question "End User" Perceptions

[ThatNameGuy]

BrandPro - invalid - NamePro??? What name resonates most with end users? "Brand", "Domain" or "Name"? I know from my experience many business people don't really know what a domain is, however they know what a brand, and a name are.

I believe this is why most domains, 98 of 100 are hoarded and stay on the shelf. Any way you cut it, that's deplorable

Regardless of the definition of "Brand", and the belief an "end user" relates to it more than "Domain", don't you think a marketplace for domain names would best be identified using the term "Brand" like; BrandableBrands.com

Any other thoughts, views or opinions? Thanks

 

[Grego85]

I've found that the term "internet domain name" always translates quickest when talking about domains with normal folk. Saying it this way requires much less explanation in most cases. Also, I see many using the term "Brand" but what they are trying to sell is just a domain name and not a brand. A brand needs to have at least a logo to go with it and a real pre-made brand should come with even more, as it really is the entire business identity as a whole.

 

[ThatNameGuy]

This post was timely. I just registered OnlineBusinessBrands.com yesterday for future use and I couldn't agree with you more. Presenting domains as "brands" seems to be an easier way for end users to relate as many of them won't see the inherent value of a domain name as is.

The approach I take is to add value to the domain name ie. logo + mockup + social accounts then present to end users the "brand" for sale. Of course the added time it takes to do this for each domain has to make sense and the ROI needs to be there.

But in my experience it's an easier way to increase the value perception of your domains for sale. I'm currently working on a system to streamline these processes, including outreach so hopefully I can share more in the near future.

On the chance we're both right, your post inspired me to reg;

BrandOriginator.com - with GD valuing the keyword "originator" at $1,888, this domain may be a real sleeper? As a domain savant of sorts, I've been feeling pretty brandish lately even though I'm known as a DomainSavant.com in some circles

Thanks for contributing my friend

 

[Joe N]

I can guarantee that no one other than domainers have ever heard of Sedo, Uniregistry, Dan, Afternic and the list goes on.

Rich, Sedo and Afternic alone get several million visitors every month. You're saying it's all domain investors?

 

[ThatNameGuy]

I've found that the term "internet domain name" always translates quickest when talking about domains with normal folk. Saying it this way requires much less explanation in most cases. Also, I see many using the term "Brand" but what they are trying to sell is just a domain name and not a brand. A brand needs to have at least a logo to go with it and a real pre-made brand should come with even more, as it really is the entire business identity as a whole.

I think I've mentioned this before, but my license plates read "Name Guy". With vanity tags in Virginia being 7 letters or less, I found "Name Guy" is descriptive enough to attract attention. When asked, "what is "Name Guy"...I say, "I name businesses." Most people I know think a domain is a home, land or property. Just look up the definition for "domain" and you'll see why that is.

This said, I find the keyword "brand" combined with "name" as in, "BrandName" or "NameBrand" to be as accurate a description as anything.

Names like Sedo, Uniregistry, Efty, Afternic, and even Epik say/mean absolutely NOTHING. Whereas names like RealtorSue, PlumberBob and TeacherJane are spot on!

Thanks for chiming in Greg

 

[Joe N]

It's interesting that no one you talk to knows what a domain name is, Rich. I find it's the opposite for me. Most know what it is, but weren't aware there was an aftermarket for them.

 

[Bob Hawkes]

It's interesting that no one you talk to knows what a domain name is, Rich. I find it's the opposite for me. Most know what it is, but weren't aware there was an aftermarket for them.

I have a few times specifically sought out what a little group of people think. My experience is somewhat in between. Some know of domain names, but not the term in many cases, but they do know the concept. Almost none know of the aftermarket, which I think is the point that @ThatNameGuy made in the past about listing at the main marketplaces was not enough for this reason.

At least in North America, GoDaddy is well known through advertising, and therefore some find the aftermarket through the Afternic Premium Network exposure.

I actually think one of the things we need is more discussion of domain name issues within the press outside the domain community. Like voice.com selling for $30M should have been bigger news than it was. the move to take off caps, that were already at 10% per year, on .org potentially impacts a huge number of small nonprofits and is a story of interest outside the domain community. The move to extensions that are entire https spaces, and what that means and does not mean, is an interesting story. Some of the good actions cases, like the saving of carrot, would be nice general interest stories. Some of the UDRP cases have been interesting, although perhaps hard to express in a concise and accurate way to a general audience.

I think the other thing we need is for some well known people to talk more about domain names. Elon Musk talking about his many year effort to get Tesla and why he wanted it so much are this kind of story that have got some attention.

