IT.COM

question What should you consider before owning a domain?

Spaceship Spaceship
Watch
Impact
0
I don't really know where to start, I just want to learn how to own a domain and what are the things that I need to consider before owning one.
 
0
•••
The views expressed on this page by users and staff are their own, not those of NamePros.
That's a really broad question. Do you want to own a domain to use or as an investment?

Brad
 
0
•••
0
•••
Better check the competition first, look at the domain names of the competitors in client’s industries.
 
0
•••
What to look out for before buying a domain.
  1. Watch out for hidden fees
  2. Protect your privacy
  3. Protect your data
  4. Focus on transparency
  5. Differentiate support from sales
 
0
•••
Puzzled! Why domaining? What makes you assume this business is lucrative?
 
Last edited:
2
•••
Don't be afraid to ask those questions up front. Owning a domain can be very rewarding, depending on how you choose to use it. Is your goal to go into domaining? Or do you simply one to start owning a few to potentially use or eventually sell or find some other nifty use?
Many years ago, my start with buying domains was prompted when I typed in some female "DoctorX.com" domains (e.g. DoctorLinda.com), and found them leading to porno sites! As a quiet way of challenging this practice, I bought up various ones to prevent this further, peculiar use. I envisioned some child typing in "DoctorDebby.com," only to see a very different concept of what a doctor does. After purchasing the major names that I could, I eventually found some great uses that involved no monetary gain whatsoever.
A breast surgeon treating cancer patients contacted me when she learned that an article that was about to be published about her had put in the wrong domain name--- one that I had. She was delighted to be able to receive the domain for free, after confirming that she did do charitable works like selling cookies to raised funds for her cancer patients. Another was an orthodox psychotherpist who did charitable works as well, and was gratified to put another domain a good use and not have to worry about any fee. Another domain went to a local bakery in exchange for a large baked good donation to a local convent!
That's not to say that selling domains isn't fun and important as well. But realize that you can be creative with how you use them.
Finally, let me say that NamePros is an INCREDIBLE resource, along with the google domains site (domains.google/learn).
Welcome to the forum, and good luck with your domain adventures.
 
Last edited:
3
•••
Don't be afraid to ask those questions up front. Owning a domain can be very rewarding, depending on how you choose to use it. Is your goal to go into domaining? Or do you simply one to start owning a few to potentially use or eventually sell or find some other nifty use?
Many years ago, my start with buying domains was prompted when I typed in some female "DoctorX.com" domains (e.g. DoctorLinda.com), and found them leading to porno sites! As a quiet way of challenging this practice, I bought up various ones to prevent this further, peculiar use. I envisioned some child typing in "DoctorDebby.com," only to see a very different concept of what a doctor does. After purchasing the major names that I could, I eventually found some great uses that involved no monetary gain whatsoever.
A breast surgeon treating cancer patients contacted me when she learned that an article that was about to be published about her had put in the wrong domain name--- one that I had. She was delighted to be able to receive the domain for free, after confirming that she did do charitable works like selling cookies to raised funds for her cancer patients. Another was an orthodox psychotherpist who did charitable works as well, and was gratified to put another domain a good use and not have to worry about any fee. Another domain went to a local bakery in exchange for a large baked good donation to a local convent!
That's not to say that selling domains isn't fun and important as well. But realize that you can be creative with how you use them.
Finally, let me say that NamePros is an INCREDIBLE resource, along with the google domains site (domains.google/learn).
Welcome to the forum, and good luck with your domain adventures.

Great story. I lesser knew domains could be leased until a few years back! And, now I am getting renting offers, ; )
 
1
•••
For the sake of our newbie, could you explain how has the domain leasing world worked for you? Can the leasing be significant source of income?
In retrospect, leasing may have been an interesting interim solution for me. For years, I pondered what to do with the female "Doctor/DrX.com" domains, obtained in my quest to avoid them becoming redirects to porn sites. Parking the domains for money was not pursued, as there was concern about the ad contents.
Your registrar, by default, may park and place ads using it. I didn't pay attention much to this until this past year, when I seriously started trying to pare down my portfolio of domains, and saw some that were leading to sex-related ads! Hmph!
For example, DrTeddy.com was not intended to lead to sexy underwear sales, and NurseDebby.com was for NURSING only! Imagine my surprise even when I saw some advertising on the doctor-related domains leading to "fake doctor notes" ads.
Note that I never received any ad-revenue at all from the domains, and never really had wanted the ads in the first place. I inquired with my registrar, and learned that it is very difficult to limit the ad content. Ultimately, I removed them from ad parking, and became even more motivated to sell them.
For our newbie, remember that buying a domain is easy. The real challenge is the stewardship afterwards.
 
0
•••
For the sake of our newbie, could you explain how has the domain leasing world worked for you? Can the leasing be significant source of income?
In retrospect, leasing may have been an interesting interim solution for me. For years, I pondered what to do with the female "Doctor/DrX.com" domains, obtained in my quest to avoid them becoming redirects to porn sites. Parking the domains for money was not pursued, as there was concern about the ad contents.
Your registrar, by default, may park and place ads using it. I didn't pay attention much to this until this past year, when I seriously started trying to pare down my portfolio of domains, and saw some that were leading to sex-related ads! Hmph!
For example, DrTeddy.com was not intended to lead to sexy underwear sales, and NurseDebby.com was for NURSING only! Imagine my surprise even when I saw some advertising on the doctor-related domains leading to "fake doctor notes" ads.
Note that I never received any ad-revenue at all from the domains, and never really had wanted the ads in the first place. I inquired with my registrar, and learned that it is very difficult to limit the ad content. Ultimately, I removed them from ad parking, and became even more motivated to sell them.
For our newbie, remember that buying a domain is easy. The real challenge is the stewardship afterwards.

Reg leasing domains, Check out sites like Hugedomains, venture/com. Sites like DAN make it possible for you to rent these domains on monthly payments. New opportunities like NFTs are enabling you to own a fraction of a domain like company share/equity as well. Ref. directions/com on rally/com. I am new to this, and exploring my way up the stream.

Your concern is about Internet ethics is significantly relevant in a post-urban world where people became zombies overnight, But, we are not living in pre-80s where kids only knew to type something and press ctrl+enter. The internet has evolved, and is such an place open to every opportunity, good or bad is a choice what people have to perceive as wise. Not everything lasts forever here.
 
Last edited:
3
•••
Back