I regularly visit my Afternic control panel to look at search numbers. I think it’s helpful for me to understand which domain names are getting searched at GoDaddy and how much they may be in demand. Afternic currently shows the GoDaddy search volume for listed domain names in 30, 90, and 365 day increments, as well as by unique and total searches.
I think this data is helpful. I think it is particularly helpful when I see a domain name have a high total search volume but a smaller unique search volume. To me, this indicates that one prospective buyer is searching for one of my domain names multiple times. This could, in turn, get me to add a BIN price, enable or add length to the LTO term, or raise/lower my BIN price depending on the situation.
I frequently take some action when I notice a higher search volume for a domain name to induce an action from a prospective buyer. Perhaps my price was set too high and lowering it will get a deal done. Maybe I have a 12 month LTO option and lengthening that to 18 or 24 months will be enticing. Maybe my price was too low and seeing many searches for a domain name will get me to raise the price and adding a Make Offer option so the buyer attempts to buy it for its previously listed price. There are many different tactics based on the individual scenario and my needs at the time.
All of the research to identify in-demand – hot – domain names is done manually. I think it could easily be improved for sellers.
If you visit GoDaddy Auctions, you can see GoDaddy distinguishes “Hot” domain names with a fire icon next to the domain name. Hovering over the icon shows the following message “This is a Hot Domain, which means there is interest in this domain.”
I think Afternic could do a better job highlighting domain names in seller portfolios that are *hot” or at least in greater demand than usual. This would allow sellers to add or adjust pricing based on how much in demand there is for them. They could also add/change LTO and Make Offer options depending on the situation at hand.
Afternic might be reluctant to provide information like that because GoDaddy customers might get upset when they see prices increase. However, that might already happen with the search data they provide. In addition, all Afternic sellers are GoDaddy customers, but not all GoDaddy searches are GoDaddy customers.
Ultimately, helping Afternic customers identify trending or otherwise “hot” domain names in their portfolio can help them make better decisions when it comes to pricing. I think Afternic should help sellers identify their domain names that are popular, particularly those that may have seen a sudden surge of searches. This data would be helpful.