Anyway, just some early morning thoughts. I do think that focus on what end-users currently know, and how that can be positively advanced, is an important topic. Thanks to all who have contributed to the discussion.

Bob

 

[Joe N]

I have a few times specifically sought out what a little group of people think. My experience is somewhat in between. Some know of domain names, but not the term in many cases, but they do know the concept. Almost none know of the aftermarket, which I think is the point that @ThatNameGuy made in the past about listing at the main marketplaces was not enough for this reason.

At least in North America, GoDaddy is well known through advertising, and therefore some find the aftermarket through the Afternic Premium Network exposure.

I actually think one of the things we need is more discussion of domain name issues within the press outside the domain community. Like voice.com selling for $30M should have been bigger news than it was. the move to take off caps, that were already at 10% per year, on .org potentially impacts a huge number of small nonprofits and is a story of interest outside the domain community. The move to extensions that are entire https spaces, and what that means and does not mean, is an interesting story. Some of the good actions cases, like the saving of carrot, would be nice general interest stories. Some of the UDRP cases have been interesting, although perhaps hard to express in a concise and accurate way to a general audience.

I think the other thing we need is for some well known people to talk more about domain names. Elon Musk talking about his many year effort to get Tesla and why he wanted it so much are this kind of story that have got some attention.

Anyway, just some early morning thoughts. I do think that focus on what end-users currently know, and how that can be positively advanced, is an important topic. Thanks to all who have contributed to the discussion.

Bob

While I agree that it benefits us to further educate business owners on the value of a good domain name, I don't agree that there's any advantage to us educating the general population. There's a reason a lot of "regular" people don't know anything about domain names: they don't need to. They don't have websites, they don't run businesses, and they don't really care about the minutia of this industry.

Wanting to educate the public about our industry is akin to pyrotechnics experts wanting to teach me how to set up a fireworks show... or a theme park designer wanting to show me how to build a roller coaster. I don't care about any of that. I just want to sit back and enjoy the stuff! Let other people in those industries worry about who to pay, what to pay, and how to get it done.

The general public are not our customers. And I would even venture that making them aware of the domain name aftermarket would only serve to make our jobs harder in a lot of ways. More competition... more spamming of low quality names... and ultimately an even bigger stranglehold on the largest chunk of the profits for the industry's big players.

 

[Bob Hawkes]

While I agree that it benefits us to further educate business owners on the value of a good domain name, I don't agree that there's any advantage to us educating the general population.

Respectfully, I disagree Joe, but it is maybe my past-educator side, or even volunteer-journalist side, more than my domainer side. Let me accept for a moment your argument that only business owners need to know. But who are business owners? Or who are people who might become business owners? Or might work in marketing, sales, promotion, legal, tech development, security, etc. for business owners? Or in organizations that support new businesses? It quickly is a lot of people! I can't find the link, and may remember it wrong, but I recall reading once that 1 in 20 people in Canada start a business at some point in their life. And about 20% of those are very young (college aged or near that).

But beyond that directly, there are more than might be thought running side gigs of one kind or another. Others are involved in organizations of every type that use domain names and websites. That is why Wix has more than 110 million active users, and similar services also gaining in popularity. Now most of these will not buy from the aftermarket, but I would argue that if they saw value in a name, and if it was really easy to do, some would in the price range $$$. I fully accept that some NamePros members don't want to deal with $$$ sales as is their right. But really it is where there is at least potential for growth.

I think the challenge is finding a scaleable and profitable business model for this segment of the market. Not easy.

Even more broadly, I think people knowing things is important. Way more people read about astrophysics, psychology, exotic travel, mountain climbing, etc. than ever directly need that information. That is good for society I think. The people who read sports pages is far more than those who ever actually were in competitive sports. People read about theatre, books, films etc. without planning to be a writer or actor.

They don't have websites, they don't run businesses, and they don't really care about the minutia of this industry.

I think you misunderstand what I meant (sorry I am often confusing) by educating. I in no way meant the minutia of this industry - I am not talking how to list a domain name, or use NameBio, etc. I am talking about telling the stories of how a name can be life changing for a business. I think that is interesting even to those without aspirations of setting up a business, but as argued above many people end up setting up a business even though that was not their original plan.

