BrandBucket Experience

[xtremex]

hello

I am new to BrandBucket. Before getting my hands on this

I wish to experience about brandbucket from my fellow members


Thanks

 

[discobull]

How much actual time and money do you spend promoting these domains. I am relatively new.

To put these sales in perspective, I think it's worth mentioning that Michael currently has 859 domains listed on brandbucket ( see link below ). Don't expect the same results if you're only listing XX domains.

https://www.brandbucket.com/profile/mediaplow/page=1

 

[namecloud]

Hi friends. I'm new in this. Is there a "name formula"(domain available. LOL) for finding brandables?

I try inventing pronounceables but majority
are already taken. I try dancing around some
keywords and come up with words like TRIGITAL, HYPERFORM, PITCHCRAFT, etc but I find them all taken.
Very few I find available are invented 7+ letters. But I always love keyword brandables.

Will anyone mind sharing a little formula?
does the analyst Slimjum270 have any "theorem" for "solving" this "problem"?
Thanks.

 

[slimjim270]

Hi friends. I'm new in this. Is there a "name formula"(domain available. LOL) for finding brandables?

I try inventing pronounceables but majority
are already taken. I try dancing around some
keywords and come up with words like TRIGITAL, HYPERFORM, PITCHCRAFT, etc but I find them all taken.
Very few I find available are invented 7+ letters. But I always love keyword brandables.

Will anyone mind sharing a little formula?
does the analyst Slimjum270 have any "theorem" for "solving" this "problem"?
Thanks.

@namecloud -

"Brandables" is a wide category. I assessed the market and decided to focus on (3) areas (5L, Rhymes, Tailgating). Others have success with TwoWord combos. I seem 2W challenged.

5L - 2L, 3L, 4L are all already taken for hand-reg. I researched a variety of sales and started focusing on 5L's. I wrote a software tool to help automate the process where I enter the 1st 3 letters and the tool auto-displays on the screen all combinations of available 5L's where the last 2 characters have at least 1 vowel for the 3 letter seed entered. I create a short list, then have my 5th grade daughter read them out loud to me. If she pronounces one on my short-list differently than I did originally, I immediately line it out. I then print a list and ask her to line out 7-10 that she "dislikes". Independently, I do the same. If we have any "dislike" overlap, I immediately remove the domains from the short list. We then both (independently) circle 5 that we "like". If we both overlap, I hand-reg them. Let me be the 1st to say... "yes, I am not always smarter than a 5th grader".

Rhymes - Great area of success. I compiled a list of 2-3 letter vowel sounds and wrote a software tool to blend a 3-5 letter "seed" word with the list. Rhymes are easy to remember / easy to pronounce. Based on research I did of 4-5 sites that I track, rhymes appear to be in demand by buyers.

Tailgaiting - I compiled a list of 200+ common endings - from domains that have sold on 4-5 sites that I track sales. I use an Excel file on this one where I enter a 2-4 letter beginning and glance through the "tail" combinations. I then cut/paste my short list in my registrars Bulk Entry window for availability. I then ask my "Phonics Master" (5th grade daughter) to tell which 5 she "dislikes" and which 5 she likes best of those available for hand-reg. You may laugh, but she's dead on consistent 80% of the time with those I was considering before asking her insight. A good sign when 2 demographics pronounce a name consistently.

Finally, I primarily focus on 5L - 9L names. The selection process is subjective. The tools help with the objective side of automation.

This is not a "get rich quick" game for me. I am acquiring domains as an investment - to hold for when the 5L, 6L, and 7L's start to become thin in 3-4 years and even more difficult to acquire via hand-reg. In my opinion, this is like 1955 double die pennies (prices will rise over time as availability of a limited supply decreases as others take them out of circulation).

Let me know if this was helpful...

-Jim

 

[Domainzy]

@MrHappy101 Brandbucket advertises heavily. Their Adsense ads are everywhere. Social media and emails are basic methods that are automatic and completely obvious. If you want to know about what websites are using for advertising and more info just use a site called: Builtwith.com Then you won't have to make a post with completely inaccurate information. Accusing them of being 'lazy'. There would be dozens of brandable marketplaces if it was as easy and lazy as you assume. But there are only 3.

@slimjim270 Your info is interesting, however you are trying to compare apples to oranges. If you were able to post the same exact names on each site: example.com(listed on all 3) then your analysis would be more valid. However, you can only list one example.com at one site, not at all three sites. Each domain is unique, so if you have 10 domains at each site, and sell more at one site, its irrelevant. Comparing sales of unique domains at different marketplaces is in no way consistent. However, your time frames are valid and match my data.

