question Help with Premium Deal: ETWLF.com

[OAB]

Hello everyone,

I own the domain ETWLF.com, which is an abbreviation for ET World Leaders Forum—a massive event managed by The Economic Times, part of Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd., who also own The Times of India. The event is of significant scale, and I believe the domain I have is a perfect, shorter alternative to the long domain they currently use, which was registered just three months ago.

I’ve set a very reasonable price for ETWLF.com, considering the scale of the event and the massive organizations behind it. Moreover, in my GoDaddy control panel, I’ve noticed a considerable amount of traffic to the domain. I suspect that many visitors are looking for the event itself but are mistakenly landing on my domain.

I would really appreciate any help or advice on how to reach the decision-makers for ET World Leaders Forum. If anyone has experience or tips for approaching such organizations, your input would be invaluable.

Thank you in advance for your assistance!

 

[jberryhill]

(you can verify this on SEMrush)

Not without an account, and I don't feel like giving them my information. I'd be interested in seeing why there are so many links to this 'random' domain name. Maybe you could post something about that, because I'm genuinely curious about how that tool works.

Again, I didn't accuse you of anything, but I will tell you that there are about zero UDRP panelists who know what a 'backlink' is, let alone why it would make a domain name desirable.

What I try to do is to provide some perspective on how these things appear to people who are not in the domainer echo chamber, since I do have some relevant experience.

And if someone files a complaint against me and I lose the case, let them take the domain.

Like I said, some people don't realize that their name will live in search engines forever as a cybersquatter if they do that. There is a procedure for expedited non-decision transfers under the UDRP.

But, again, I'm not accusing you of anything. I'm just saying that if someone came to me with a UDRP on these facts, I'd suggest transferring it, since UDRP panelists tend to be pretty skeptical of claims like this, because there is a pretty regular parade of folks who show up and make claims that are, at best, improbable.

"Being right" and "winning" are not always the same thing.

 

[OAB]

Not without an account, and I don't feel like giving them my information. I'd be interested in seeing why there are so many links to this 'random' domain name. Maybe you could post something about that, because I'm genuinely curious about how that tool works.

Again, I didn't accuse you of anything, but I will tell you that there are about zero UDRP panelists who know what a 'backlink' is, let alone why it would make a domain name desirable.

What I try to do is to provide some perspective on how these things appear to people who are not in the domainer echo chamber, since I do have some relevant experience.



Like I said, some people don't realize that their name will live in search engines forever as a cybersquatter if they do that. There is a procedure for expedited non-decision transfers under the UDRP.

But, again, I'm not accusing you of anything. I'm just saying that if someone came to me with a UDRP on these facts, I'd suggest transferring it, since UDRP panelists tend to be pretty skeptical of claims like this, because there is a pretty regular parade of folks who show up and make claims that are, at best, improbable.

"Being right" and "winning" are not always the same thing.

I usually search for domains that have meaningful names or those that may attract potential buyers, or domains with high-quality backlinks. I use the website expireddomains.net for this purpose. It allows me to search for expired domains, domains that are about to expire, or domains that have high authority or strong backlinks. It also allows me to search for domains by using an English dictionary filter to show domains with words, filter by numbers or just letters, and so on. This is exactly how I came across ETWLF, without knowing anything about that forum.

As for SEMrush, it’s a tool used for domain analysis, identifying their backlinks, traffic, target keywords in search engines, and the countries their visitors come from, among other features.

 

[jberryhill]

I understand that. What I asked is whether you could post a backlink analysis for this domain name.

Semrush asks me to open an account to get that information.

Where are all the links to this domain name coming from?

And if that’s the reason why you registered it, then why not simply proceed to use it for the reason you registered it?

 

[OAB]

I understand that. What I asked is whether you could post a backlink analysis for this domain name.

Semrush asks me to open an account to get that information.

Where are all the links to this domain name coming from?

And if that’s the reason why you registered it, then why not simply proceed to use it for the reason you registered it?