But I also disagree with what you say about most not having website. I volunteer for a local group and of the couple of dozen active people only one would be considered,I think, by your definition a business owner. But a number of them have web presences either personally or for organizations they involve with. Our organization itself has two domain names, and we work closely with three other community organizations, each of which have websites. Another retiree I volunteer with recently got a domain name and website for a self-published memoir she just published. Another has a one person tax operation out of his house. At lesst two others do art (I think one on website and one on Wix but not sure). Another is on executive of a community organization that recently rebranded to a shorter name in .org with an updated website. One I don't know as well has a little local theatre group. Not to mention the dozens of local businesses, all within a few blocks of where I live, who advertise in our volunteer newspaper. They each have websites, whether a local hair salon, a one-of restaurant, a dentist, a real estate office, etc.

Anyway, thank you for your, well-written as always and logically argued post, but I do disagree about educating people in general on domain names. I think if people were reading in the Globe about domain names they are more likely, when they do need one, to at least consider options other than simply the best they can hand-register.

Bob

 

[biggie]

I think the other thing we need is for some well known people to talk more about domain names. Elon Musk talking about his many year effort to get Tesla and why he wanted it so much are this kind of story that have got some attention.

Hi

I can't co-sign on that Bob , and here's why:

I don't agree that there's any advantage to us educating the general population.

And I would even venture that making them aware of the domain name aftermarket would only serve to make our jobs harder in a lot of ways. More competition... more spamming of low quality names... and ultimately an even bigger stranglehold on the largest chunk of the profits for the industry's big players.

I certainly can agree with that.
just imagine.... if Elon the Musk, decided he wanted to buy domain names and throw his duckies in the ring
then he tell his investor buddies how he can outbid everybody and corner the domain aftermarket.

the ignorance of the general public, is what allowed the early birds to get the best worms, that are now seen as the cream of the crop.

but yeah on the other side of that, if a well known person mentions my domain name incidentally or a variation of it, then yes sir... I'm happy.

imo….

 

[Bob Hawkes]

just imagine.... if Elon the Musk, decided he wanted to buy domain names and throw his duckies in the ring
then he tell his investor buddies how he can outbid everybody and corner the domain aftermarket.

Perhaps I should have explained that what I was making reference to was his acquisition of the domain name Tesla.com that he worked on for more than a decade, and for a price of $11 million, recognizing that having the right name was important to the success of a business. I think that message, the more widely known, is valuable for our industry.

While he can of course start any business he wants, I was not making reference to that possibility at all. Sorry as always if I was not clear (I seem to say that often, maybe a message for myself? ).

I think the message of the value of the right domain name is best spread by those who have name recognition and are not in the domain industry, so no hint of a conflict of interest in spreading the message. His name represented this in my mind (although many others could also have been mentioned similarly).

Bob

Edit: I think right now the person who is doing the best job in telling the stories of great names and end-use is @DomainNameWire - quite a few of Andrew's podcasts have been around this idea, including the most recent one in case people have not yet listened to it.

 

[Joe N]

Respectfully, I disagree Joe, but it is maybe my past-educator side, or even volunteer-journalist side, more than my domainer side. Let me accept for a moment your argument that only business owners need to know. But who are business owners? Or who are people who might become business owners? Or might work in marketing, sales, promotion, legal, tech development, security, etc. for business owners? Or in organizations that support new businesses? It quickly is a lot of people! I can't find the link, and may remember it wrong, but I recall reading once that 1 in 20 people in Canada start a business at some point in their life. And about 20% of those are very young (college aged or near that).

But beyond that directly, there are more than might be thought running side gigs of one kind or another. Others are involved in organizations of every type that use domain names and websites. That is why Wix has more than 110 million active users, and similar services also gaining in popularity. Now most of these will not buy from the aftermarket, but I would argue that if they saw value in a name, and if it was really easy to do, some would in the price range $$$. I fully accept that some NamePros members don't want to deal with $$$ sales as is their right. But really it is where there is at least potential for growth.

I think the challenge is finding a scaleable and profitable business model for this segment of the market. Not easy.

Even more broadly, I think people knowing things is important. Way more people read about astrophysics, psychology, exotic travel, mountain climbing, etc. than ever directly need that information. That is good for society I think. The people who read sports pages is far more than those who ever actually were in competitive sports. People read about theatre, books, films etc. without planning to be a writer or actor.


I think you misunderstand what I meant (sorry I am often confusing) by educating. I in no way meant the minutia of this industry - I am not talking how to list a domain name, or use NameBio, etc. I am talking about telling the stories of how a name can be life changing for a business. I think that is interesting even to those without aspirations of setting up a business, but as argued above many people end up setting up a business even though that was not their original plan.

