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discuss Should like names have their own marketplace?

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ThatNameGuy

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I own a pretty good domain/name Marketplace to showcase my domains. However I have domains that are specific to certain industries like financial services and healthcare. Then I have extension specific domains like .Golf and .Homes. Finally, I have "first name" specific domains like; "Savor/Savour" domains and "Incredible" domains. For example, a friend from Canada owns a marketplace site of his .homes domains; Premium.homes.

I guess my main point is if you were marketing/selling domains to home builders or realtors, and you owned 50 or more names, wouldn't it be smart to develop a site that gives the appearance that it caters just to builders and realtors? Otherwise I think you domains might get lost in the domain jungle?

I would appreciate your thoughts. Thanks
 
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The views expressed on this page by users and staff are their own, not those of NamePros.
If you do have all these sites built, are you going to be here throwing it in our face, that you're webmaster to dozens of websites? Somehow owning all these websites are going to make you an expert? I know your type, the one that things the more poo they throw against the wall the better odds of some sticking.
 
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Re the number, I think we should be thinking more the value of the portfolio than the number of domain names. Let's say in some narrow area like autonomous vehicles you have 40 absolutely superb domain names. I think that could be enough to make having a market just on those worthwhile, if say each are worth low $$$$$. On the other hand if I have a mismatch of low value domain names all having something to do with car, that is not worthwhile making a dedicated marketplace even if I have 300 names but most are high $$ to mid $$$.

Bob
 
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IMO it is not worth it for small portfolio. You mentioned 50 or more domains for home category, that is small number, if you have 500 or more domains related to one niche then it might be worth it to create separate website for them.

Better is to create one website and showcase domains by category, you can create a good looking coverpage with grid images and overlay text to represent categories you have.

The problem of multiple websites instead of 1 website is that it is time consuming, more expensive and harder to manage.

Also biggest challenge is SEO, if you have one website it will be a much easier task. you will need SEO to drive traffic to your website otherwise nobody will know about it.

I like your point of view, and I think the point of @Bob Hawkes is also very important. I think the domain is very special for the communications industry because it can be used not only as a brand, but also as the only "address", which determines the domain is different from other commodities. Although I don't have hundreds of domains (I don't have too much investment ability at present), it is very necessary to have a website, because dozens of domains point to it at the same time, it will have many advantages, a lot of direct traffic. Moreover, the website can help you better understand the underlying user characteristics. The remaining handing time;)
 
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If you do have all these sites built, are you going to be here throwing it in our face, that you're webmaster to dozens of websites? Somehow owning all these websites are going to make you an expert? I know your type, the one that things the more poo they throw against the wall the better odds of some sticking.
What is your problem JayT? Did I say I have all these sites built, or did I say that's my plan? You sir have a whole lot to learn, starting with basic manners and etiquette. If you care to learn a little more about my background and experience I would highly recommend you check me out via Linkedin where I've provided a link on my profile.Then if you still need to know more about me I would suggest you email me or call me directly...seriously I would love to talk to you.:xf.wink:
 
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If you do have all these sites built, are you going to be here throwing it in our face, that you're webmaster to dozens of websites? Somehow owning all these websites are going to make you an expert? I know your type, the one that things the more poo they throw against the wall the better odds of some sticking.

aggressive and unnecessary reply!

The OP simply asked for an advice, what is wrong with you?!
 
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I didnt even bother to read the pages of gibberish you wrote. Maybe you can answer in 1 sentence, so someone as overwhelmed by your intelligence and legal prowess...as I am can understand.

Try a yes or no please, for each of the following...

Have you sold a domain yet?
Have you sold enough to call yourself an expert?
Have you encountered anyone on NP, in the industry, with experience, who gave you the impression you are an expert?

Please stop pretending to be... You will put some poor new investor in a real bad spot & losing money - maybe money they can afford to lose (clearly you can, wealth is good for speculation, isnt it?).

Maybe they wont be able to feed their family or get medical - who knows. But if you keep telling people you are an expert and new people keep coming and seeing your thousands of posts - they may fall into your trap and make a huge financial mistake.

Buloney, I'm done with you - there is no talking or reason, you are just unpleasant and typically wrong.

For someone who talks about being of high moral character + religious righteous - you certainly seem unconcerned about hurting others when you are being untruthful & viciously promoting PROVEN bad ideas.