Furthermore SilmJim, I am shocked you are so intense about changing how someone runs their business. Sounds like you should TRY to start your own domain marketplace. As stated above, there are many reasons there is NOT dozens of brandable marketplaces. A suggestion is one thing, But to try and hire logo designers for someone else's business is mind boggling. I understand you just want to help, but there is a line. And IMO you are crossing that line when you try to hire designers for someone else's business. But if BrandBucket gave you permission thats different. But you are wasting logo designers time if you can't hire them and are asking them just for your research. Sorry to be so frank, i do like your time line research, but todays post was shocking.

 

[slimjim270]

@MrHappy101 Brandbucket advertises heavily. Their Adsense ads are everywhere. Social media and emails are basic methods that are automatic and completely obvious. If you want to know about what websites are using for advertising and more info just use a site called: Builtwith.com Then you won't have to make a post with completely inaccurate information. Accusing them of being 'lazy'. There would be dozens of brandable marketplaces if it was as easy and lazy as you assume. But there are only 3.

@slimjim270 Your info is interesting, however you are trying to compare apples to oranges. If you were able to post the same exact names on each site: example.com(listed on all 3) then your analysis would be more valid. However, you can only list one example.com at one site, not at all three sites. Each domain is unique, so if you have 10 domains at each site, and sell more at one site, its irrelevant. Comparing sales of unique domains at different marketplaces is in no way consistent. However, your time frames are valid and match my data.

Furthermore SilmJim, I am shocked you are so intense about changing how someone runs their business. Sounds like you should TRY to start your own domain marketplace. As stated above, there are many reasons there is NOT dozens of brandable marketplaces. A suggestion is one thing, But to try and hire logo designers for someone else's business is mind boggling. I understand you just want to help, but there is a line. And IMO you are crossing that line when you try to hire designers for someone else's business. But if BrandBucket gave you permission thats different. But you are wasting logo designers time if you can't hire them and are asking them just for your research. Sorry to be so frank, i do like your time line research, but todays post was shocking.

@Jahfree -

Points taken.

Appreciate your candor. Glad you call out what you find of value (and also what you disagree with and find no value).

-Jim

ps: Yes, forums are a great place to share/engage in discussions. A bit taken back that you found my post shocking. That was not my intent. I was simply trying to share my thoughts on the topic and apologize if I somehow offended you.

 

[Domainzy]

@slimjim270 Im not offended just surprised.(and you might be suppressed if someone tried to hire designers for your business) I totally see your trying to help. But also i think the beauty of BB/BR/Namer is that they slow down the the process. If they speed up the process too much, then all names will be diluted and too much clutter as well. When only a limited amount of names show up on the front page, its better for everyone.

I too would like all my names accepted with instant logos posted fast, but i too get bummed when my listing is only on the front page for half a day. Classic want my cake and eat it! So I'm very happy with the slow process. Its actually improves the exposure of each name.

I 100% agree with you that we should suggest, that they give a generic reason why names are not accepted, so we as sellers can improve our submissions.

Cheers!

 

[slimjim270]

@slimjim270 Im not offended just surprised.(and you might be suppressed if someone tried to hire designers for your business) I totally see your trying to help. But also i think the beauty of BB/BR/Namer is that they slow down the the process. If they speed up the process too much, then all names will be diluted and too much clutter as well. When only a limited amount of names show up on the front page, its better for everyone.

I too would like all my names accepted with instant logos posted fast, but i too get bummed when my listing is only on the front page for half a day. Classic want my cake and eat it! So I'm very happy with the slow process. Its actually improves the exposure of each name.

I 100% agree with you that we should suggest, that they give a generic reason why names are not accepted, so we as sellers can improve our submissions.

Cheers!

@Jahfree -

Thanks for your follow-up. (much appreciated)

After re-reading your earlier post... I realize I failed to mention in my "designer" post that the 3 local designers I spoke with last week were not cold-calls. They are all designers that I have previously hired in the past 20 years for a variety of projects and are professionals that I personally know.

Yes, I definitely agree with Jahfree that cold-calling a designer strictly for "research" purposes would have been brass and not respectful of their time... to clarify... these are all known associates that I called and I was asking them their opinion on the topic to become better educated to what I see is an exciting marketplace... and also to share the conversation takeaways with folks on this forum.

Also, while having them on the phone, I inquired if they might be interested in applying (not through me) but through the BrandBucket site (proper application process) as they are talented individuals.