The main reason I acquired the domain is indeed because of its substantial backlink profile. I aim to leverage these backlinks to enhance my existing hosting website's visibility in search engines. By directing this traffic to my site, I can improve its ranking and overall performance.

The ultimate goal here is to generate profit, and if there's a serious interest from someone to purchase the domain, I would certainly consider selling it promptly.

This is a screenshot from SEMrush for my domain, and I don't get many details because my account is free.

 

[Grilled]

I usually search for domains that have meaningful names or those that may attract potential buyers, or domains with high-quality backlinks. I use the website expireddomains.net for this purpose.

I was a little confused how the expireddomains.net filter applied here, but for context:

What I asked is whether you could post a backlink analysis for this domain name.

ExpiredDomains.net shows 1.1M "Majestic External Backlinks" or BL for ETWLF(.)com



https://majestic.com/reports/site-explorer?utm_source=ExpiredDomains.net&q=etwlf.com


ExpiredDomains.net currently shows 448,434 total domains in GoDaddy auctions, only 11 of those 448k domains have more BL than ETWLF(.)com



ExpiredDomains.net currently shows 256,511 total domains in GoDaddy Closeouts, only 4 of those 256k domains have more BL than ETWLF(.)com



ExpiredDomains.net currently shows 2,753,567 (still available) .coms deleted within the last 30 days, and 0 of those 2.7M domains have more BL than ETWLF(.)com.



In summary, while this may be domain lingo and not trademark lingo, the 1.1M BL metric may have been used as a way to signal value without concern of the domain itself. Similar to those seo buyer request threads seaking high DA/PR domains irrespective of keywords, hyphens, tld, etc.

 

[OAB]

I was a little confused how the expireddomains.net filter applied here, but for context:



ExpiredDomains.net shows 1.1M "Majestic External Backlinks" or BL for ETWLF(.)com

Show attachment 265129

https://majestic.com/reports/site-explorer?utm_source=ExpiredDomains.net&q=etwlf.com
Show attachment 265132

ExpiredDomains.net currently shows 448,434 total domains in GoDaddy auctions, only 11 of those 448k domains have more BL than ETWLF(.)com

Show attachment 265128

ExpiredDomains.net currently shows 256,511 total domains in GoDaddy Closeouts, only 4 of those 256k domains have more BL than ETWLF(.)com

Show attachment 265130

ExpiredDomains.net currently shows 2,753,567 (still available) .coms deleted within the last 30 days, and 0 of those 2.7M domains have more BL than ETWLF(.)com.

Show attachment 265131

In summary, while this may be domain lingo and not trademark lingo, the 1.1M BL metric may have been used as a way to signal value without concern of the domain itself. Similar to those seo buyer request threads seaking high DA/PR domains irrespective of keywords, hyphens, tld, etc.

The number of backlinks is not the only criterion for purchasing a domain; some backlinks may be toxic and negatively affect you or even harm your site. Additionally, some may be nofollow links, meaning you won't benefit from them at all. It's also important to pay attention to the domain authority and other factors.

 

[Grilled]

The number of backlinks is not the only criterion for purchasing a domain; some backlinks may be toxic and negatively affect you or even harm your site. Additionally, some may be nofollow links, meaning you won't benefit from them at all. It's also important to pay attention to the domain authority and other factors.

How come you didn't register any of the below currently available to register .com's with more than 1.1M backlinks? Do they have toxic backlinks? Did you just not come across them yet? Or...?

Do any of the below available to register .com's have value to you or if they have toxic backlinks, how can you tell?

(to demonstrate availability rarity) Of 299,031,081 .com's currently available to reg in expireddomains.net database, when sorting by highest BL, there are only 44 .coms available to register (of the 299M available dataset) that have at least 1M BL's.

 

[OAB]

How come you didn't register any of the below currently available to register .com's with more than 1.1M backlinks? Do they have toxic backlinks? Or did you just not come across them yet? Or...?

Do any of the below available to register .com's have value to you or if they have toxic backlinks, how can you tell?

