TLD's - When is a non .COM a viable alternative?

[kaz2]

Hi all

I am new to domaining but keen to learn more about this industry. In my travels I have had cause to use the brilliant tool at Domains Bot. What I have noticed is that there are often times, when a name is input, that only the .com TLD is shown as taken.

My questions are as follows - if the name is attractive, and seems to be marketable:

(1) Is it worth, at the very least, registering the .net version of the name?

(2) On the other hand, if it was so marketable why haven't any of the other (none .com) versions been registered in the first place?

Thanks!

 

[webfreak]

I've seen companies go for the .net, .info, .cc or a ccTLD if the name was not available in the desired extension.

Just hang around a bit and look at DNJournal to get a better idea of what types of domain names sell.

 

[YesBrilliant]

There are several variables when determing a viable alternative.

In many countries a ccTLD is preferred over the .com, like Germany or Brazil.

And many others, depends mostly on the keyword, purpose, audience...

Only experience will tell.

 

[kaz2]

There are several variables when determing a viable alternative.

In many countries a ccTLD is preferred over the .com, like Germany or Brazil.

And many others, depends mostly on the keyword, purpose, audience...

Only experience will tell.

Thanks YesBrilliant, that's good advice. The .de does seem to have strong sales.

I've seen companies go for the .net, .info, .cc or a ccTLD if the name was not available in the desired extension.

Just hang around a bit and look at DNJournal to get a better idea of what types of domain names sell.

Yes, I'll definitely spend time on the DNJournal - it is quite amazing when you analyse some of the names that sell and the amounts they sell for even though they do not fit the traditional domain valuation model.

 

[floatingworld]

.com is the motherload for domain name reselling. in general....if a domainer has $20 to spend on 2 names, instead of registering the .com and the .net, they are more than likely to spend the second $10 on another .com....or even spend the whole $20 on 1 .com in the resale market....(some, on the other hand, prefer the bungie-jump 'fun' of purchasing 10 .infos from regfly).

 

[kaz2]

.com is the motherload for domain name reselling. in general....if a domainer has $20 to spend on 2 names, instead of registering the .com and the .net, they are more than likely to spend the second $10 on another .com....or even spend the whole $20 on 1 .com in the resale market....(some, on the other hand, prefer the bungie-jump 'fun' of purchasing 10 .infos from regfly).

Hi floatingworld, that's interesting. It does seem that .com dominates the field. regarding the other TLD's, would you say that .info is third to .net (generally speaking as I appreciate that the name can also be a factor)?

 

[Wesley]

Personally I find that the low cost of registering a .info somewhat diluted the market rather than making it stronger. Anyways, I would say either .org or a ccTLD comes in third in most cases.

 

[cache]

it is interesting market economy. Like buying autos, some people only buy japanese cars
because of reliability, but you may always find people shopping for other manufactures.
The market will adjust itself. But they are better buys and worse buys.