Appreciate the respectful/insightful dialogue on this forum. Thanks everyone.

-Jim

 

[namecloud]

@namecloud -

"Brandables" is a wide category. I assessed the market and decided to focus on (3) areas (5L, Rhymes, Tailgating). Others have success with TwoWord combos. I seem 2W challenged.

5L - 2L, 3L, 4L are all already taken for hand-reg. I researched a variety of sales and started focusing on 5L's. I wrote a software tool to help automate the process where I enter the 1st 3 letters and the tool auto-displays on the screen all combinations of available 5L's where the last 2 characters have at least 1 vowel for the 3 letter seed entered. I create a short list, then have my 5th grade daughter read them out loud to me. If she pronounces one on my short-list differently than I did originally, I immediately line it out. I then print a list and ask her to line out 7-10 that she "dislikes". Independently, I do the same. If we have any "dislike" overlap, I immediately remove the domains from the short list. We then both (independently) circle 5 that we "like". If we both overlap, I hand-reg them. Let me be the 1st to say... "yes, I am not always smarter than a 5th grader".

Rhymes - Great area of success. I compiled a list of 2-3 letter vowel sounds and wrote a software tool to blend a 3-5 letter "seed" word with the list. Rhymes are easy to remember / easy to pronounce. Based on research I did of 4-5 sites that I track, rhymes appear to be in demand by buyers.

Tailgaiting - I compiled a list of 200+ common endings - from domains that have sold on 4-5 sites that I track sales. I use an Excel file on this one where I enter a 2-4 letter beginning and glance through the "tail" combinations. I then cut/paste my short list in my registrars Bulk Entry window for availability. I then ask my "Phonics Master" (5th grade daughter) to tell which 5 she "dislikes" and which 5 she likes best of those available for hand-reg. You may laugh, but she's dead on consistent 80% of the time with those I was considering before asking her insight. A good sign when 2 demographics pronounce a name consistently.

Finally, I primarily focus on 5L - 9L names. The selection process is subjective. The tools help with the objective side of automation.

This is not a "get rich quick" game for me. I am acquiring domains as an investment - to hold for when the 5L, 6L, and 7L's start to become thin in 3-4 years and even more difficult to acquire via hand-reg. In my opinion, this is like 1955 double die pennies (prices will rise over time as availability of a limited supply decreases as others take them out of circulation).

Let me know if this was helpful...

-Jim

Wow. You proved it!
I now have a blueprint to follow
but I'm just looking for a quick flip
for $800+ profit before having the good
patience of a long term investor.
Listing on BB will take too long.
I've got a domain DermSleek which I think
might fit a skincare product but think it will take long to make a flip
Just outta ideas and don't wanna be on a reg spree.

 

[Optimal Names]

Solution:

I see 4 solutions.

1) BrandBucket (Margot) hires a full time graphics artist to address the process bottleneck.

2) I (we) personally hire graphics artist to do our own designs, apply to BrandBucket for a Designer account, and submit the logos under our own Designer account. I (we) carry the cash-flow burden of paying up front and waiting for "winner" logo payments to off-set our out of pocket for the logos.

3) I (we) wait patiently for the logos to be designed under the current timeline.

4) I (we) consider other marketplaces. [sales, not emotions, will dictate my direction - I am testing 3 marketplaces over the next 6 months - BrandBucket/Brandroot/Namerific - then will adjust my submission volume proportionately to the one that sells the highest sales rate, will receive a higher % percentage of submissions]

How about another one:

5) be given the ability to choose no logo. Offer a different sales fee percentage for thos maybe? Dont know. But why do we need a logo at all? Sure they look great but I have to wonder how many businesses which buy these names already have a) a graphic artist at their disposal and/or b) their own logo/color swatch/font selection etc.. I would be willing to guess a good percentage discard the logo. I'd forgo a logo design to close the gap on a 48 day lag. To wait f few extra days to get the logo is one thing, but its almost 7 week as your analysis shows. I dont want to submit any names there just because of that. .

 

[AlexPaymer]

Patience is on of the key's to success.

 

[Optimal Names]

Patience is on of the key's to success.

Customers are rarely patient beasts... This is the Internet, not growing tomatoes. Its 24/7/365 and I agree, we all try to fit it into a 9-5 M-F mold. So, sure, there are going to be problems. But the lag time has now grown to 7 weeks when, correct me if I am wrong, was never 7 weeks? They have a policy of not allowing your name to be listed for sale anywhere else so for that 7 week period my names are just sitting around.