Best of luck to you and hope you can sleep, I would have a hard if I knew my advice would hurt others.
 
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  • Can you tell me more about how you are going to franchise parts of your domain business? How many sales people will you hire at what commission rate etc.


Eric...generally industry specific trade shows aren't free. For instance, to have a booth at a mortgage banker trade show, or a healthcare trade show it would run thousands of dollars for a 10x10 both. I realize the kind of trade show you're referring to is more generic, it would be great for a popup trade show display that I mentioned on a previous thread.

If I were to franchise parts of my domain business I would probably provide a popup display for franchisee's to use at tradeshows. I've priced it out, and I can provide a professional looking display for around $500.
 
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Re the number, I think we should be thinking more the value of the portfolio than the number of domain names. Let's say in some narrow area like autonomous vehicles you have 40 absolutely superb domain names. I think that could be enough to make having a market just on those worthwhile, if say each are worth low $$$$$. On the other hand if I have a mismatch of low value domain names all having something to do with car, that is not worthwhile making a dedicated marketplace even if I have 300 names but most are high $$ to mid $$$.

Bob
Bob...i don't think many domainers even think about creating portfolios....at least it hasn't been discussed much on NP? I have about a half dozen what I consider "category specific" portfolios, but rather than share my portfolios, Donuts.Domains who owns over 200 of the new extensions breaks them down into 20 different categories;
1. Business
2.Finance
3.Law
4.Technology
5.Marketing
6.Real Estate
7.News and Information
8.Travel and Geography
9. Photography
10. Home and Construction
11. Style and Fashion
12. Shopping and Retail
13. Fun
14. Sports and Fitness
15. Healthcare
16. Education
17. Non Profit
18. Food and Beverage
19. Education
20. Political and Military

I would think most domainers could relate directly to any number of these categories, and there some you might not relate to at all. While most of my portfolio's fall under one of the categories listed; Real Estate, Business and Finance, Healthcare and Sports and Fitness, I do own a few portfolios that might be considered "keyword" portfolios like; IncredibleDomains and SavorDomains. I also started recently a new category IdiomDomains that's more for fun, and when I finish typing this, I plan to register BetheSurf.com to compliment my other idiom domains.

btw, we're not talking about a major investment here. The 35 Savor/Savour domains I own like; SavorManhattan, SavorGreen, SavorPasta, SavorGolf, SavorFitness, and just purchased SavortheKiss cost less than $300, and GD values them at over $42,000. I'm not sure why no one has picked up on the keyword Savor, but when you see it in print like on the cover of a publication it's really pretty cool. Besides, there isn't much in life I don't savor:xf.smile:
 
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  • Can you tell me more about how you are going to franchise parts of your domain business? How many sales people will you hire at what commission rate etc.
Good questions Shackleton. When ideas that I have make it from mind to paper there's good possibility they'll come to life (this doesn't mean they'll be successful). The franchising idea came about as a result of the domains I own involving homes and real estate. According to NAR (National Association of Realtors) there are 1.36 Million realtors in the US that belong to NAR.. And while it's just my opinion, every realtor worth their salt is a member of NAR. btw, I've identified 25 states where the States name combined with the name "agent" and "domain" are available to register. Say for example you're a realtor in NY, you could become the franchisee for NewYorkDomains(.)com or NewYork.Domains. btw, those names are both taken for NY, but you get the idea:xf.wink:

Moving on, a friend of mine, a retired Navy Commander has sold franchises of all kinds for the last 10 years, and I plan to work with him to help price the franchise (should be under 12K), and help sell/market the franchises. In addition to a portable display booth and a few marketing materials ie., business cards and brochures, a couple days of training, either online or here in Va. Beach will be included.

As for how many sales people we might hire? That depends, but I think there is enough business in the US alone to have at least one domain agent in each state, and several in states the size of California, NY and Texas.

Finally, because realtors are use to working for "commission only", that's the way their compensation will work. Also, I plan to emulate what a typical commission for a real estate sale is, and that ranges anywhere from 25% to as much as 50% of the 6% fee the overall sale represents. For example a home that sells for 100K will generate a total of $6,000 in commission of which a agent will get anywhere from 25% to 50% or $1,500 to $3,000.

