I think the most important reason to buy keyword domain names is to get the attention of people searching for those keywords. Type in traffic is still the most targeted traffic you can find, but for the most part, domain names that get type in traffic are very expensive for most people. However, I believe there are some longer tail keywords that relevant, searched for by consumers, and in many cases, they are available to register.
Using the Google Keyword Tool, you can find searched keyword phrases in niches of interest to you along with the past month search volume and average month search volume (helpful for seasonal terms like skiing). Just type in a phrase and Google will attempt to match it with similar terms or phrases that are frequently searched.
The objective of using this tool (for me anyway) is to find key phrases that are either unregistered or undeveloped and owned by someone willing to sell it. If you are able to acquire a domain name with a phrase that is searched frequently, a developed site will theoretically be easier to rank higher in Google. A higher rank in a searched key phrase will generate more traffic and revenue (theoretically). Having a key search phrase domain name (with a developed website) can also help with your sales pitch when trying to get advertising from businesses who are buying clicks on Adwords for that phrase.
If this isn’t enough, you can also use another Google tool to estimate the cost per click that it would take to be listed on the top of the results page. This can help you determine if the payout will be worth your time and effort in developing the domain name.
In Memory of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg
One of the reasons why I am a big supporter of the Chabad movement is because of their welcoming nature. Whenever I have visited a Chabad house, be it in Venice, Italy, Dubrovnik, Croatia, New York, New Hampshire… etc. every Rabbi I have met has been warm and welcoming. My good friend Rabbi Levi Baumgarten runs the Mitzvah Tank on behalf of Chabad, and I enjoy spending holidays with him and his family.
I think the scrolling headline across the homepage of the Chabad of Mumbai website says a lot about Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg who were killed in the recent terror attacks:
“Open Hut Sukkah! All welcome!! We look forward to welcoming you for Maariv followed by Kiddush at the Sukkah and Hakafot October 20 at 8:00 pm at the Chabad House for more information call 022-2283-1770.”
I have a heavy heart today, and my condolences go out to their families and friends. I also learned that Chabad established a fund to aid relief efforts in Mumbai, and people interested in making a contribution are encouraged to visit ChabadIndia.org.
Much to be Thankful For
I don’t like to write sappy posts, but I have much to be thankful for this year. On the personal side of things, I married a great girl a few months ago and things have been going very well. We are both happy and healthy, and have a lot of good friends and family who are close with us. Our puggle Lucy has stopped peeing on the floor, although she has more energy than a work-from-home guy can take sometimes!
While the economy has been in a tailspin of late, I really can’t complain about business. I launched Burbank.com, TropicalBirds.com, Lowell.com, several mini sites, and I own a few other pretty strong domain names that will be developed in the coming months. I also had a pretty strong year in terms of domain sales. I’ve made a number of new friends in the domain industry, and I have established many new business relationships with quality companies and people.
For me, 2008 was a year of change (personal and business), and I think the focus in 2009 will be to strengthen the core business and emerge stronger. Outside investment has been shaky lately with many added risks (markets down, companies facing liquidity problems, buyers not buying as much…etc). Right now, I would rather spend money investing in my websites and technology for my websites than buying new domain names. Sure, I will buy if the price is right and/or I want to develop, but I (and many others) are buying to hold less often than before.
I tend to always think ahead (almost to a fault), and I rarely look back at what’s been accomplished. 2008 has really been a good year for me (with a few exceptions), and I am very thankful for it. I know the predictions for 2009 haven’t been great, but I will keep myself focused on growing and strengthening my companies.
Planning for DomainFest Global
It’s time to start making plans to attend DomainFest in Hollywood January 27-30th at the Renaissance Hotel. Last year’s conference was one of the top industry conferences I attended, and I had to miss the first day. This is a great opportunity to network, and the price is only $895 until the end of December.
You do have some time, but I am recommending that you order your flight tickets (or at least price them out and follow) ASAP. I’ve heard prices may actually go down as a result of the dropping price of oil, but I wouldn’t be so sure of that.The Renaissance Hotel is offering discounts for conference attendees, so start your hotel search by calling them.
As you might imagine, I am taking a direct flight in to Burbank Airport on Jet Blue from New York’s JFK. According to the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Burbank Airport was the second least expensive airport in the country in Q2 of 2008. I paid under $325 round trip… not so bad. I will also spend a few days in Burbank visiting some businesses.
With the economy in the shitter, this is a good year to attend DomainFest to network with others and see how the leaders are weathering this storm.
New York Domainer Get Together
I am putting together another domain investor get together in New York, which will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2008. The location is still TBD, but it is going to be either a cash bar or a small cover charge to reserve a room at a bar/restaurant. It will probably be somewhere on the Upper West Side (figure somewhere between 60 – 86th St between Central Park West and Amsterdam) because I can more easily meet with managers to get the best deal depending on the turnout.
There were around 30 people at the last New York get together I helped organize, so it should be a well-attended event. If you think/know you can make it, please drop me a note or leave a comment so I can plan accordingly. It’s much easier holding this event at a bar in a private room because it’s tough to communicate at a large dinner.
I will post more details once this is confirmed.
Cambridge Soundworks Understands the Internet
Cambridge Soundworks is a smart Internet-based company. Several years ago, Cambridge Soundworks had several bricks and mortar stores and a smaller online presence. Each shop always had two or three knowledgeable sales representatives on the floor at all times, with more available during their peak season. They carried high end television and speaker products, and they weren’t necessarily located in the most expensive malls or retail locations.
A few years ago, Cambridge Soundworks ditched the bricks and mortar business model and went completely online. They cut overhead, cut real estate and shop rent fees, and cut their shipping costs among other cuts. They realized that consumers typically try out products before they buy (see televisions in stores and listen to stereos in sound rooms), but most consumers will check products out in the store and return home to find better prices online. They figured that they can let consumers check out products at Circuit City or local specialty stores and then buy online at Cambridge Soundworks. It’s a strategy that’s done them well for a few years.
Cambridge Soundworks also understands domain names. Of course they built their own brand name a while back (at least in New England), so they own their own dot com domain. They also own some other strong domain names related to their business. Among others that I didn’t notice, they own HiFi.com and SurroundSound.com (strangely undeveloped).
Now, if they would only go after Stereos.com, which currently redirects to Google, they would be in the Hall of Fame!