Domain Name Industry Insights: A Look Back at March 2017
As the first quarter of 2017 came to a close, and with tax season looming, it’s a good time to reflect on the key events that shaped the domain name landscape in March. The month was marked by significant price adjustments, strategic domain acquisitions, and ongoing discussions about the viability of new top-level domains (TLDs). This recap provides a comprehensive overview of the most noteworthy stories and trends that impacted domain investors, registrars, and end-users alike.
Uniregistry’s Dramatic Price Changes: A Shifting Landscape for New TLDs
The most talked-about event of March 2017 was undoubtedly Uniregistry’s decision to substantially increase the wholesale prices for many of its new TLDs. In some cases, the price hikes were as high as 30 times the original cost. This bold move sent shockwaves through the industry and raised serious questions about the long-term sustainability of certain new TLD business models.
The immediate impact was felt when GoDaddy, one of the largest domain registrars, decided to stop offering Uniregistry domains in response to the price increase. This decision highlighted the delicate balance between registry pricing and registrar profitability. It also served as a warning to other registries considering similar price adjustments.
Following the initial backlash, Uniregistry partially backtracked on its decision, particularly concerning domains that were already registered. This suggests that the registry recognized the need to mitigate the negative impact on existing domain holders and maintain some level of stability in the market.
The Uniregistry situation sparked a broader debate about the future of new TLDs. While some argue that new TLDs are in a “death spiral,” others maintain that they still have potential. However, it’s becoming increasingly clear that certain business models associated with new TLDs are simply not viable. The key to success lies in identifying niche markets, offering value-added services, and adapting to the evolving needs of domain registrants.
For those interested in understanding the financial realities of running a domain name registry, it’s worth exploring the costs involved. Furthermore, a podcast featuring Frank Schilling, the founder of Uniregistry, provides valuable insights into the price hike and his perspective on the state of new TLDs. You can listen to the podcast here.
Beyond the Price Hikes: Other Notable Domain Name News from March 2017
While the Uniregistry price changes dominated the headlines, several other significant events occurred in the domain name industry during March 2017. Here are some of the key stories that captured attention:
Tesla’s Domain Strategy in the Face of Unionization Efforts
2. Tesla registers domain names for UAW Union fight – This story gained traction after union representatives highlighted Tesla’s domain registrations related to potential unionization efforts. The move was perceived as a proactive measure by the company to control the narrative and manage its online presence in the event of a union campaign. This underscores the importance of domain name strategy in corporate communications and reputation management.
Price Wars in the New TLD Market: A Registry Slashes Prices by 97%
3. A TLD registry just slashed its wholesale prices up to 97% – In stark contrast to Uniregistry’s price increases, another TLD registry took the opposite approach by drastically reducing its wholesale prices. This highlights the competitive nature of the new TLD market and the diverse strategies employed by registries to attract registrants. It also suggests that some registries are prioritizing volume over profit margins in their quest for market share.
MarkMonitor Domain Update: A Call to Action for Domain Holders
4. 35,000 domains at MarkMonitor need to be updated soon – The departure of Matt Serlin from MarkMonitor, a leading domain management company, triggered a need to update the contact information for thousands of domains registered under his name as the administrative contact. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining accurate and up-to-date domain registration information to avoid potential issues with domain ownership and control.
The Value of a Matching .com: A Company Pays a Premium for Brand Consistency
5. Cool story about how a company bought matching .com for $40,000 – Inspired by Sumo.com’s founder, a company demonstrated its commitment to brand consistency by acquiring the matching .com domain for its existing .io domain for $40,000. This story illustrates the enduring value of .com domains and the willingness of some companies to invest significant sums to secure their brand identity online. The example shows the importance of having a good domain name for online presence and marketing.
Domain Name Wire Podcasts: Stay Informed on the Latest Trends
Domain Name Wire consistently delivers insightful podcasts covering a wide range of topics relevant to the domain name industry. Here are the podcasts released in March 2017:
- #129: The Internet of Things
- #128: What you need to know from ICA
- #127: Frank Schilling explains price hike
- #126: In the .Clouds w/ Francesco Cetraro
Conclusion: A Dynamic and Evolving Domain Name Market
March 2017 proved to be a dynamic and eventful month for the domain name industry. The Uniregistry price changes sparked a broader discussion about the viability of new TLDs and the importance of sustainable business models. Other key stories, such as Tesla’s domain strategy and the acquisition of a premium .com domain, highlighted the diverse factors that influence domain name values and usage. As the industry continues to evolve, staying informed about these trends and developments is crucial for domain investors, registrars, and end-users alike. By understanding the forces shaping the domain name landscape, stakeholders can make informed decisions and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
The domain name industry is constantly changing, and this recap of March 2017 provides a valuable snapshot of a particular moment in time. While some of the specific events and issues discussed may no longer be directly relevant, the underlying principles and themes remain timeless. Domain name strategy, pricing dynamics, and brand management are all critical aspects of the domain name ecosystem that continue to shape the industry today.
Whether you’re a seasoned domain investor, a small business owner, or simply curious about the world of domain names, this recap offers valuable insights into the complexities and opportunities of this ever-evolving market. By learning from the past, we can better prepare for the future and navigate the challenges and rewards of the domain name industry.