(to demonstrate availability rarity) Of 299,031,081 .com's currently available to reg in expireddomains.net database, when sorting by highest BL, there are only 44 .coms available to register (of the 299M available dataset) that have at least 1M BL's.

Show attachment 265134

The image you shared does not show other data about the domain, such as its age, domain authority, or the country it was targeting. Ultimately, based on my experience, no matter how much you examine a domain, each analysis platform will give you different results. The true nature of the domain will only be revealed when it is used.

 

[Grilled]

The image you shared does not show other data about the domain, such as its age, domain authority, or the country it was targeting.

That image is from expireddomains.net, which you said you use...

I usually search for domains that have meaningful names or those that may attract potential buyers, or domains with high-quality backlinks. I use the website expireddomains.net for this purpose. It allows me to search for expired domains, domains that are about to expire, or domains that have high authority or strong backlinks. It also allows me to search for domains by using an English dictionary filter to show domains with words, filter by numbers or just letters, and so on. This is exactly how I came across ETWLF, without knowing anything about that forum.

Here's a larger image from expireddomains.net with more metrics in case that helps:

Notably is the add date, as the 299M dataset includes domains added as far back as 2006. All of the domains with 1M+ Backlinks (BL) that are still available to register were dropped earlier this year, which is usually a sign that these type of domains don't stay unregged for too long.

***Note: I don't deal with SEO, DA/PR or backlink domains, so I'm pretty novice in respect to my understanding/experience of this topic.

 

[OAB]

That image is from expireddomains.net, which you said you use...



Here's a larger image from expireddomains.net with more metrics in case that helps:

Show attachment 265135

Notably is the add date, as the 299M dataset includes domains added as far back as 2006. Most of the domains with 1M+ Backlinks (BL) that are still available to register were dropped this year, which is usually a sign that these type of domains don't stay unregged for too long.

***Note: I don't deal with SEO, DA/PR or backlink domains, so I'm pretty novice in respect to my understanding/experience of this topic.

Yes, I know it’s from expireddomains.net! However, the previous image does not show any data.

First, I advise you to look for understandable domains with decent backlinks. Be careful about purchasing a domain with a large number of backlinks and redirecting it to your site, as search engines will penalize you for that.

Add these features and focus on TF (Trust Flow), and also include WPL (Wikipedia Links) to find sites with backlinks from Wikipedia, which is important. Pay attention to SG but be cautious with that, and also DMOZ.

The older the domain and the closer it is to when it expired, the better it is.

All of this is preliminary analysis; then you should examine the domain seriously. Start with domains that have a good TF and leave the rest for later.

I wish you good luck.

 

[Jannes]

The number of backlinks is not the only criterion for purchasing a domain; some backlinks may be toxic and negatively affect you or even harm your site. Additionally, some may be nofollow links, meaning you won't benefit from them at all. It's also important to pay attention to the domain authority and other factors.

https://backlinko.com/nofollow-link

( nofollow link itself)

1. Nofollow links can directly help with your SEO.
2. Nofollow links can bring you traffic.
3. Nofollow links can = dofollow links.
4. Nofollow links are part of a natural link profile. (emphasis mine)

--------

As for domain authority, ETWLF .com: Ahrefs DR 23, Moz DA 1.

 

[Grilled]

Yes, I know it’s from expireddomains.net! However, the previous image does not show any data.

First, I advise you to look for understandable domains with decent backlinks. Be careful about purchasing a domain with a large number of backlinks and redirecting it to your site, as search engines will penalize you for that.

Add these features and focus on TF (Trust Flow), and also include WPL (Wikipedia Links) to find sites with backlinks from Wikipedia, which is important. Pay attention to SG but be cautious with that, and also DMOZ.

The older the domain and the closer it is to when it expired, the better it is.

All of this is preliminary analysis; then you should examine the domain seriously. Start with domains that have a good TF and leave the rest for later.

I wish you good luck.

Thanks for the starting points!