This is a simple project management fix. Thats IF they want to "fix" it. Thats IF its "broken". Perhaps this is their new submission model? Maybe its now the new normal, logo design will be upwards of 7 weeks wait.

What really stinks is that this is the end of the year. Companies that have money to make purchases before year-end wont see these names. Arent they marketing these names to businesses / startups etc?

Let the customer decide I guess. I'd still like the option to go with no logo. The name should be good enough to stand out in regular lettering like these characters are here. Thats my two cents, its a suggestion - nothing more.

 

[discobull]

They have a policy of not allowing your name to be listed for sale anywhere else so for that 7 week period my names are just sitting around.

Their TOS says:

"you are agreeing to have BrandBucket as the exclusive seller for the duration that a domain name is listed"

To me, that means that exclusivity only kicks in once a domain is actually listed.

 

[Domainzy]

I'd still like the option to go with no logo.

If you like no logo.....your in luck!......Flippa, Sedo, AfterNic, Godaddy, etc etc..

The whole point of the brandable marketplaces is the logo! Even professional domineers sit on domains for YEARS. And your complaining about a couple of weeks or months wait? Learn to have patience... and to be grateful as well.


PS... Have you ever tried to sell a domain on ebay without a logo?... Good Luck with that... Theres a massive reason for the logos....

 

[discobull]

Even professional domineers sit on domains for YEARS. And your complaining about couple of weeks or months wait? Learn to have patience... and to be grateful as well.

The impatience in this case is not about how long it's taking to sell a domain, it's about how long it's taking to get a listing that has been paid for.

 

[Domainzy]

@discobull Have you ever thought about how cluttered BB would be if they could turn out a logo for every accepted submission within a day or two? If you want a quick fast service, use Flippa, Sedo, Godaddy, Afternic, etc...

The delay in the processing time for the logo is brilliant!

Do you like that your domain will be on the front page for more than an hour?? I do!

 

[discobull]

@discobull Have you ever thought about how cluttered BB would be if they could turn out a logo for every accepted submission within a day or two? If you want a quick fast service, use Flippa, Sedo, Godaddy, Afternic, etc...

The delay in the processing time for the logo is brilliant!

Do you like that your domain will be on the front page for more than an hour?? I do!

BB's default sort order is now by "staff picks", not by date added, so the delays don't necessarily buy you any extra time on the front page.

I give you credit for finding ways to put a positive slant on the situation, but I think you'll find that most people will prefer to have their domains available for sale as soon as possible.

 

[Domainzy]

BB's default sort order is now by "staff picks", not by date added, so the delays don't necessarily buy you any extra time on the front page.

I give you credit for finding ways to put a positive slant on the situation, but I think you'll find that most people will prefer to have their domains available for sale as soon as possible.

Cool! Just realized my domains have been staff picks! But still if they were not, the option for date added reveals them in order, so the slower the better IMO.

Side note: BB sent me a email saying they found one of my 'LISTED' BB domain, also listed on godaddy. (watch out! if you list on AfterNic, the listing also shows up on godaddy BUT once you remove from afternic it won't remove from godady! you'll have to call. Hence why i got this email)

 

[Optimal Names]

If you like no logo.....your in luck!......Flippa, Sedo, AfterNic, Godaddy, etc etc..

The whole point of the brandable marketplaces is the logo! Even professional domineers sit on domains for YEARS. And your complaining about a couple of weeks or months wait? Learn to have patience... and to be grateful as well.


PS... Have you ever tried to sell a domain on ebay without a logo?... Good Luck with that... Theres a massive reason for the logos....

I see your point

 

[Optimal Names]

@discobull Have you ever thought about how cluttered BB would be if they could turn out a logo for every accepted submission within a day or two? If you want a quick fast service, use Flippa, Sedo, Godaddy, Afternic, etc...

The delay in the processing time for the logo is brilliant!

Do you like that your domain will be on the front page for more than an hour?? I do!

IF its your domain on the front page, I suppose. But the shoe on the other foot doesnt feel so good.... If you're trying to get in the game and you've got to wait untold amount of time - its not fun.

 

[Optimal Names]

Their TOS says:

"you are agreeing to have BrandBucket as the exclusive seller for the duration that a domain name is listed"

To me, that means that exclusivity only kicks in once a domain is actually listed.

Would love to get a confirmation on that. It does read that way but how its implemented may be different. Should I sell a name 46 days after they send it out for logo-ing, I'd think they'd be po'd..