advice Newbie here!

[LittlestIndie]

Hi, total newbie here

Just recently learned about domaining so I decided to take action and start domaining. I registered a domain yesterday on godaddy and listed it as "make an offer" because I've read on a blog that it's a common thing to start as "make an offer" and then switch it to an auction once you get your first offer.

I would like to get advice on what's the best ways to drive traffic to my offer? I was thinking on using facebook groups related to the domain's niche to try and promote it, what do you guys think?

 

[LittlestIndie]

Hi and welcome! I use FB Groups and Twitter myself. Not really very effective thus far.

Oh really? I was expecting social sites to be the best way to drive traffic? The only 3 other ways that I know of are:

1. Posting on every auction sites like flippa and sedo but without premium exposure it seems like it wouldn't really generate any traffic.

2. Contacting small business owners who might be interested but considering the fact that I'm a newbie I feel like this is out of reach for now.

3. Posting on the marketplace but I'm not sure if I'm allowed since I wanted to transition from "make an offer" to an auction.

Any thoughts on what is usually recommended would be appreciated

 

[LittlestIndie]

59? :0 godaddy was 8, shoot I think I'll stick to godaddy and this forum for now since I don't even know if my domain could be sold for more than 59

 

[NamesBond]

Welcome to the forum!

A couple quick recommendations...

1) Look up the domain appraisal scam... (This gets many newbies right off the bat...)

2) Read, read, read, and learn the value of kw's (keywords)... e.g. Learn which kw's actually have value vs. those you... in your newbie wisdom... THINK will sell! (Hint: "crystal" ain't one of 'em...)

3) For the first 6 months when you see a domain you like, simply put it on a list, but don't buy it... You'll thank me come Jan. 2018... (Virtually every beginning domainer wastes his/her money on worthless domains during their first year... Try to limit your downside by practicing without buying...)

4) Avail yourself of the great wisdom available on this site - It's priceless!

Good luck as you embark on your domaining adventure!

 

[toughdomains]

Welcome to the forum!


3) For the first 6 months when you see a domain you like, simply put it on a list, but don't buy it... You'll thank me come Jan. 2018... (Virtually every beginning domainer wastes his/her money on worthless domains during their first year... Try to limit your downside by practicing without buying...)

Good luck as you embark on your domaining adventure!

best advise ever....never buy before putting them in a list....after your shopping session review the list and ask others and buy the ones that pop...you may lose some but trust me a better one is right around the corner...and nothing is worse than watching a great name a couple weeks later sell for cheap because you ran out of domain funds.

 

[NamesBond]

Oh I didn't know there was such a thing as appraisal scam, I'll be looking out for that thanks.

I know, everything in me was telling me not to buy it, but then I saw solarcrystal and the price it was going for and then my newbie self lost reason and bought it. Haha but I promise I won't be buying anything else until I have digested enough of this forum

You'll do just fine... Just take your time and read, read, read... (And, LOL, no worries about a single questionable "hand reg"... You'll laugh about it a year from now... Some of us who've been around a while have hundreds of these! )

PS - Always do your research and think about the rationale for particular word combinations... e.g. "Crystal" may have a special meaning in relation to "solar," but no meaning at all in relation to another term... (Like SEO) Research is another key attribute of a successful domainer, IMHO...

 

[Bob Hawkes]

Hi, total newbie here

Just recently learned about domaining so I decided to take action and start domaining. I registered a domain yesterday on godaddy and listed it as "make an offer" because I've read on a blog that it's a common thing to start as "make an offer" and then switch it to an auction once you get your first offer.

I would like to get advice on what's the best ways to drive traffic to my offer? I was thinking on using facebook groups related to the domain's niche to try and promote it, what do you guys think?

Welcome to the group (I am also a newbie, just here a few days longer than you!). Many more experienced than me have already provided suggestions re your query, and I would just add the following:
(1) If you have your own website, I would set the DNS to point the domain name to that and put a page mentioning the domain name and that it is for sale and a link to where it is listed for sale/auction to make it easy.
(2) If I have a domain that seems very appropriate for an organization, I have a few times sent a polite information to them telling them it is available. If you do that make it specific enough so it does not feel like spam (and make sure you are allowed to contact them).
(3) Of course NamePros!
(4) Your idea of related Facebook or other social media sites is a good one, as long as you can do it in a way that people will feel is not spam. I've done that a bit on Twitter, but not effective for me so far.
(5) If you have resources to do a basic website and there list that it is for sale, then the search engines might drive some potential buyers your way through searches (sort of same as first, but actually develop some worthwhile content).
All that being said, it is not easy to get noticed, and most of the highly desired auction sites have minimums that might make it not worthwhile on the risk listing there.

