Testing “For Sale” Messages

I’ve seen a variety of “for sale” messages on the top of parked landing pages that use DomainNameSales.com, Voodoo, Sedo, and other parking platforms. Some people use the standard message provided by the platform, while others use different versions they create on their own.

I prefer to use whatever is standard because I assume the messages have been tested by the platform. On DNS, I know that Frank Schilling’s company has hundreds of thousands of parked domain names, and it is my assumption that the message being displayed has worked for Frank’s domain names, and I am comfortable using what seems to induce inquiries.

I have landed on other pages where domain owners are using different messages. Some of these calls to action include a phone number to call for more information and others include a message about leasing or joint venture deals. The sky is the limit in what your message can say, and I am sure people test many different calls to action.

One issue that might determine how to present a domain name for sale is the potential legal implications of offering to sell a questionable domain name. Even though the PPC links may not target a vertical where a company has a trademark, explicitly stating the domain name is for sale may be considered bad faith by a UDRP panel. This may dictate what some people choose to post on their domain names.

Oftentimes, people have the visitor click the link and navigate to the platform provided offer, purchase, or negotiation page. This is the simplest way to conduct negotiations. Some people have their own splash pages they use to negotiate directly with the buyer. Others prefer that the buyer emails them directly – I’ve seen email addresses used in the call to action as well.

I am curious if you’ve tested the message you display on your domain names that are parked and for sale, and I am curious how the message impacts your inquiries. You are welcome to share feedback below and perhaps we can learn that some call to action messages are better than others.

Elliot Silver
Elliot Silver
About The Author: Elliot Silver is an Internet entrepreneur and publisher of DomainInvesting.com. Elliot is also the founder and President of Top Notch Domains, LLC, a company that has closed eight figures in deals. Please read the DomainInvesting.com Terms of Use page for additional information about the publisher, website comment policy, disclosures, and conflicts of interest. Reach out to Elliot: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn

8 COMMENTS

  1. I always like to make it clear that the domain is for sale or lease (which is the case with most of my domains) and I always include a phone number in the banner. You’d be surprised how many people call, great way to increase your inbounds.

    • Thanks for the advice. Just to clarify, do you only put your phone number on the landing page banner, or do you also provide a contact form that directs to your email?

      Also, when somebody calls inquiring about a domain, how do you usually carry the conversation? I’m not that experienced at handling phone inquiries and cold calls in general, so your help would be much appreciated!

  2. Interesting post, as I changed all my landers just yesterday to include my phone number to try something different. Testing is always a good thing. Did some parking shifting as well, and trying some new affiliate links here and there too (thanks Frank – the way I see it, they either want my name or not and if not, why not lead them to the new pie, so I can have my piece).

    You can always say you need to talk to your partner if your put on the spot or want to do intel later, but talking is a great way to get all the intel you want with the right specific questions. Great and easy way to gauge seriousness and reason they want the name. We’ll just have to see how much time it takes up my days.

  3. Hi

    I want to send an email to advertise for one of my domain to a company that uses the same name ?

    Lets say

    I own the domain LAstay.com and there is an established website with the name Los angeles stay.com . Is it ok to to drop him an email even though no TM is registerd under that name .

    Thanks

  4. I use the standard template for Sedo for my keyword domain names.. for the brandable ones i am creating a market place where you will see the logo and have the option to buy it now.. Also having a short description on there..

    I think with brandable domains giving a visual of how the brand name could look can increase the chances for it to sell.

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