If it wasn't easily apparent, my reasoning for asking the questions about finding value in backlink domains wasn't about learning for myself (albeit I appreciate the tips!) but it was to test the premise that one could find value in a domain not based on what's to the left of the .com, but based solely on other SEO related metrics.

I want to clarify that I registered the domain ETWLF.com without prior knowledge of the ET World Leaders Forum.

When @jberryhill asked if you owned any other 5L.com's, I think it was to establish that you are a 5L .com investor holding similar other domains. This would add merit to the assertion that you decided to register this prior to knowing of the leaders forum.

I see. So, why these five letters in particular? Do you have a lot of five letter domain names, or just this one?

But based off the SEO assertion, perhaps the similar domains you hold isn't a collection of random 5L's but a collection of certain SEO domains.

The main reason I acquired the domain is indeed because of its substantial backlink profile. I aim to leverage these backlinks to enhance my existing hosting website's visibility in search engines. By directing this traffic to my site, I can improve its ranking and overall performance.

Below is an image from expiredDomains.net mimicking the categories you had set. Can you point out anything in the metrics that signals to you ETWLF(.)com is more valuable than the other random 5L's with over 1M BL's?

Based on the below metrics, do you see value in any of the other random 5L.com's? (without google searching each 5L to see if it matches anything exisiting of value)

**Below is the text list in case you would have plugged the list into SEMRUSH or elsewhere.

dkftw.com
hfhmw.com
xzdjw.com
lgbjw.com
wlwtw.com
dwbhw.com
ydfyw.com
jfbhw.com
jfrhw.com
zcqsw.com
zdgxw.com
fdlkw.com
ydsyw.com
gtjfw.com
yjthw.com
zmjhw.com
zmypw.com
dmhcw.com
dxllw.com
etwlf.com
gcffw.com
gjdcw.com
gtpfw.com
gwckw.com
hgtfw.com
hmnnw.com
jtcdw.com
kndhw.com
wfkpw.com
ybldw.com
xsqtw.com
yfgxw.com
xztdw.com
xphhw.com
ryxhw.com
tggxw.com
xttdw.com
xyntw.com
ykzmw.com
ypqsw.com
zcmtw.com
zfxgw.com

 

[Grilled]

As for domain authority, ETWLF .com: Ahrefs DR 23, Moz DA 1.

I asked Google Gemini what that meant in basic terms (for those not able to interpret). Would Gemini's short answer be accurate to your interpretation @Jannes?

In basic terms, these numbers suggest that ETWLF(.)com is a relatively new or low-authority website. This means it may take some time for the website to establish itself as a credible source of information or a reliable destination for visitors.

Spoiler: Full Answer

The numbers you provided (Ahrefs DR 23, Moz DA 1) are metrics used to assess the authority and credibility of a website.

• Ahrefs DR (Domain Rating): This metric is calculated by Ahrefs, a popular SEO tool, and is based on factors like the number of referring domains, the quality of those domains, and the number of backlinks a website has. A higher DR generally indicates a more authoritative website. In this case, ETWLF.com has an Ahrefs DR of 23, which is considered relatively low.
• Moz DA (Domain Authority): This metric is calculated by Moz, another popular SEO tool, and is based on factors like the number of linking root domains, the quality of those domains, and the number of backlinks a website has. Like DR, a higher DA generally indicates a more authoritative website. In this case, ETWLF.com has a Moz DA of 1, which is very low.

In basic terms, these numbers suggest that ETWLF.com is a relatively new or low-authority website. This means it may take some time for the website to establish itself as a credible source of information or a reliable destination for visitors.

 

[Jannes]

Yep. Moreover, The Wayback Machine snapshot from May 30 2024 (NSFW) suggests that the domain has already been used for SEO purposes. So why was it dropped?

 

[OAB]

https://backlinko.com/nofollow-link

( nofollow link itself)

1. Nofollow links can directly help with your SEO.
2. Nofollow links can bring you traffic.
3. Nofollow links can = dofollow links.
4. Nofollow links are part of a natural link profile. (emphasis mine)

--------

As for domain authority, ETWLF .com: Ahrefs DR 23, Moz DA 1.