But I also disagree with what you say about most not having website. I volunteer for a local group and of the couple of dozen active people only one would be considered,I think, by your definition a business owner. But a number of them have web presences either personally or for organizations they involve with. Our organization itself has two domain names, and we work closely with three other community organizations, each of which have websites. Another retiree I volunteer with recently got a domain name and website for a self-published memoir she just published. Another has a one person tax operation out of his house. At lesst two others do art (I think one on website and one on Wix but not sure). Another is on executive of a community organization that recently rebranded to a shorter name in .org with an updated website. One I don't know as well has a little local theatre group. Not to mention the dozens of local businesses, all within a few blocks of where I live, who advertise in our volunteer newspaper. They each have websites, whether a local hair salon, a one-of restaurant, a dentist, a real estate office, etc.

Anyway, thank you for your, well-written as always and logically argued post, but I do disagree about educating people in general on domain names. I think if people were reading in the Globe about domain names they are more likely, when they do need one, to at least consider options other than simply the best they can hand-register.

Bob

No need to apologize, Bob. Clarity and understanding can be a challenge on both ends of an online discussion.

Yeah, you make some great points, and I see where you're going: greater promotion and general acceptance of paying extra money for good names increases our likelihood of making sales. That's certainly a valid theory, and I'm sure there's truth in it... The more socially acceptable something becomes, the more people are willing to go along with it.

I still feel that the majority of those you mentioned (i.e. the "small-time" domain users, Wix users, and the people who surround them) will never see the need to spend even $XXX on a domain name. The value proposition just isn't there... Either they're a small, community business that relies on word of mouth and foot traffic, or they're a non-profit with a targeted base of clients/beneficiaries.

Either way, for a lot of these businesses, branding isn't a real big concern (nor should it be!). How much more volume would Nancy's hair salon get from Nancy.com than from NancysHairSalon.com? For Nancy, all that really matters is that she has an online presence, period.

Great points, though, Bob. In a big picture sense, I definitely get what you're saying.

 

[Bob Hawkes]

The value proposition just isn't there... Either they're a small, community business that relies on word of mouth and foot traffic, or they're a non-profit with a targeted base of clients/beneficiaries.

Agree. In most cases the value proposition is not there. When I was advising my daughter re her book site she, I think correctly, decided she wanted .ca and she wanted her name as site.

Even there, though, I think that the argument of the worth of a better domain name is sometimes there. Like many even tiny businesses advertise with our paper at high $$ to mid $$$ monthly rates depending on size and colour of ad and other factors. Really if having a great name people would remember easily and correctly is say $900, and also makes people view your business with more respect, that is something like $4 per month ongoing expense, a small part of what they are paying for advertising monthly in just a single publication.

I think some of the general ideas of what makes a name good can help even those who end up hand registering (things like how it will look visually, radio test, possible misinterpretation, etc.). I think it is always good to help people make good decisions even when there is no payoff. But agree most local businesses or side-gigs will not, and should not, buy even at $$$.

I think though there is right now a big backlash against big companies owning our data and being able to make decisions in a heartbeat that can bring things down. That may represent an opportunity for domain investors. Those people who opted for Facebook pages, Wix sites without a domain name, other shared sites, etc. could with the right value proposition think about, now that they are a little successful, maybe look at what they could get for low to mid $$$, especially if it was on a payment plan.

Websites for social media influencers (seems like an oxymoron ) may be a good area for similar reasons. Yes, most will probably go with their name, but some may go with a cute phrase that defines their personal brand. Most influencers are young. I really think we need to get the idea of domain names part of educational curricula, although that is even more distinct from domain sales, I know the topic most on NamePros care about and rightly so.

If one could divert 1% of new Wix users to purchase a domain name it would represent almost 4000 domain sales per week.

Bob

 

[Joe N]

Agree. In most cases the value proposition is not there. When I was advising my daughter re her book site she, I think correctly, decided she wanted .ca and she wanted her name as site.

Even there, though, I think that the argument of the worth of a better domain name is sometimes there. Like many even tiny businesses advertise with our paper at high $$ to mid $$$ rates depending on size and colour of ad and other factors. Really if having a great name people would remember easily and correctly is say $900, and also makes people view your business with more respect, that is something like $4 per month ongoing expense, a small part of what they are paying for advertising monthly in just a single publication.

I think some of the general ideas of what makes a name good can help even those who end up hand registering (things like how it will look visually, radio test, possible misinterpretation, etc.). I think it is always good to help people make good decisions even when there is no payoff. But agree most local businesses or side-gigs will not, and should not, buy even at $$$.