I have started actively seeking to sell part of my domain portfolio about two months ago, and while I have now sold 6 they are all very low end prices. In my case all 6 were a combination of the domain linked to my website linked to my listing on the Namecheap Marketplace to make it easy for purchasers.

Welcome to the list and good luck with selling your domain(s)!

Bob

 

[LittlestIndie]

Welcome to NP
All you need to succeed in domaining is have fun! Learning is natural when you're having fun
Good luck!

I'm having mad fun so far thanks!

 

[LittlestIndie]

3. I dont understand your last point. "Posting on the Marketplace?" It is true that for Sedo etc, if you get an offer, you could post to auction. I never did this though as I am sure you would be pissed off if it happened to you.

Ah true now that I think of it yes I would get pissed too, I will be doing an auction from the beginning instead of switching from "make an offer" to auction. Thanks for the help

 

[Pierre Barnard]

Let me put it this way, I have seen MUCH worse sell on Sedo. Make an offer is good.

 

[Pierre Barnard]

No Worries, ASK if you need help, and dont lend out your ears to just anyone. Domaining is fun, just enjoy it.

BTW, last time I checked Sedo asks $59 to start an auction. IMO, dont just pay that money and start an auction if you dont intend to contact endusers and point them to the auction AND/OR advertise your auction like crazy. FB/Twitter and also LinkedIn. Also on this forum and if you have some money there is one Gig on Fiverr which I use with some success.

 

[LittlestIndie]

1. spend about 100 hours reading this forum
dont buy any more names
2. list the names you bought online create some logos for them search some comparable sales....send out emails to companies who maybe interested....list on all marketplaces godaddy, afternic, flippa....
dont buy any more names
3. read another 100 hours of forum material
4. check namebio
dont buy anymore names
5 read another 100 hours
6. buy some names

a good domain store helps...

"Don't buy any more domains" The temptation is so hard though I registered seocrystal . com yesterday even though I told myself I should wait. But I promised myself that I will not buy anymore until I can start eyeballing the value of domains. I'll be spending the next few weeks reading and reading and reading

 

[toughdomains]

Hi newbie

beware:

there are some who will try to sell you services you don't really need

but, if they can make you "think you need it", then you will probably buy it


hold your money tightly, cuz..... domainers are the new end-users.


imo....

@biggie is absolutely correct dont waste your money on services that require payment. Always try to find a free service first. save your money and use it for more names. use free tools when possible.

 

[LittlestIndie]

rule #86 the next name you buy should be better than your best name.

Yeah I think I saw that somewhere yesterday on the beginners forums, I love it, I saved it to prevent my future self from dumb purchases.

 

[LittlestIndie]

Welcome to the forum!

A couple quick recommendations...

1) Look up the domain appraisal scam... (This gets many newbies right off the bat...)

2) Read, read, read, and learn the value of kw's (keywords)... e.g. Learn which kw's actually have value vs. those you... in your newbie wisdom... THINK will sell! (Hint: "crystal" ain't one of 'em...)

3) For the first 6 months when you see a domain you like, simply put it on a list, but don't buy it... You'll thank me come Jan. 2018... (Virtually every beginning domainer wastes his/her money on worthless domains during their first year... Try to limit your downside by practicing without buying...)

4) Avail yourself of the great wisdom available on this site - It's priceless!

Good luck as you embark on your domaining adventure!

Oh I didn't know there was such a thing as appraisal scam, I'll be looking out for that thanks.

I know, everything in me was telling me not to buy it, but then I saw solarcrystal and the price it was going for and then my newbie self lost reason and bought it. Haha but I promise I won't be buying anything else until I have digested enough of this forum

 

[LittlestIndie]

You'll do just fine... Just take your time and read, read, read... (And, LOL, no worries about a single questionable "hand reg"... You'll laugh about it a year from now... Some of us who've been around a while have hundreds of these! )

Hundreds?? Haha oh man, looks like this whole domaining journey is gonna be so fun! I can't wait!!

 

[rhakim]

Welcome to namePros @LittlestIndie.

Would be good to read articles how to buy/register a good (quality) domain name.

 

[Domaining Ocean]

Welcome to NP!

 

[LittlestIndie]

Welcome to the group (I am also a newbie, just here a few days longer than you!). Many more experienced than me have already provided suggestions re your query, and I would just add the following:
(1) If you have your own website, I would set the DNS to point the domain name to that and put a page mentioning the domain name and that it is for sale and a link to where it is listed for sale/auction to make it easy.
(2) If I have a domain that seems very appropriate for an organization, I have a few times sent a polite information to them telling them it is available. If you do that make it specific enough so it does not feel like spam (and make sure you are allowed to contact them).
(3) Of course NamePros!
(4) Your idea of related Facebook or other social media sites is a good one, as long as you can do it in a way that people will feel is not spam. I've done that a bit on Twitter, but not effective for me so far.
(5) If you have resources to do a basic website and there list that it is for sale, then the search engines might drive some potential buyers your way through searches (sort of same as first, but actually develop some worthwhile content).
All that being said, it is not easy to get noticed, and most of the highly desired auction sites have minimums that might make it not worthwhile on the risk listing there.