The nofollow tag will cause search engine crawlers to visit your site and recognize it, but it won't transfer the domain authority from the site linking to you.

Thanks for the starting points!

If it wasn't easily apparent, my reasoning for asking the questions about finding value in backlink domains wasn't about learning for myself (albeit I appreciate the tips!) but it was to test the premise that one could find value in a domain not based on what's to the left of the .com, but based solely on other SEO related metrics.


When @jberryhill asked if you owned any other 5L.com's, I think it was to establish that you are a 5L .com investor holding similar other domains. This would add merit to the assertion that you decided to register this prior to knowing of the leaders forum.



But based off the SEO assertion, perhaps the similar domains you hold isn't a collection of random 5L's but a collection of certain SEO domains.



Below is an image from expiredDomains.net mimicking the categories you had set. Can you point out anything in the metrics that signals to you ETWLF(.)com is more valuable than the other random 5L's with over 1M BL's?

Based on the below metrics, do you see value in any of the other random 5L.com's? (without google searching each 5L to see if it matches anything exisiting of value)

Show attachment 265152

**Below is the text list in case you would have plugged the list into SEMRUSH or elsewhere.

dkftw.com
hfhmw.com
xzdjw.com
lgbjw.com
wlwtw.com
dwbhw.com
ydfyw.com
jfbhw.com
jfrhw.com
zcqsw.com
zdgxw.com
fdlkw.com
ydsyw.com
gtjfw.com
yjthw.com
zmjhw.com
zmypw.com
dmhcw.com
dxllw.com
etwlf.com
gcffw.com
gjdcw.com
gtpfw.com
gwckw.com
hgtfw.com
hmnnw.com
jtcdw.com
kndhw.com
wfkpw.com
ybldw.com
xsqtw.com
yfgxw.com
xztdw.com
xphhw.com
ryxhw.com
tggxw.com
xttdw.com
xyntw.com
ykzmw.com
ypqsw.com
zcmtw.com
zfxgw.com

It's challenging to evaluate all domains without using backlink analysis tools. However, based on the image you shared, if I were to examine one, I’d choose etwlf because it’s pronounceable, which makes it useful for creating a site on it, whereas the others appear more like random characters. Also, etwlf has been registered twice before, starting in 2013, so if further inspection shows that its backlinks don't come from harmful sites, it could be promising!

ETWLF is considered a 'fresh' domain since it expired and was re-registered, which leads search engines to treat it as if it’s starting over. However, it has recovery potential if managed well.

I own domains ranging from 3 to 16 characters long; it's not just about five letters at all. I even have a 14-character domain with an awkward look but a lot of potential for impact.

 

[Jannes]

The nofollow tag will cause search engine crawlers to visit your site and recognize it, but it won't transfer the domain authority from the site linking to you.

Yeah but you claimed that "you won't benefit from [nofollow links] at all".

 

[Jannes]

This is a screenshot from SEMrush for my domain, and I don't get many details because my account is free.

Understandable. I looked at their (and some competitors') pricing. But can you be competitive against other people who are into registering seo domains?

 

[OAB]

Yeah but you claimed that "you won't benefit from [nofollow links] at all".

Yes, you won’t benefit at all from a domain you buy if its backlinks are nofollow! Why buy it? You'd be better off creating your own backlinks in that case!

 

[Jannes]

Yes, you won’t benefit at all from a domain you buy if its backlinks are nofollow! Why buy it? You'd be better off creating your own backlinks in that case!

I'm Brian Dean is talking about backlink profile. 99% dofollow links = unnatural, probably manipulated profile. Whether Google really cares is another question.

(his Backlinko was acquired by SEMrush, btw)

 

[OAB]

Understandable. I looked at their (and some competitors') pricing. But can you be competitive against other people who are into registering seo domains?

They use backordering to buy highly competitive domains, but I’m looking at expired ones instead. If I told you I rank for a strong commercial keyword in the U.S. with a domain less than a year old, would you believe me?