I think though there is right now a big backlash against big companies owning our data and being able to make decisions in a heartbeat that can bring things down. That may represent an opportunity for domain investors. Those people who opted for Facebook pages, Wix sites without a domain name, other shared sites, etc. could with the right value proposition think about, now that they are a little successful, maybe look at what they could get for low to mid $$$, especially if it was on a payment plan.

Websites for social media influencers (seems like an oxymoron ) may be a good area for similar reasons. Yes, most will probably go with their name, but some may go with a cute phrase that defines their personal brand. Most influencers are young. I really think we need to get the idea of domain names part of educational curricula, although that is even more distinct from domain sales, I know the topic most on NamePros care about and rightly so.

If one could divert 1% of new Wix users to purchase a domain name it would represent almost 4000 domain sales per week.

Bob

More great points, Bob. Yeah, at the end of the day a more relatable/memorable brand probably even helps the mom & pop shops a bit.

Also solid points about data protection, and the potential conversion of social media users.

Okay, I'm on board! Now I'm off to scoop up a bunch of domain names that match popular Twitter handles! (joking...)

 

[BaileyUK]

I think you misunderstand what I meant (sorry I am often confusing) by educating. I in no way meant the minutia of this industry - I am not talking how to list a domain name, or use NameBio, etc. I am talking about telling the stories of how a name can be life changing for a business. I think that is interesting even to those without aspirations of setting up a business, but as argued above many people end up setting up a business even though that was not their original plan.

I seem to recall the general press was quite active in reporting 'High dollar' domain sales in the late 90's It probably was due to a 'No interest in that stuff' feedback at the time that it doesn't stir the general populations or press interest 20 years later. And I agree If today even the business publications aren't interested in this, why think there is a way forward in so called 'educating' - I personally love talking about about advances in Science and physics - Which makes me the biggest party-pooper in town if I don't keep a lid on it. Same with domain names. those that think that businesses need educating - really don't understand the priorities of running a business

 

[ThatNameGuy]

Agree. In most cases the value proposition is not there. When I was advising my daughter re her book site she, I think correctly, decided she wanted .ca and she wanted her name as site.

Even there, though, I think that the argument of the worth of a better domain name is sometimes there. Like many even tiny businesses advertise with our paper at high $$ to mid $$$ rates depending on size and colour of ad and other factors. Really if having a great name people would remember easily and correctly is say $900, and also makes people view your business with more respect, that is something like $4 per month ongoing expense, a small part of what they are paying for advertising monthly in just a single publication.

I think some of the general ideas of what makes a name good can help even those who end up hand registering (things like how it will look visually, radio test, possible misinterpretation, etc.). I think it is always good to help people make good decisions even when there is no payoff. But agree most local businesses or side-gigs will not, and should not, buy even at $$$.

I think though there is right now a big backlash against big companies owning our data and being able to make decisions in a heartbeat that can bring things down. That may represent an opportunity for domain investors. Those people who opted for Facebook pages, Wix sites without a domain name, other shared sites, etc. could with the right value proposition think about, now that they are a little successful, maybe look at what they could get for low to mid $$$, especially if it was on a payment plan.

Websites for social media influencers (seems like an oxymoron ) may be a good area for similar reasons. Yes, most will probably go with their name, but some may go with a cute phrase that defines their personal brand. Most influencers are young. I really think we need to get the idea of domain names part of educational curricula, although that is even more distinct from domain sales, I know the topic most on NamePros care about and rightly so.

If one could divert 1% of new Wix users to purchase a domain name it would represent almost 4000 domain sales per week.

Bob

Bob...you're actually making my point why I strongly believe the sell through rate of domains is a deplorable 1-2% annually. Regardless, that leaves 98% of domains that remain on the shelf that according to Verisign are "hoarded"....by domainers everywhere. Let me share with you my personal experience why so few "end users" know or ever hear anything about this industry. I was introduced to this industry about 30 months ago now, and despite the fact I'd started, operated and yes NAMED dozens of businesses prior to that, I was absolutely amazed when I learned of the domain industry in 2017. Oh, I had bought domains before for my businesses and actually had a few of my names trademarked, but I had no idea there are tens of thousands around the world who consider themselves domainers Then just a little over a year ago I was having lunch with the former city manager of VirginiaBeach, Jim Spore who was appointed to head up ReInventHR.org, an organization formed to Rebrand Hampton Roads. As an FYI, Virginia Beach just one of the cities that makes up Hampton Roads has a population of 500K, and Hampton Roads that consists of 7 cities has a population of 1.7M. Now here's the kicker, when I told Jim at lunch I was headed to Vegas to Namescon where there would be over 1,200 people from around the world who would be attending the convention, Jim, sort of shocked says to me, "do you mean there are that many people involved in the name business from around the world?" Then he says, "how is it I didn't know you were in this industry before today?" To which my answer was, Jim, I just learned about it myself. Bob, I wasn't born yesterday, and the FACT this industry has been operating behind the main stream business world speaks volumes as to why 98% of domains are "hoarded" or sitting on the shelf. This is where I see opportunity that few "old timers" in this industry see, or don't want to see

