not have creativity, craftsmanship, and I will add above all 'patience'. Advise to new people joining the forums is that do not get swayed by mind boggling numbers, thousands and thousands $$$'s of sales within few months. What you will NOT see on these forums are the 'proven models' - the sales of the names that have held by owners for 10+ years and have resulted in steady income.

Ali · May 13, 2015

NamePrime said:
'Get rich quick' motto is what have gotten most people to try domaining. Heck, that's what have gotten me here!

You know, that's why I dropped like $2k on my first bundle of crap! Using a silly valuation tool that got me way too excited about domains!

Haha! Only to find out they were complete and utter crap!

McDuke said:
Nice post P!

One thing i have over looked is to read Ricks blog, i have seen most of his interviews. thx for the heads up!

One thing I can add that really helped me out early on was to read all the info on trademark law i could find, watching urdp sessions etc. Also a couple kicks in the a55 from experience domainers has helped too!

I like that you mentioned Zig. One thing i do recommend it to listen to Terry O'reilly's radio episodes of "The Art of Persuasion" and "Under The Influence" Great historical advertizing and marketing stories for all the major brands. It has helped me understand an end users goals / wants.

In time I'll be a domainer. :D

Great points! Trademark & UDRP information is priceless! Far too often I see peopel completely disregarding any laws and registering exact trademarks!

Zig is the man! There are so many other incredible human beings to learn from! Those are just a few of my favorites

Thanks for the Terry O'reilly referall, i'll check it out!

GameOfBones · May 13, 2015

How much money have you made? Divide it by the number of hours you've put in.

That's the real question.

Nazz · May 17, 2015

Why invest into 20-40 domains, when you can invest that money into a quality domain that you can find in the aftermarket.

Quality over quantity.

Nazz · May 13, 2015

Well said Ali.

"What you put in, is what you get out".

Name Trader · May 15, 2015

NamePrime said:
Total money spent: 3535.14
Total sales: 7909.01
I'm still dreaming of the day I become an owner of a "real" premium domain

You need to spend more

maxtorz · May 17, 2015

Nazz said:
Why invest into 20-40 domains, when you can invest that money into a quality domain that you can find in the aftermarket.

Quality over quantity.

My point was don't BUY 400-500 names when you first start, especially reg fee names.
If you can afford a 1 word .Com with good metrics from the get-go then more power to you!

I don't think Ali bought Perception.com in his first week of domaining haha ...or who knows maybe he had deep pockets then too

Skyvisum · May 17, 2015

Why invest in so many domain names from the start? (Assuming you just started).

All the good names are not taken. You have expand your definition of a good domain name. When I first started I was buying names like MonthlyRewards.com for $185 and selling it for $1,500 within a few weeks. I bought Cloey.com for $477 and sold it for $1,999. InpatientDetox.com was acquired for $53 and sold it for $800! This is all within months of starting.. I could go on. It's not about quantity at first. It's about quality and not just super premium quality, all sorts of quality. You have to be very selective with the names you acquire at first, otherwise you'll be sitting on $5k in renewal costs without having any sales. Why throw yourself under the renewal bus before you are profitable enough to afford the renewals and still be profitable at the end of the year?

The truth is, it's never too late.. but you have to go about it in the most logical, lucrative and positive way.

Thanks Ali for another inspiring write up.I rushed myself but glad I didnt spend up to $1k or more like most people but I sure registered names that sounded good to the ears.I didnt read that much.I have gained a lot of experience since being more active on namepros and having people I see as mentors and can quickly send messages and waiting for their honest response.I have hope and know all the good names have not been taken.

Will share my story in future when things begin to unfod.I have applied Patience as I learn more and I am not rushing to hand reg but looking out for names I plan to hold on for years for the right buyer.

Ali · May 13, 2015

Nazz said:
Well said Ali.

"What you put in, is what you get out".

Indeed you do my friend!

AGAME said:
Excellent post!

Thank you!

GameOfBones said:
How much money have you made? Divide it by the number of hours you've put in.

That's the real question.

I would work twice the hours to make the money i've made in the last year... and still be happy.

NamePrime · May 13, 2015

Great post! I like the references you posted above, especially domainsherpa.

