When .Com is taken, would you use other TLDs for the same name?

[keninuk]

Just noticed that one of the members had sold some domains with .info, even though the .COM TLD was already taken for that name by some one else.

If there is a web site out there already with a .com TLD (say mysite.com) why would any one use a minor TLD such as .info to create mysite.info?

I mean, most web surfers would automatically click on mysite.com and so the mysite.info would basically be sending business to the .com site.

Is it not true that All big and successful websites on the web use only the .COM TLD?

I can not think of a single MAJOR site that uses a minor TLD such as .info.

So my question is this.
Would any one of you use a .info TLD to make a site for a domain which is already out there with a .COM?

 

[.X.]

I would almost always take a great keyword in an alternative extension over a mediocre .COM for development.

Very few .COM get massive generic type in traffic, and most of those that do are out of the price range of 99% the people here. The vast majority of traffic is generated from search engines.

There are various benefits to having an exact keyword match domain such as - SEO, memorability, credibility, etc.

The price for excellent keywords in alternative extensions makes them an attractive option for end users or development.

Brad

I agree about the traffic, I remember back in 2006, People were selling names claiming pure type in traffic as it's source of income. I knew it was BS as did most, But one unlucky person got ripped for 30K, Yes, $30,000. Showing proof of traffic and revenue is never a problem, Traffic sources usually are, I would love to see a "Legal" log list of any domain name, no matter the TLD or ccTLD that gets even 300 pure type ins a day.

 

[bmugford]

Even a domain like Slots.com, which just sold for $5.5M, only shows minimal traffic.

From 5/2009 to 12/2009 it shows between 5,000 to 8,000 hits a month on compete. It also showed minimal traffic on Alexa.

Only recently did the traffic move up to between 13,000 to 18,000 hits a month.

The bottom line is most generic .COM do not get massive type in traffic, especially TwoWord.com domains. The highest type in traffic .COM are usually typos, TM issues, etc.

Brad

I agree about the traffic, I remember back in 2006, People were selling names claiming pure type in traffic as it's source of income. I knew it was BS as did most, But one unlucky person got ripped for 30K, Yes, $30,000. Showing proof of traffic and revenue is never a problem, Traffic sources usually are, I would love to see a "Legal" log list of any domain name, no matter the TLD or ccTLD that gets even 300 pure type ins a day.

 

[BitcoinDK]

You are not "fooling" anyone selling them alternative extensions. Many end users would prefer a domain like PestControl.us or Landscaping.biz to JoesPestControlService.com or TucsonLandscapingDesigns.com

The reason they are attractive to end users is they are buying an excellent keyword for a small fraction of the price of a .COM. The vast majority of end users have a small budget so the choice ends up coming down to a mediocre .COM vs. superior keyword in alternate extension.

Many end users choose the superior keyword.

Brad

Yes, but the question is would they still reg PestControl.us if PestControl.com was available?

You can't compare apples with oranges, and make comparisons between two names that don't have the same keywords.

Yes I would rather have poker.net then Iamplayingpokerwithmymom.com thats logical.

But the question is, if you can buy poker.com for lets say $1.000 (yeah I know ) then would you reg poker.sa just because it was available?(which is the extension of Saudia Arabia btw. )

 

[.X.]

Even a domain like Slots.com, which just sold for $5.5M, only shows minimal traffic.

From 5/2009 to 12/2009 it shows between 5,000 to 8,000 hits a month on compete. It also showed minimal traffic on Alexa.

Only recently did the traffic move up to between 13,000 to 18,000 hits a month.

The bottom line is most generic .COM do not get massive type in traffic, especially TwoWord.com domains. The highest type in traffic .COM are usually typos, TM issues, etc.

Brad

Yea, I had looked up stats on slots.com when i saw it sold for that much, I wasn't surprised at the stats though. I agree, In general no domain name is going to get even marginal type in traffic, Not even sex.com:o , Because people are going to go to google and type in a phrase or what ever and start clicking from google or other search engines.

 

[bmugford]

Yes, but the question is would they still reg PestControl.us if PestControl.com was available?

You can't compare apples with oranges, and make comparisons between two names that don't have the same keywords.

Yes I would rather have poker.net then Iamplayingpokerwithmymom.com thats logical.

But the question is, if you can buy poker.com for lets say $1.000 (yeah I know ) then would you reg poker.sa just because it was available?(which is the extension of Saudia Arabia btw. )

Comparing apples to apples is what can you get in .COM vs another extension for the same price.

Of course someone would take the .COM if money was no object. That is like comparing a Ferrari to a Camry. The price difference is a major factor obviously.

I am sure everyone would also live in a mansion on the beach if money was no object as well. Unfortunately with most end users money is limited.