I find it real strange the likes of Sedo, Uniregistry, Afternic, Flippa, SquadHelp....the biggest "hoarders" of them all don't come out and defend themselves. My intention is to blow their cover, and while Rob Monster of Epik has been begging me to move my business from Go Daddy to Epik to save a whopping $1.00 a reg, I would be crazy to, if the name "Go Daddy" will be a big part of my "outbound" strategy. That's all Bob, but I'll share a story with you later about my latest idea for HoBo Brands that puts more lipstick on this pig Thanks

 

[ThatNameGuy]

I seem to recall the general press was quite active in reporting 'High dollar' domain sales in the late 90's It probably was due to a 'No interest in that stuff' feedback at the time that it doesn't stir the general populations or press interest 20 years later. And I agree If today even the business publications aren't interested in this, why think there is a way forward in so called 'educating' - I personally love talking about about advances in Science and physics - Which makes me the biggest party-pooper in town if I don't keep a lid on it. Same with domain names. those that think that businesses need educating - really don't understand the priorities of running a business

"those that think that businesses need educating - really don't understand the priorities of running a business" Bailey...you seem to forget, you're talking to a real narcissist here who has run, operated and NAMED more businesses that you've worked for in your entire life. It's not just the business owner who needs to be educated, but the managers, the employees and everyone involved in business for they are the potential owners of the next generation of businesses. I also gave the example of educating graduate students who are headed to jobs in engineering, architecture, real estate, hospitality and entertainment, culinary and even healthcare. This guy who posts here on NP refers to himself as the "common sense domainer" well.......I'm the "common sense businessman", who knows a little bit about business too Are we having fun yet Bailey

 

[bmugford]

In my experience the vast majority of people know what a domain name is, though they are likely completely unaware of the market itself.

You keep educating the buyers Bulloney. I will keep making the sales.
Works for me.

Brad

 

[Joe N]

Bob...you're actually making my point why I strongly believe the sell through rate of domains is a deplorable 1-2% annually. Regardless, that leaves 98% of domains that remain on the shelf that according to Verisign are "hoarded"....by domainers everywhere. Let me share with you my personal experience why so few "end users" know or ever hear anything about this industry. I was introduced to this industry about 30 months ago now, and despite the fact I'd started, operated and yes NAMED dozens of businesses prior to that, I was absolutely amazed when I learned of the domain industry in 2017. Oh, I had bought domains before for my businesses and actually had a few of my names trademarked, but I had no idea there are tens of thousands around the world who consider themselves domainers Then just a little over a year ago I was having lunch with the former city manager of VirginiaBeach, Jim Spore who was appointed to head up ReInventHR.org, an organization formed to Rebrand Hampton Roads. As an FYI, Virginia Beach just one of the cities that makes up Hampton Roads has a population of 500K, and Hampton Roads that consists of 7 cities has a population of 1.7M. Now here's the kicker, when I told Jim at lunch I was headed to Vegas to Namescon where there would be over 1,200 people from around the world who would be attending the convention, Jim, sort of shocked says to me, "do you mean there are that many people involved in the name business from around the world?" Then he says, "how is it I didn't know you were in this industry before today?" To which my answer was, Jim, I just learned about it myself. Bob, I wasn't born yesterday, and the FACT this industry has been operating behind the main stream business world speaks volumes as to why 98% of domains are "hoarded" or sitting on the shelf. This is where I see opportunity that few "old timers" in this industry see, or don't want to see

I find it real strange the likes of Sedo, Uniregistry, Afternic, Flippa, SquadHelp....the biggest "hoarders" of them all don't come out and defend themselves. My intention is to blow their cover, and while Rob Monster of Epik has been begging me to move my business from Go Daddy to Epik to save a whopping $1.00 a reg, I would be crazy to, if the name "Go Daddy" will be a big part of my "outbound" strategy. That's all Bob, but I'll share a story with you later about my latest idea for HoBo Brands that puts more lipstick on this pig Thanks

Rich, your anecdotes are always interesting, but I'm still not clear on what concrete actions you're planning to take to improve sell-through rates for the whole industry.