I have started actively seeking to sell part of my domain portfolio about two months ago, and while I have now sold 6 they are all very low end prices. In my case all 6 were a combination of the domain linked to my website linked to my listing on the Namecheap Marketplace to make it easy for purchasers.

Welcome to the list and good luck with selling your domain(s)!

Bob

Yeah so far I sent 3 emails to dating blogs letting them know that tipstodate com was available. No responses yet. I'll try to contact more people.

I'm really interested in the website thing you mentioned. Is that what's called parking? I haven't gotten to that topic yet on the forums.

I have an e-commerce store that I launched yesterday but I'm not sure I could link the domain since the store is not related to dating. Though I do have the resources to make a basic website stating that it's for sale (I'm a programmer ) the problem would be adding content since I'm not knowledgeable in that niche.

You sold 6?!? Wow even at low end prices if I could sell the 2 domains I have right now I'd be so happy !! I thought I would have to wait at least a year before I saw a penny. You just gave me hope, thanks!!

 

[ksusha64]

Welcome to NP!!!

 

[CamMK27]

Welcome to NamePros.

You have come to the right place. Learn Learn Learn if you want to Earn from domaining.

Best of Luck

 

[Bob Hawkes]

Yeah so far I sent 3 emails to dating blogs letting them know that tipstodate com was available. No responses yet. I'll try to contact more people.

I'm really interested in the website thing you mentioned. Is that what's called parking? I haven't gotten to that topic yet on the forums.

I have an e-commerce store that I launched yesterday but I'm not sure I could link the domain since the store is not related to dating. Though I do have the resources to make a basic website stating that it's for sale (I'm a programmer ) the problem would be adding content since I'm not knowledgeable in that niche.

You sold 6?!? Wow even at low end prices if I could sell the 2 domains I have right now I'd be so happy !! I thought I would have to wait at least a year before I saw a penny. You just gave me hope, thanks!!

Thanks for your response! I only seem to have success when I super discount domains that are about to expire, but yes, it is encouraging to even get a few dollars. I was surprised which ones sold.

Re website, I have many of mine registered at Namecheap, and I use their Marketplace. It is only available for ones registered with them, but for those it is easy (can list in a minute or two) and you only pay the 10% commission if someone buys (there is a range of $5 to $1000 so not good for high value domain names). They handle all the payment and transfer, so there is no need of paying for escrow. I think it mainly works for bargain type domains, and you need to have patience. Their Marketplace search engine is slow, which turns people off I am sure. I do find you need patience... all the ones I sold there I posted multiple times, and eventually someone bought them.

As someone else posted, the important thing (for most of us who dabble in it as a hobby) is to have fun, rather than have expectations of making much money.

I agree you should not point to a website that has nothing to do with the domain name. I had meant if you have enough that is worth your while to establish your own website for domain names. I waited until I had about 40 and then set up my mown domain name website. One route might be to use a free website service like Wix to get started (the free account version).

Most sites will park your domain name when it is listed for sale, with varying arrangements re who gets the revenue when people end up there and click on one of the links. Others can provide more on it than me, as I always turn off parking and make them point to my own website now that I have one.

Welcome to domaining, and I hope you have fun and get that first sale. Domaining is creative as you find names others have missed, and it is nice to interact with people with similar interests.

Bob

 

[Hemanttilotia]

@biggie is absolutely correct dont waste your money on services that require payment. Always try to find a free service first. save your money and use it for more names. use free tools when possible.

Your platform is actually cool.

 

[LittlestIndie]

ALWAYS put a reserve if you goto auction ALWAYS. Unless you want to test the waters and just get a sale under your belt.

My advice: Just do it for the fun to start with and gain some experience. Dont chase the money, NEVER chase the money...

Oh didn't know a reserve was important, I thought it was unnecessary, I'll be sure to add that. And haha I know, for now I'm definitely not expecting to make money with this considering the fact that I'm just starting out. My domain is probably crap too, tipstodate.com, I can't even tell what it's worth, I'll be asking for an appraisal on the forum soon. That's why I wanted to use "make an offer" simce I had no sense of the value of my domain.

 

[LittlestIndie]

Let me put it this way, I have seen MUCH worse sell on Sedo. Make an offer is good.

Alright, I'll be registering to sedo and go from there, thanks for all the help, really appreciate it, its tough being a newbie

 

[toughdomains]

rule #86 the next name you buy should be better than your best name.