I'm not sure if any of this makes sense to you, but it does to me. Have a good week Shakleton(y)
 
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Bob...i don't think many domainers even think about creating portfolios....
I politely disagree! I think that because almost everyone thinks portfolios, they don't discuss them! :xf.smile:

I think every domain investor that divides their website into categories by topic is essentially creating a portfolio. I am not sure if NPs rules allow me to link here to mine, but for example I have a catalog section and within that I have categories for the types of names I handle - like biotech, nanotech, travel, Canada, etc. (many more). I think almost everyone with their own website does something similar.

Bob
 
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With all due respect I think this is all a waste of time.

When someone is looking for a domain name for their brand, they're rarely if ever going to be browsing some random portfolio site on the web.

The typical thought process when a startup or company is coming up with brand names is they will hold meetings to discuss naming, they will likely research and put together a list and then they will do the following steps:
  • Put together a list (let's say 15 names) they think are suitable
  • Go to a popular well known registrar, usually GoDaddy, and check the status of each domain. (This is why so many names sell via Afternic).
  • If one of the domains they like is available and they don't have a large budget they'd likely settle for that, which means they will register and their search ends.
  • If their selections are not available they are then likely to go and type it in their browser and see what's on it. At this point you want to hope you have a nice clean and minimal way they can contact you .
  • Failing that they will try a WHOIS and hope they get contact info.
  • Failing all that they will keep looking for alternatives/find a broker or such depending on budget.
The main point I'm trying to make is that an end user usually knows what they're after before they go looking for it.

Yes the opposite is true on rare occasions with outbound but that's usually when you're outbounding a domain that is either an upgrade or complimentary to their existing offerings.

Thanks and good fortunes to you all.
 
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With all due respect I think this is all a waste of time.

When someone is looking for a domain name for their brand, they're rarely if ever going to be browsing some random portfolio site on the web.

The typical thought process when a startup or company is coming up with brand names is they will hold meetings to discuss naming, they will likely research and put together a list and then they will do the following steps:
  • Put together a list (let's say 15 names) they think are suitable
  • Go to a popular well known registrar, usually GoDaddy, and check the status of each domain. (This is why so many names sell via Afternic).
  • If one of the domains they like is available and they don't have a large budget they'd likely settle for that, which means they will register and their search ends.
  • If their selections are not available they are then likely to go and type it in their browser and see what's on it. At this point you want to hope you have a nice clean and minimal way they can contact you .
  • Failing that they will try a WHOIS and hope they get contact info.
  • Failing all that they will keep looking for alternatives/find a broker or such depending on budget.
The main point I'm trying to make is that an end user usually knows what they're after before they go looking for it.

Yes the opposite is true on rare occasions with outbound but that's usually when you're outbounding a domain that is either an upgrade or complimentary to their existing offerings.

Thanks and good fortunes to you all.

However some startups who are looking for a name will go to brandable domains marketplaces like SquadHelp, BrandBucket..etc to search for a good name for their business or to get inspiration.

So if some domainer create a large portfolio website with categories, then he might be able to drive some traffic from startups looking for a brand name, but it is difficult because the domainer will need to compete with the established marketplaces.

In general a portfolio website is good but not very beneficial, it will only increase selling probability by small percentage, unless you can make your website popular which is very hard thing to achieve.
 
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The typical thought process when a startup or company is coming up with brand names is they will hold meetings to discuss naming, they will likely research and put together a list and then they will do the following steps:
  • Put together a list (let's say 15 names) they think are suitable
  • Go to a popular well known registrar, usually GoDaddy, and check the status of each domain. (This is why so many names sell via Afternic).
  • If one of the domains they like is available and they don't have a large budget they'd likely settle for that, which means they will register and their search ends.
  • If their selections are not available they are then likely to go and type it in their browser and see what's on it. At this point you want to hope you have a nice clean and minimal way they can contact you .
  • Failing that they will try a WHOIS and hope they get contact info.
  • Failing all that they will keep looking for alternatives/find a broker or such depending on budget.
The main point I'm trying to make is that an end user usually knows what they're after before they go looking for it.

Yes the opposite is true on rare occasions with outbound but that's usually when you're outbounding a domain that is either an upgrade or complimentary to their existing offerings.