 

[BrandEntrance.com]

I have BrandEntrance.com which is also a play on Grand Entrance.

For sale now until I do some SH/Domain reseller thing with it.

 

[Joe N]

I have BrandEntrance.com which is also a play on Grand Entrance.

For sale now until I do some SH/Domain reseller thing with it.

Your Brandmother might say that you're brandstanding.

 

[ThatNameGuy]

I have BrandEntrance.com which is also a play on Grand Entrance.

For sale now until I do some SH/Domain reseller thing with it.

jamesall...BrandEntrance.com isn't bad. It's sort of HalfHash.com, but what do I know. I'm a narcissist

 

[ThatNameGuy]

Rich, your anecdotes are always interesting, but I'm still not clear on what concrete actions you're planning to take to improve sell-through rates for the whole industry.

My anecdotes are always true too despite the narcissism claims coming from some of the members. btw Joe...do you believe I'm a narcissist too like your friends. Now to get back to your question, I've already addressed the type of actions I plan to take with regards to sell through rates. Maybe you should go back to some of my previous posts addressing your question.

Now I have a few for you. You and I couldn't disagree more about the domain industry and it's exposure to "end users" and the general public. I think you heard from Bob and others here that very few people know about this industry with the exception of people you seem to know. I'm real curious, do you hang out with just domainers? How would you identify your friends and peers such that they know about the domain industry? Inquiring minds would like to know.

Moving on Joe...what do you know about Rebranding? Do you know or understand anything about that market like, how large it is, how many businesses rebrand each year, how you might tap into a piece of that market? Do you know anyone who has actually rebranded their business? Have you ever rebranded a business yourself? If so, tell us about it.

That's all for now, it's time you shared some of your knowledge in order that we all improve our "outbound" marketing skills. Thanks in advance for your cooperation

 

[Joe N]

btw Joe...do you believe I'm a narcissist too like your friends

I'm not sure what friends you're referring to, Rich. I consider everyone on the forum to be my peer.

I honestly don't know you well enough to have an opinion. Does it matter to you?

Now to get back to your question, I've already addressed the type of actions I plan to take with regards to sell through rates. Maybe you should go back to some of my previous posts addressing your question.

Okay, I went back and read through your posts. Here are all the statements I found that could be interpreted as concrete plans for action:

My belief is, if you educate them, they will buy.

I believe a HUGE opportunity exists to employ "outbound" sales strategies using the keyword "Brand" indifference to "Domain".

This is also the reason why I choose to register my domains at Go Daddy instead of at Epik, or any other registry for that matter.

i have about a dozen domains with the keyword "brand", two of which I intend to develop for "outbound" marketing/sales of domains to the millions of businesses worldwide. And since I bought these domains from Go Daddy, I intend to use their name strategically in my marketing to add to my credibility.

I want to be known as the brand pro who happens to sell url's aka domains.

I find it real strange the likes of Sedo, Uniregistry, Afternic, Flippa, SquadHelp....the biggest "hoarders" of them all don't come out and defend themselves. My intention is to blow their cover

So I see what you're getting at, but the above only addresses the "what" of your plans, and not the "how". I'm curious to hear about how you're going to:​

• educate the public​
• conduct successful outbound marketing​
• use the GoDaddy name to improve sales​

I'm real curious, do you hang out with just domainers?

No, I'm the only person I know who invests in domain names. I do have a few friends who are in IT or run online businesses, but mostly the people I talk with daily work regular office jobs and are your typical internet user.

How would you identify your friends and peers such that they know about the domain industry?

You misunderstood what I said. Friends I've talked to know what a domain name is; they do not know about the domain name industry.

Moving on Joe...what do you know about Rebranding? Do you know or understand anything about that market like, how large it is, how many businesses rebrand each year, how you might tap into a piece of that market? Do you know anyone who has actually rebranded their business? Have you ever rebranded a business yourself?

No, I know nothing about that market except for what I have read. No personal experience with it whatsoever. I'm here to learn. That's why I'm hoping you can provide us with more detail about your plans.

it's time you shared some of your knowledge in order that we all improve our "outbound" marketing skills.

Sure! I'm always happy to help. I've shared my own advice in some of your other threads, which you're welcome to go back and read. And if you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to address them.