Ali · May 13, 2015

dv82 said:
Great post Ali. One of my favourites quotes is a Chinese proverb meaning “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now" so I can't agree more with the title of your post.

Thanks! I love that proverb! :D

dv82 said:
Some people should just grow trees instead of investing in domain names tho. I'm pretty sure the majority of those that give domaining a try end up loosing money (especially with the new gTLDs imo) . Even with all the right info (sources recommended by you) some people just don't have the creativity and salesmanship in them that you need to be a profitable namer/domainer.

I'm a firm believer that those who fail have only themselves to blame.

Ali · May 13, 2015

NamePrime said:
Great post! I like the references you posted above, especially domainsherpa.

DomainSherpa is a priceless asset to my career!

Ali · May 13, 2015

kawalsukhi said:
Ultimate post!
All things under one article!
Steps "Must follow" for real domainer!

Thanks my friend!

Jahfree said:
Really nice post, However I doubt you can see this compliment....because you might have ignored me when you went threw your [removed] phase and you started ignoring tons of people for the smallest reason.

"If I turn into another
Dig me up from under what is covering
The better part of me"

Thank you for your compliment!

Edward Smeu · May 15, 2015

How come the interview with Ali Zandi is not mentioned in this thread? That is a must see too

http://www.domainsherpa.com/ali-zandi-flippa-interview/

Ali · May 17, 2015

maxtorz said:
I don't think Ali bought Perception.com in his first week of domaining haha ...or who knows maybe he had deep pockets then too

Ha! Nope, I started with pigeon #$%# using coupons

Ali · Jun 2, 2015

mcbean187381 said:
Superb words of wisdom once again Ali, every time I feel like throwing in the towel I read something of yours and keep getting the kick I need to carry on. Would like to find a site where I can check out trade marks. I keep finding what I think is a quality domain then get told it's a trade mark. What source do you use for trade marks? Or is it just common sense/knowledge?

Thanks! I appreciate your kind words man!

I use uspto.gov and trademark247.com, those are both good resources. Trademark247.com has a much better interface but I always check both. The thing about trademarks, they can be tricky. For instance, TurtleBeach.com is trademarked for an assortment of audio gear, however, it's generic enough to be trademarked for something like a Hotel Booking or Tourism Site of sorts. What you don't want to be registering is extremely obvious and major trademarks like Nike, Reebok, Sony, Apple.. Some would disagree with that statement, but to keep myself 99.99% certain I am in the clear, I stick to very, very generic domain names. Mostly very common english words or acronyms (LL, LLL, LLLL), that way.. I know i'm somewhat safe if someone tries to pull a UDRP/Trademark infringement on me.

Ali · Jun 2, 2015

Goncalo said:
It looks as though a lot has happened to you since your last interview.
When will we have an update chat between you and Michael Cyger?

Indeed a lot has changed since! We actually recorded a new show that is coming out this month! Stay tuned

Ali · May 13, 2015

NameFit said:
Great post. Sadly enough, the forums are full of 'get rich quick' schemes. As @dv82 said, many do not have creativity, craftsmanship, and I will add above all 'patience'. Advise to new people joining the forums is that do not get swayed by mind boggling numbers, thousands and thousands $$$'s of sales within few months. What you will NOT see on these forums are the 'proven models' - the sales of the names that have held by owners for 10+ years and have resulted in steady income.

I agree! That is a great point. There is a lot of get rich quick "marketing" hanging around. Domain investing is not a get rich quick endeavor. It takes a ton of patience!

McDuke · May 13, 2015

Nice post P!

One thing i have over looked is to read Ricks blog, i have seen most of his interviews. thx for the heads up!

One thing I can add that really helped me out early on was to read all the info on trademark law i could find, watching urdp sessions etc. Also a couple kicks in the a55 from experience domainers has helped too!

I like that you mentioned Zig. One thing i do recommend it to listen to Terry O'reilly's radio episodes of "The Art of Persuasion" and "Under The Influence" Great historical advertizing and marketing stories for all the major brands. It has helped me understand an end users goals / wants.

In time I'll be a domainer. :D

advice It's never too late...

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