That is why many end users would prefer an exact keyword like CloudComputing.info (I just sold for $3500) than some lame .COM

Brad

 

[lincolndsp]

the guys with big money buy top .com's because the want the best of the best. bodog started with bodog.com and after they became a billion-dollar business they spent $5.5 mln to buy slots.com.

with alternative extensions it depends on the end-user and how he plans to brand his company with that extension. in general it's true, that if the business is rather big and relies on online purchases even cctld site owners want .com eventually. I have noticed this when .co.uk businesses end up buying made-up .coms the same as the name of their .co.uk for high $xxxx though they operate in UK and there's no traffic bleed to .com from .co.uk. (just as there's no one from .com to .net) .com is more like a trophy for them. they same as in US .com site owner would want to buy a .net in the aftermarket.
just my 2c.

 

[keninuk]

Wow!
There sure was a need for discussion on this subject

I have been buying domains since the mid nineties and of course have seen increasing number of secondary TLDs arriving on the scene over the years.

I just have two problems with the minor TLDs.

Let us say that I have a company called abc Inc. and have made a website for the company with abc.com and may be with a couple of other TLDs as well,like abc.net and abc.org.

So then .info and .tv arrives and now I have to buy these TLDs for the abc Inc.

Then .biz, .co and God knows what else arrives on the TLD scene and I have to buy those as well.

If I do not buy the addiditional TLDs, then the advantage for all TV ads and other PR for abc Inc would be taken by the people who buy .co and produce abc.co.!

I believe that it is unfair for me to have to keep purchasing new TLDs for abc Inc every year to protect my original business.

Kind of like having to give protection money to the new TLD folks!!!

Do you not agree?

Secondly I agree that .de area, ie Germany is tilted more towards .de than .com.

BUT can you please point out any major German global companies with their main TLD as .de?

It seems that .com still remains as the only global TLD.

Or am I wrong here?

 

[Domainace]

Regarding your first post, in many cases the .com is registered by some domainer who will never develop it and never sell for less than his dream price. That means it is effectively removed from SEO competition, opening the way for a .net or even a .info.

So far as the last post, I agree that .com remains the preeminent global TLD. For that reason, ccTLDs will flourish. You already have companies with a .com and a ccTLD such as .de to serve different customers - their domestic customers and global customers. If I'm in Germany and looking for a local product/service, the .de assures me that I will arrive at a site that will serve my needs, not some site that is based in the US or aims at the whole world.

If I want a massage therapist in Miami, a massage.us may soon be more appealing than massage.com, where I might have to wade through therapists that are in other countries.

The whole point of ccTLDs is that not all products are aimed at a global market. In fact, most aren't.

 

[keninuk]

"...the .com is registered by some domainer who will never develop it and never sell for less than his dream price. That means it is effectively removed from SEO competition..."

I am not sure about NEVER developing it but yes it may take him a while to do it.

But please remember that he has paid for the domain and has to pay more every year.

Delay in the production of a site is no justfication surely for him to have to pay further protection money for his domain every time sonme one produces a new TLD.

If you buy a plot of land and not build a house on it for a while, would it be OK for me to demand more money from you?

But of course you are right about local needs being better served by "Local TLDs".

.CO.UK would normally be better for a shop in a village some where in England.

But again, I know of shops in London which sell more than 70% of their turnover to foreign buyers, as far away as the US and the Far East via an online catalouge.

So is the World Wide Web really a tool for local business?

I am not sure if that is true.

 

[Sparhawke]

Thing is, if .com didn't exist at all and never did we wouldn't be having this discussion, we would be arguing about who would win in a fight...

.co.uk or .de?

:p

The only reason why .com is king is because it was usurped by corporations who decided that it meant commercial, when in fact it didn't mean anything of the sort in the old days. Back then using the internet to make money was not allowed.

Now, if .com had sank without a trace we would simply be fighting over which cctld's are best.

Will it never end? lol

 

[Archangel]

YOU are the one comparing apples and oranges. We're talking about if a .com was taken. It's a great big no-duh that if PestControl .com and .us were available, the .com would be preferred. Everyone knows .com is #1. That's not even the issue with this thread.

Yes, but the question is would they still reg PestControl.us if PestControl.com was available?

You can't compare apples with oranges, and make comparisons between two names that don't have the same keywords.

Yes I would rather have poker.net then Iamplayingpokerwithmymom.com thats logical.

But the question is, if you can buy poker.com for lets say $1.000 (yeah I know ) then would you reg poker.sa just because it was available?(which is the extension of Saudia Arabia btw. )

---------- Post added at 01:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:19 PM ----------

Actually, no. .net is considered the first alternative or .com and thus if .com never existed, it'd be widely considered -- without a debate -- that .net was best, just as ppl agree .com is now.

Thing is, if .com didn't exist at all and never did we wouldn't be having this discussion, we would be arguing about who would win in a fight...

.co.uk or .de?

:p

The only reason why .com is king is because it was usurped by corporations who decided that it meant commercial, when in fact it didn't mean anything of the sort in the old days. Back then using the internet to make money was not allowed.

Now, if .com had sank without a trace we would simply be fighting over which cctld's are best.