I've had some moderate success at conducting outbound. My experience has been that the names that sell best are those of exact match products and services like the following (in .com):

• ParkingLotDesign
• CustomBarnDoors
• VisualInterpreter(s)
• ScarlessBreastReduction
• BicyclePacking
• OrnamentStorage

Total sales of these amounted to $9,785, and total purchase cost was $90, so it can definitely be lucrative. But it's also very time-consuming. I usually send out at least a dozen personalized emails per name (some members here send way way more).

I would say that my success ratio has been maybe 1 name sold out of every 5 or 6. And most of those names are either hand registered or bought at GD closeouts. So technically, the real cost of making the above sales was more like $630 plus hours and hours of emailing.

Additionally, it's very important to pick the right kinds of names. Hundreds (or more) of dollars can easily be wasted on names that seem like viable outbound options, but are difficult to find buyers for. I have lots of tips I could share about that as well, but I don't want to ramble on too much!

Anyway, I'm starting to move away from the outbound model, because with a full-time job and a couple active kids, time is a bit of a premium. I'm trying to focus on acquiring better quality names that "sell themselves" so to speak. The trick here is acquiring them at good prices (I'm generally aiming in the $100 to $1,000 cost range, depending on quality). It takes a lot of work and research, but over time my goal is to build a modestly sized portfolio of names that can be sold in the mid $X,XXX to mid-high $XX,XXX range. I scale slowly, but like you I enjoy hunting for (and catching) good names.

 

[ThatNameGuy]

I'm not sure what friends you're referring to, Rich. I consider everyone on the forum to be my peer.

I honestly don't know you well enough to have an opinion. Does it matter to you?

Okay, I went back and read through your posts. Here are all the statements I found that could be interpreted as concrete plans for action:

So I see what you're getting at, but the above only addresses the "what" of your plans, and not the "how". I'm curious to hear about how you're going to:​

• educate the public​
• conduct successful outbound marketing​
• use the GoDaddy name to improve sales​

No, I'm the only person I know who invests in domain names. I do have a few friends who are in IT or run online businesses, but mostly the people I talk with daily work regular office jobs and are your typical internet user.

You misunderstood what I said. Friends I've talked to know what a domain name is; they do not know about the domain name industry.

No, I know nothing about that market except for what I have read. No personal experience with it whatsoever. I'm here to learn. That's why I'm hoping you can provide us with more detail about your plans.

Sure! I'm always happy to help. I've shared my own advice in some of your other threads, which you're welcome to go back and read. And if you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to address them.

I've had some moderate success at conducting outbound. My experience has been that the names that sell best are those of exact match products and services like the following (in .com):

• ParkingLotDesign
• CustomBarnDoors
• VisualInterpreter(s)
• ScarlessBreastReduction
• BicyclePacking
• OrnamentStorage

Total sales of these amounted to $9,785, and total purchase cost was $90, so it can definitely be lucrative. But it's also very time-consuming. I usually send out at least a dozen personalized emails per name (some members here send way way more).

I would say that my success ratio has been maybe 1 name sold out of every 5 or 6. And most of those names are either hand registered or bought at GD closeouts. So technically, the real cost of making the above sales was more like $630 plus hours and hours of emailing.

Additionally, it's very important to pick the right kinds of names. Hundreds (or more) of dollars can easily be wasted on names that seem like viable outbound options, but are difficult to find buyers for. I have lots of tips I could share about that as well, but I don't want to ramble on too much!

Anyway, I'm starting to move away from the outbound model, because with a full-time job and a couple active kids, time is a bit of a premium. I'm trying to focus on acquiring better quality names that "sell themselves" so to speak. The trick here is acquiring them at good prices (I'm generally aiming in the $100 to $1,000 cost range, depending on quality). It takes a lot of work and research, but over time my goal is to build a modestly sized portfolio of names that can be sold in the mid $X,XXX to mid-high $XX,XXX range. I scale slowly, but like you I enjoy hunting for (and catching) good names.

Joe....obviously we're headed in two different directions. I feel like the pioneer who just know's there's gold in them there hills The thing I do know is the opportunity exists to increase domain sales via targeted "outbound" strategies. Verisign told us last year it exists, and that's all the confirmation I need to keep moving toward the goal Thanks and Good Luck!

 

[wwwweb]

Joe....obviously we're headed in two different directions. I feel like the pioneer who just know's there's gold in them there hills The thing I do know is the opportunity exists to increase domain sales via targeted "outbound" strategies. Verisign told us last year it exists, and that's all the confirmation I need to keep moving toward the goal Thanks and Good Luck!

Pioneers get slaughtered, and the settlers prosper.