Domain Name Insanity - Does Your Name Really Matter
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Master Series -> subcategory Domains.
Does Your Domain Name Really Matter?
Introduction
Your domain name is your website's unique address, whether it ends in .com, .net, .org, or another suffix. Mine is affiliateblog.com. But how much does the name actually matter in the digital world?
Back in 1999, a group of investors led by Jake Weinbaum bought Business.com for a staggering $7.5 million, intending to turn it into a prominent B2B site. According to their press releases, they've succeeded. But was it worth the price? That money could have been spent on marketing or building a brand from a less expensive domain.
The Cost of Premium Domains
Each year, for 15 years, the initial $500K in profit had to go toward paying off that domain purchase. Imagine what else could have been done with that money?"like funding advertising or an affiliate program.
This purchase sparked a frenzy in domain speculation, with people buying up names hoping to sell them for a profit. As a capitalist, I’m torn. It’s impressive business savvy, but it can hinder new ventures searching for an ideal name.
If you check Alexa's top 50 websites, you'd expect easy-to-remember names. Surprisingly, only match.com meets this criterion.
Domain Names vs. Search Engines
Many argue that generic domain names hold value because some people type directly into the address bar instead of using search engines. However, this seems questionable. Google data shows 43% of users search for well-known websites instead of typing URLs directly.
What does this mean? Initially, everyone is on equal footing. If your domain can attract those who type in URLs directly, it has a bit more value. However, most will arrive via search engines, where your domain’s appeal isn’t as crucial.
Famous Domain Sales
Consider these legendary sales:
- $14 million for sex.com in 2006
- $7.5 million for business.com in 1999
- $5.5 million for casino.com in 2003
The ROI of these purchases can be mind-boggling.
The buzz around premium domains has set some outlandish asking prices on platforms like eBay, such as 6usiness.com for $7 million.
What This Means for You
Here’s the upside: you can start fresh. A good domain name, coupled with strong content and SEO, will guide users to your site regardless of the name.
Having your keywords in your domain can boost your search rankings. For instance, if you search "affiliate blog," we’re often a top result due to our keyword-rich domain.
Choosing the Right Domain
So, should you buy a domain? I’ve made noteworthy purchases like affiliateblog.com for $2500?"driven by its strong link presence.
Here are some tips for choosing your own domain name:
1. Aim for a .com: It’s the Internet standard and avoids confusion unless another TLD better suits your purpose, like .net for networking.
2. Avoid Dashes and Numbers: These can be easily forgotten and complicate the domain.
3. Keep it Short and Descriptive: The fewer the letters, the fewer the typing errors.
4. Brand with a Logo: A memorable logo and slogan can strengthen your domain’s presence.
5. Use Cost Savings Wisely: Spend any saved funds on boosting your search rankings.
6. Get Creative: If descriptive names aren’t available, opt for something catchy and memorable.
7. Seek Outside Input: Brainstorm with others to generate ideas.
In the real world, most domains sell for $1,000 or less. If you’re stuck, try using tools like DomainsBot or Nameboy.
Ultimately, a great name helps, but content is king. A memorable site with lackluster content won’t draw repeat visits. So, focus on creating a valuable online experience.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Domain Name Insanity - Does Your Name Really Matter.
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