Thanks and good fortunes to you all.[/QUOTE]

I think you're missing the point Dave...I know no one is looking for me, and that's not the reason I'm recommending a separate marketplace for niche domains. You may have missed this, but my marketing plan is 80% outbound or proactive, and maybe 20% inbound or reactive. Let me explain it a little differently. I use to own a third party debt collection company called Credit Control that I started in 1973. My company did collection work for a variety of industries, healthcare, utilities (electric, phone, cable TV etc.), credit card, commercial and retail to name a few. Our marketing targeted these different industries mostly because each industry required a different skill set. Dave, I wouldn't bother to develop a separate marketplace if my marketing plans were similar to yours...then I believe it would be a waste of time. btw Dave, 46 years later Credit Control is still in business and is generating 10 Million dollars a year in commissions/revenues, and I just so happen to be a little proud of that in case you haven't noticed.
 
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However some startups who are looking for a name will go to brandable domains marketplaces like SquadHelp, BrandBucket..etc to search for a good name for their business or to get inspiration.

So if some domainer create a large portfolio website with categories, then he might be able to drive some traffic from startups looking for a brand name, but it is difficult because the domainer will need to compete with the established marketplaces.

In general a portfolio website is good but not very beneficial, it will only increase selling probability by small percentage, unless you can make your website popular which is very hard thing to achieve.

Thanks Ostrados...I don't disagree that making your website popular is a hard thing to do. However, if you're targeting one of the largest industries in the world, the real estate industry, it's important enough to make "end users" feel special. Sure you can lump 500 realty domains on a site that's also selling domains to every other industry under the sun, but I think it's worth a few dollars more to maximize profits and results.

Thanks again.
 
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Your point is well expressed and sound @Dave and I agree about 80% with that view. Most people looking for domains never go to a domainer website and come in with their own list of potential names. Now as @Ostrados says, the brandable marketplaces are highly successful and in a way more specialized portfolios could be viewed as an even more specialized sort of brandable. I think that makes sense too, and in an ideal world that is where I hope to get - in a few small niches I will rank high enough, or get known through social media, that someone in that specialized niche will come looking. I agree that is a steep hill to climb though. As @ThatNameGuy says the idea of a specialized portfolio makes most sense with respect to some level of outbound.

So I agree with everyone. Which is what I usually do :xf.grin: ! Seriously thank you everyone for some great points in the past series of posts.

Bob
 
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However some startups who are looking for a name will go to brandable domains marketplaces like SquadHelp, BrandBucket..etc to search for a good name for their business or to get inspiration.

So if some domainer create a large portfolio website with categories, then he might be able to drive some traffic from startups looking for a brand name, but it is difficult because the domainer will need to compete with the established marketplaces.

In general a portfolio website is good but not very beneficial, it will only increase selling probability by small percentage, unless you can make your website popular which is very hard thing to achieve.

Good point that I failed to mention.

Yes some will browse established marketplaces like GD auctions, Flippa, and the like is another option that some will consider.
 
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  • Can you tell me more about how you are going to franchise parts of your domain business? How many sales people will you hire at what commission rate etc.
Shackleton...one thing I failed to mention is that realty agents as domain agents not only have access to hundreds/thousands of other realtors for home and realty domains, they also have access to hundreds/thousands of customers looking to buying and sell homes.
 
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A lot here are doing mail outs so the common marketplace isn't doing enough work for the fee. A specific marketplace may offer source of traffic but so can each domain parked. A domainers job is to buy a great name and be proactive in selling it. Listing in marketplaces is a bonus and with the exclusion of gTLDs on many sites it is going to test some of the extensions. All good being new marketplaces but only good if popular with buyers and sellers.
 
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A lot here are doing mail outs so the common marketplace isn't doing enough work for the fee. A specific marketplace may offer source of traffic but so can each domain parked. A domainers job is to buy a great name and be proactive in selling it. Listing in marketplaces is a bonus and with the exclusion of gTLDs on many sites it is going to test some of the extensions. All good being new marketplaces but only good if popular with buyers and sellers.


Vaughan aka lock...i just luv the fact that you're a plumber and not a locksmith:xf.wink: I see where you've been around this business much longer than me, and I respect your candid response to this thread. I also intend to use custom email marketing to get the attention of prospects. I learned at NamesCon that although email is basically free, marketplace brokers don't seem to use it? You being a plumber, saw an email that in the subject line had SavourthePlumber.com, do you think there's a chance you might open it? Do you also use snail mail?

