I noticed something interesting on a parked Uniregistry landing page that I want to share with readers. From what I can tell, it looks like there are many more pay per click (PPC) links on parked Uniregistry pages than there have been in the past. I visited several of my parked domain names to see if this was isolated or widespread, and almost all of them showed the extended PPC link pages.
Here’s a look at Travels.com, which I have parked at Uniregistry so you can see how the landing page looks right now:
In the past, I recall seeing two columns with 5-6 links on each side. The new landing page I see looks pretty much the same, but there are now 15 links on each side. I don’t recall ever seeing this many PPC links on a landing page at Uniregistry or any other parking services for that matter.
My guess is that this is a test to see if adding additional links will yield additional clicks and revenue. My only concern would be a loss of inquiries because visitors might be drawn towards the larger list of PPC links which scroll down rather than on the “for sale” messaging on top.
Update: This is not a new landing page or a PPC test. The change was due to a technical error which is being addressed. Jeff Gabriel from Uniregistry shared this comment with me:
“We are experiencing some technical difficulties and we are working with our upstream ad provider to overcome them.We will be implementing a temporary solution shortly while the problem is fixed. “
Hopefully this will increase my daily 25 cents income to atleast 50 cents. 🙂
Not a fan because the additional columns seem to be less relevant imo and the search bar gets lost on the bottom… Search is very important and people should not need to scroll just to search for relevant information.
Was it tested properly before the rollout?
For all I know, this may be part of a test.
“My only concern would be a loss of inquiries because visitors might be drawn towards the larger list of PPC links which scroll down rather than on the “for sale” messaging on top.”
Anyone who wants to buy the domain, will see the message up top. They won’t click on PPC links.
My concern is the visual uniformity of all the landers. The blue hazy mountain effect creates familiarity among hundreds of thousands (millions?) of domains, that are recognized as parked, thus lowering the CTR: the visitor backs out without clicking.
Or their eyes will be drawn to the two long columns instead.
Another issue with having PPC links on these landing pages could come in the form of UDRP or ACPA filings from trademark holders. They should be careful posting these sort of PPC links, because I am not aware of them offering free legal counsel or full re-imbursement of the value of the domain name to the seller, if lost in a UDRP or ACPA filing.
If they do offer a domain name insurance plan, please correct me…
To your point, I have seen UDRP panels cite the PPC links as a legitimate business model, so that may be more defensible than a simple “for sale” page in some cases.
Domain investors are responsible for what is displayed on their landing pages. On “grey area” or risky names, they may need to choose or exclude keywords to display.
“My only concern would be a loss of inquiries because visitors might be drawn towards the larger list of PPC links which scroll down rather than on the “for sale” messaging on top.”
I agree with this statement you wrote. I do believe this larger list dwarfs the already small horizontal green highlighted “Click here now to buy…” link.
Extra ad’s can be ok and could add a little more in click $ but not worth the loss of a sale when that is the main reason we are listing there.
Now If they were to also create a much bigger, more visible “Click here to buy this domain” link, then I would like it but this really does take your eyes more into the body of the page and makes buy now link more invisible.
Hopefully if this is a test, they will make adjustments to Buy Now link visibility.
I’m using AdGuard, your page like other PPC pages, come totally blank. Your “For Sale” link doesn’t exist either. I’m sure other blockers doing the same, making it far worse.
I see no links at all, my ad blocker blocks the whole page other than the green bar on top.
I noticed that for a while now and was wondering what company used the green bar on top. All in all it looks like a throwback in web styling, I mean really who uses those colours anymore for web design.
My opinion is understated and only links of the highest quality.
BAD: Check a domain where the keyword is LOCKED. With the additional colums it now shows keywords that are not affiliated with the category keyword that you set. That’s a TM nightmare to happen!
I’d advise anyone with parked domains with potential TM conflicts that locked the keyword to check immediately!
John Berryhill made it very clear in of the DNW podcasts that there is a good reason that you can lock the keyword at Uniregistry.
Agreed! I’m having the same problem right now!
“BAD: Check a domain where the keyword is LOCKED. With the additional colums it now shows keywords that are not affiliated with the category keyword that you set. That’s a TM nightmare to happen!”
YEP! Sure enough, checked a generic name of mine that has keyword locked and it shows a term that violates a TM. YIKES!!!!!
Have to go back and check them all asap now.
Did the same.. Found multiple examples of the scenario that I described myself. Locked keyword means LOCKED. Not fully thought through, Uniregistry!
I updated my article with a comment from Uniregistry’s Jeff Gabriel.
IMO, More Links = More potential Clicks = More potential Revenue.
If a Domain is not Generic and/or has potential TM issues, its best not to Park it and instead forward it to a “For Sale” Lander.
It’s not that simple. Some names are fine to monetize with certain links but would infringe with other links. For instance, someone who owns ApplePie.cpm (for example) could have links to desserts but not computers.
Looks like they’ve reverted back to their old style of landers while they work on this