GoDaddy tests fresh lander for expired domain names

GoDaddy drops PPC ads on expired domains in favor of auction promotion.

A domain name registrar typically parks a domain when it expires. The expired domain parked page usually notifies visitors that the domain is expired and up for auction with a fairly subtle notice toward the top of the page.

It appears GoDaddy is trying something different.

Check out the landing page you see if you visit 5sg.com, which recently expired and is up for auction at GoDaddy:

Gone are the parked page ads and other promotions for GoDaddy. Instead it’s a dedicated billboard for buying the domain name in an expired domain auction.

There are a few interesting things regarding this.

First, the removal of PPC ads is no modest matter. GoDaddy is certainly testing if the loss in PPC revenue is worth the added exposure for the domain auction. This mirrors what many domain investors are doing: forgoing PPC revenue to increase the odds of a domain sale. (Dropping the PPC ads might also reduce headaches for the firm, counting trademark infringement complaints.)

Second, this lander is sure to grab the attention of the domain owner if he happens upon it.

Third, if the lander is successful and GoDaddy continues to use it, it will need to make a modest change come the end of next month. Fresh expired domain rules will require the firm to add instructions for the domain owner on how he or she can renew the domain.

(Hat tip: Bill Sweetman, Name Ninja)