Like you, I believe "proactive" is the key. I believe Savor is spelled Savour down under. Is that right? I own SavortheDeep for the "dive" industry here in the US. With the Great Barrier Reef and the fact that Australia is surrounded by Ocean, might SavourtheDeep be good for your portfolio? How about SavourtheBeach or SavourtheSurf? They're available to register btw. The possibilities are endless.

Thanks again, and thanks for sharing your thoughts.
 
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My experience though is actually in the domain field. It involves actual buying and selling many domains over many years. It is reality based, not theory based.

Just because you have some experience in another field doesn't mean it will translate well to domains. It is an entirely different field.

Brad
Brad...I know you think you know it all like me, but here's a hint, you don't know it all and either do I. The one thing I've learned since being introduced happening on the domain industry is that compared to every other industry I'm familiar with, the domain industry is really screwed up. And Verisign referring to domainers as "hoarders" and "scalpers" didn't do the industry any favors. btw, I see from your site Data Cube where you own about 10,000 domains Brad? Is that true?

Change is what life and business are all about Brad. I savor opportunities like I see in the domain industry. It's sort of like a coach seeing something in a player that no one else sees. My suggestion to you is to be more open minded to change because it's coming regardless of what either you or I do.

I own the domain SavorPeace™ Brad...what do you say we bury the hatched?
 
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Brad...I know you think you know it all like me, but here's a hint, you don't know it all and either do I. The one thing I've learned since being introduced happening on the domain industry is that compared to every other industry I'm familiar with, the domain industry is really screwed up. And Verisign referring to domainers as "hoarders" and "scalpers" didn't do the industry any favors. btw, I see from your site Data Cube where you own about 10,000 domains Brad? Is that true?

Change is what life and business are all about Brad. I savor opportunities like I see in the domain industry. It's sort of like a coach seeing something in a player that no one else sees. My suggestion to you is to be more open minded to change because it's coming regardless of what either you or I do.

I don't know it all. I never claimed to.
I learn new things every day.

With that said, what I do know yields actual results; many profitable domain sales over many years.

You are extremely dismissive of people who are actually successful in a field that you want to be successful in. Maybe you need the open mind.

I own thousands of domains, but not quite 10K.

You own what 1500-2000? That would probably classify you in the same group which I guess Verisign would say are "hoarders" or "scalpers".

Brad
 
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I don't know it all. I never claimed to.
I learn new things every day.

With that said, what I do know yields actual results; many profitable domain sales over many years.

You are extremely dismissive of people who are actually successful in a field that you want to be successful in. Maybe you need the open mind.

I own thousands of domains, but not quite 10K.

You own what 1500-2000? That would probably classify you in the same group which I guess Verisign would say are "hoarders" or "scalpers".

Brad

Brad..i'm so glad you took me up on my peace offering...SavorPeace™ my brother:xf.smile:
 
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@ThatNameGuy Care to share any of the names?
I picked up these two today for a friend and his son who were at the Masters in Aiugusta Sunday;

SavorTheTiger
BeTheTiger

here are a few Savor domains I added to my portfolio in the last week

SavorTheGrape
SavorManhattan
SavorPasta
SavorTheBean

I think I mentioned a friend publishes Savor Virginia Magazine, and I got the idea for all the Savor domains from him. It's interesting too that I live near the Ocean, and I was able to register names that work with waves, surf, and diving. Also, SaveTheOlive.com started right here in my backyard and I'm hoping to get the owner who imports most of her olive oils from Italy to be a reference for the "Savor" name. I think I'll give 10-20% commission if she does.
 
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I guess my main point is if you were marketing/selling domains to home builders or realtors, and you owned 50 or more names, wouldn't it be smart to develop a site that gives the appearance that it caters just to builders and realtors? Otherwise I think you domains might get lost in the domain jungle?
I think this from the OP is an important question. Let's not fog it by mentioning other names in the savor line or questioning or responding about personalities or business success, please everyone.

I think that domain names are getting lost in the domain jungle. A site like Afternic or Sedo each have well over 10 million domain names listed. and It is only natural that it is hard to get noticed there. Even Undeveloped I see have about 800,000 pointed there, so the total number must be somewhat more than that.

So how do you get end users to find a name that they can not guess? The brandable marketplaces provided a solution for the types of names they handle. The categories for individual portfolios provides a site that does what is envisioned here, but really the vast majority don't get visited much it seems to me. So is there a model that would work?

Bob
 
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