What’s Hot, What’s Not: Domain Names
A look at current trends in domain names.
What are the hottest trends in domain names right now? Where are things headed south? Here’s a quick look.
—–What’s HOT—–
Four character domains – I’m not sure why everyone is jumping on this bandwagon. But it’s never pretty when most of the sales are between domainers. Do yourself a favor: unless the four character domain you’re buying is an acronym for a number of organizations or is a word, leave it on the table.
Domain auctions – it seems like everyone and their mom is offering domain auctions these days. The market is getting cluttered, making it harder to have a successful auction. Here’s a hint to firms wishing to start auction services: you need both sellers and buyers.
“Error Redirect Services” – many of the major computer manufacturers and ISPs offer these “services” now, which essentially show you a page of ads when you typo a domain. And sense most generic domains are registered, these services just capture trademark typos. It’s worth mentioning that two of the firms that do this — DELL (NASDAQ: DELL) and Verizon (NYSE: VZ) — are members of the Coalition Against Domain Name Abuse.
.Mobi – seriously? People are still on this bandwagon?
Domain scams – we’ve seen the resurgence of the domain appraisal scam and a fresh one from the US Copyright Registry.
GeoDomains – everyone wants geo. I happen to own a few hundred, if you’re interested.
“Get Rich Quick with Domains” – the internet marketing world is starting to rev up the domain riches engine. Courses, clubs, ebooks.
—–What’s NOT—–
Domain parking – from Yahoo abritrage to Google opt-out, this is one part of the industry that’s taking a big hit. Parking profits were driving investor domain purchases, so this could trickle down in a hurry.
Domain auctions – I realize this was in the hot section too. But the last few domain auctions have been less than stellar. Or maybe my expectations were to high. But Sedo’s auctions last month didn’t produce the results of previous auctions, and neither did Moniker’s. There are a number of factors at play here, but some of it may have to do with the auction overload mentioned in the “hot” section.
Trademark domains and typos – dude, those were so earlier this decade. Unless you enjoy getting hit with $100,000 judgements.
Senator Olympia Snowe – do I really need to say why?
Network Solutions – when was the last time NSI was hot? I don’t know, but it’s “client service protection measure” and ensuing lawsuit aren’t going to change things.
Domain Kiting – the party may be over soon, if ICANN actually follows through.
