Domainer Developer

REAL Sites = REAL People = REAL Traffic = REAL Change.

If you thought I was joking with my first post of 2009, then you guys obviously haven't really been reading anything I've written. Things are changing and you're either gonna stay sinking on this quick burning ship or you're gonna finally find your spine, take a big deep breath, and JUMP IN and start swimming.

Your well thought out 'domain monetization' strategies aren't going to cut it this time around. Face it, traffic today is not falling for sites littered with text ads and spammy sales pitches. Just as the 'pop up' died, parked domain based advertising is heading to the slaughterhouse too.

Actually, txt ads are really just moving over to the mobile web. The top mobile websites, 5 years from now will be the most actively used websites on the planet. But don't take my word for it.

Tough times bring out the creative minds. With people losing their job's at a record pace, and investors scurrying for the bomb shelter, it's no wonder that the domaining community isn't really stepping up and making any bold predictions about where it is all headed.

I'll tell you this though, the longer you sit on your hands and contemplate your next move, it's just another day wasted and a real opportunity for someone else to do what you were supposed to do.

This means you gotta roll up those sleeves and get some pixel grease under your 'too cool to be a developer' fingernails. You gotta start learning more about the many web's and how they are being 'used.' Forget rev share and PPC, and other get people rich scams... Work on the domains that you are really passionate about and you'll see users flock in droves.

BTW, you don't need thousands of domain names to be a successful web entrepreneur. All you need is one really bad ass, well lubed machine. Think back to high school. I don't care how old you are, all of you should be able to relate to this. Who really had the coolest cars and the hottest girls riding with them? It was the guys who customized and built their own rides.

Nothing could outrace my '82 chevy pickup in high school and it wasn't because I bought it that way or paid somebody else to build it for me. I learned how to work on cars by hanging out with guys that worked on cars.

Learn how to unpark your domains; don't worry I'll guide you. If you're anything like me, then you probably have thousands of domains greeting you first thing each morning you wake up. Some are warning you that they're about to expire. Some are screaming for you to develop them. And some are just sitting there collecting dust, quiet and cross eyed. Believe me, I know it can be really overwhelming and difficult to see your domain portfolio for what it is worth, but there's nothing like really having a well honed domain portfolio. One that has a management plan that you're actually following through on every day.

In the coming posts, I'll start sharing much more with you about exactly how I'm managing my own little farm. I'll be up front with you and honest through the whole process. I still have many of my own domains parked, it makes me sick to my stomach. I am also well aware that I have way too many domain names in my control. It's just not healthy. Over the next few days and weeks I will be taking some pretty bold actions with respect to the very nature of my portfolio.

For starters, I will be throwing some type of original content up on to all of my domains or I will simply redirect them to a meaningful site that I already have developed. One that is relative of course to the domain name. I am still undecided about my .mobi domains. They are my most profitable parked domains and I am still researching how to best develop them. I'll keep everyone updated.

The domains that I just want to sell and not develop at all, I am adding my logo to and a link back to my blog. I am also adding a simple contact form, that allows visitors to communicate with me directly. You could also easily add google adsense to your own 'domain for sale' sites if you wanted to. I don't plan on doing that, but it's always a simple alternative to parking.

Not only do taking these types of steps greater expand the reach of your domain portfolio and allow you to track the stats of your domains firsthand, but the sweat equity that you put into it will help you get familiar with how to perform basic development actions and in turn make you a much more secure domain investor. It could also help support your case if in the event you are ever slapped with a UDRP for a domain that you own. From my understanding, it's harder for complainant's to portray you as a cybersquatter if you are actually using the domain name for a legitimate, unique purpose. (Of course this does not apply in all cases.)

Bottom line is this, use your domains or find somebody else who will. Try asking yourself these simple questions about each domain in your portfolio. Be sure to write it down (spreadsheet or in a portfolio ledger) and be REAL honest with yourself. It won't mean much otherwise and you'll just be wasting more time.

1. Do I love this domain or am I just dating it?
2. Am I the natural owner of this domain or is someone else?
3. What does this domain want to grow up to be?
4. Does this domain have enemies? If so, identify them.
5. Does this domain make me any money?

Answering these questions will help you see your collection in a whole new light. You'll be surprised to discover that some domains are family, some are businesses, some are friends, and some are actually your enemies. Only you really know which ones are which.

Keep asking the right questions. In the end you're either part of the solution or part of the problem. Either way, a choice must be made.

Till next post,

Jamie Parks
LIVEdomainer/developer


P.S. When you eventually catch that big wave and you're riding high, consider donating some of your blessing to a charity that helps the youth. I just read Michael Gilmour's latest blog post where he explains how a charity (Acres of Love) that he and his wife support and that he had previously invited domainers to support, actually raised all of $0 in 2008, where in the previous year it was able to pull in $2500. Giving back when we've been fortunate is essential in evolving the domaining space. Now is not the time to be wasting much needed funds. Keep these things in mind.