Will it never end? lol

 

[BitcoinDK]

-> Archangel

If you are targetting international user/customers: if the .com is unavailable one must decide if one can afford to buy the .com, if one can't, one MUST choose another name thats available in .com or which they can afford.

If you are targetting danish users/customers, then the .dk extension is good enough. If you are targetting german users/customers, then the .de extension is good enough. If you are targetting international users/customers you can NOT do it without the .com

Of course I am talking about if it is a serious business you are establishing. I am not talking about minisites or something like that, minisites and such, you can make on extensions ending in .pk in a mountain beside bin Laden.

Over and out!

 

[bmugford]

Of course you can. NET/ORG/INFO/BIZ are all alternative gTLD than can be used globally. Sure .COM is preferred, but it certainly is not a requirement by any means.

It really depends on the scope and scale of the business. Generally though most end users are small and target specific products or services.

I would much rather develop a site on an amazing .NET than inferior .COM. There are also certain keywords that fit better with certain extensions. Not every keyword fits every extension nicely.

Brad

-> Archangel
If you are targetting danish users/customers, then the .dk extension is good enough. If you are targetting german users/customers, then the .de extension is good enough. If you are targetting international users/customers you can NOT do it without the .com

 

[BitcoinDK]

Thats wishful thinking Brad saying it over and over doesn't make it right.

The reality is another, and you know it.

But we will never agree, we have different views on this topic. Mine is realistic yours are fantasy. lol sorry just kidding.

 

[Sparhawke]

Actually, no. .net is considered the first alternative or .com and thus if .com never existed, it'd be widely considered -- without a debate -- that .net was best, just as ppl agree .com is now.

I was simply making a point that this is a debate that will never end,it really does not matter what you think is best, or what I think is best or even what Brad thinks is best because it is simply something that is up to personal preference.

With you having hundreds of .coms all bringing you a nice pile of money obviously you are biased, me on the other hand with all my .uk domains bringing in my pennies am biased to them. In England we rarely if ever see a .com advertised, so we do not give them much thought. To us, the .uk is king and the same is probably true of Germany.

It matters not what anyone else thinks is the best, only what niche we all fit into now


Pwnt. :lol:

By the way, I think .com is fast approaching critical mass where there are so many domains of differing qualities having been registered that much of the cream has been skimmed.

Likely in time everyone will simply gravitate naturally to their own country extensions and stop worrying about it.

 

[bmugford]

Thats wishful thinking Brad saying it over and over doesn't make it right.

The reality is another, and you know it.

But we will never agree, we have different views on this topic. Mine is realistic yours are fantasy. lol sorry just kidding.

Yeah, well my sales say otherwise.....

Brad

 

[BitcoinDK]

Yeah, well my sales say otherwise.....

Brad

I never said, that reselling other extensions was not possible or bad. I agree if you just want to flip and resell domain names, other extensions are good enough.

My comments about .com and other extensions, was on establishing a serious business, not reselling domain names.

Im really glad to hear, that you have nice sales Brad. Actually my best/highest sale was a .cc. lol But as told before Im cutting down on other extensions, I have .com fever!

 

[bmugford]

I never said, that reselling other extensions was not possible or bad. I agree if you just want to flip and resell domain names, other extensions are good enough.

My comments about .com and other extensions, was on establishing a serious business, not reselling domain names.

The point is if there was not demand for other extensions then they would not sell. The fact that you can sell them to end users just proves the fact there is demand. End users buy them to develop, not resell.

BTW, when I say other extensions I am not referring to some obscure ccTLD extension. I am talking about extensions like NET/ORG/INFO/BIZ and popular ccTLD.

The ironic thing is most domainers who avoid alternative extensions, hyphenated domains, etc. just end up with a portfolio of average .COM domains. Great terms in other reasonable extensions are far more likely to find a buyer than an ordinary .COM


Brad

 

[Nodws]

if .com is taken I go for cctld, if thats taken as well I go for .net

 

[lexisdomains]

The Demise of .COM

Regarding your first post, in many cases the .com is registered by some domainer who will never develop it and never sell for less than his dream price. That means it is effectively removed from SEO competition, opening the way for a .net or even a .info.

So far as the last post, I agree that .com remains the preeminent global TLD. For that reason, ccTLDs will flourish. You already have companies with a .com and a ccTLD such as .de to serve different customers - their domestic customers and global customers. If I'm in Germany and looking for a local product/service, the .de assures me that I will arrive at a site that will serve my needs, not some site that is based in the US or aims at the whole world.

If I want a massage therapist in Miami, a massage.us may soon be more appealing than massage.com, where I might have to wade through therapists that are in other countries.

The whole point of ccTLDs is that not all products are aimed at a global market. In fact, most aren't.

Excellent post Domainace!

Since most great .COM's are almost never developed (cybersquatted), then that leaves a large opportunity for CCTLDs to both develop and capitalize in this area.

Personally, what I'm doing is developing & SEOing non-developed .com niches and then selling for a profit!