How To Get Started

[TFD]

I've been interested in domaining for a couple of years now, but have never really been sure how to start out. I've read a lot of guides and think that I have a good feel for how the market works, but don't want to make any stupid decisions. I don't have a lot to invest up front and I'd like to be able to turn over domains fairly quickly. Where should I start?

 

[Norris416]

Read, read, read.

NamePros is my favorite place to learn about this crazy domain business. So if you have questions, ask them here and ask them a lot.

Also, read as many domaining blogs as you can find...check out auction sites and watch their sales history. Bido is a great place to watch fast paced auctions and learn from them.

Try and make friends and network as much as you can around here.

I'm still learning but the best advice anyone ever gave me was: read.

Also, go ahead and make some stupid mistakes registering bad domain names. I know thats counter to everyone elses advice but we ALL go through it and its the best way to learn - the hard way.

Good luck!

 

[TFD]

Read, read, read.

NamePros is my favorite place to learn about this crazy domain business. So if you have questions, ask them here and ask them a lot.

Also, read as many domaining blogs as you can find...check out auction sites and watch their sales history. Bido is a great place to watch fast paced auctions and learn from them.

Try and make friends and network as much as you can around here.

I'm still learning but the best advice anyone ever gave me was: read.

Also, go ahead and make some stupid mistakes registering bad domain names. I know thats counter to everyone elses advice but we ALL go through it and its the best way to learn - the hard way.

Good luck!

Thanks for your suggestions. I have been reading a lot, and it seems like there are a few distinct paths to take. I've been nervous about registering domains, but I might try a few and park them.

 

[denzuko]

Buy some domain names and get appraised here.
Try to sell the name on NP's marketplace.

 

[Norris416]

Visit the GoDaddy discount code thread on NP (or another registrar discount thread) and find a coupon code to use. A lot of the registrars have codes that can save you 10 - 30% off new registrations...its not a magic way to pick the right domains, but it will make the purchase of any less painful.

 

[TFD]

Thanks again for your suggestions. I'll probably pick up a few with the one dollar NetFirms promotion. At worst I could lose a few dollars.

I'm more of a research oriented person, so I think that I'm going to try to do some analysis of the .com zone file. Maybe find a few unregistered gems...

 

[twomoon]

My suggestion would be not to register domains. Most of domains you will register now, you will drop in a year and lose on them. All beginners are in this situation. Almost all good domains are taken already.
At the beginning I suggest you to use tdnam.com (expired domains auction provided by Godaddy. You can buy there domains for low prices – domains that makes sense). Then try to sell your domains to endusers – it would be your first capital.

Good luck