Fluctuations in numbers of domains owned

[scottmccloud]

I've noticed there seems to have been an increase in the number of people clearing out their portfolios or even getting out of domaining/internet marketing altogether.

It would be interesting to see if this is a growing trend and what the reasons are behind this. Good domains will always sell, but there still seems be a lot of people holding on to some very average (or even very poor) domain names who must now realise that the landscape has changed and that it's time to adapt or die.

I suppose what I'm saying is that surely the days of sitting on a pile of domains in the hope of sellers coming to you is pretty much over (unless of course that pile is made up of very good quality names). Instead of having hundreds or even thousands of dubious quality domains, is it not better to invest in a handful of good quality domains and actually develop them? I get the sense sometimes that some people see their big list of domains and find comfort in it like a big security blanket, whereas they'd be much better of running a much more leaner operation.

 

[ian]

I'd absolutely hate to have a large portfolio of average domains; maybe others are starting to feel the same and after years, can no longer justify renewing them.

I know others have hinted at clearing their portfolios in order to focus on just a handful of projects. This I feel is a very good idea (unless you have an exceptionally strong list of domains of course).

 

[Murray]

is it not better to invest in a handful of good quality domains and actually develop them?

I've seen a few people on here say "develop" like it's easy; it's not easy.

 

[scottmccloud]

I've seen a few people on here say "develop" like it's easy; it's not easy.

I agree, it's not, but it's more productive than sitting there waiting for that 'jackpot' email that in reality is probably never going to come.

 

[lee]

It can be easy. Very easy indeed. The trick is to pick a site to develop on a subject that you already have an interest in. You will find it a lot easier to put in the time.

As already mentioned, unless you have a good stable of names, start dropping the crap. In my opinion is much better to have a small stable of regular income names than a big pile of nonsense.

Slim it down, ship them out. Develop 6 big names max and see where you go.

 

[Murray]

I agree, it's not, but it's more productive than sitting there waiting for that 'jackpot' email that in reality is probably never going to come.

Can be counter productive if it's costing you time and money and not going anywhere

Also could be ruining the chance of selling it.

It can be easy. Very easy indeed. The trick is to pick a site to develop on a subject that you already have an interest in. You will find it a lot easier to put in the time.

Tens of thousands of businesses out there that all (I hope) would have a great knowledge of their particular industry

That doesn't just transfer over to online success.

Easy is relative to knowledge and resources.

 

[scottmccloud]

Take developing domains out of the question. Better to sit on 10 top quality domains than 1000 dire ones. Cheaper too.

 

[lee]

My views are directed really at the small time domainer, looking for a small income per month. Any half decent domain can earn you a £1 a day with minimal effort. Peanuts sure but using the steady income from a strong half a dozen and you can begin to grow a small stable of quality names *which you develop* that will, over time, provide a monthly income.

If any domainer is not earning £200 - £300 a month from a small group of sites and has been around here (this forum) a while then I would be surprised and perhaps would say that they are doing something wrong.

 

[foz]

I've noticed there seems to have been an increase in the number of people clearing out their portfolios or even getting out of domaining/internet marketing altogether.

It would be interesting to see if this is a growing trend and what the reasons are behind this. Good domains will always sell, but there still seems be a lot of people holding on to some very average (or even very poor) domain names who must now realise that the landscape has changed and that it's time to adapt or die.

I suppose what I'm saying is that surely the days of sitting on a pile of domains in the hope of sellers coming to you is pretty much over (unless of course that pile is made up of very good quality names). Instead of having hundreds or even thousands of dubious quality domains, is it not better to invest in a handful of good quality domains and actually develop them? I get the sense sometimes that some people see their big list of domains and find comfort in it like a big security blanket, whereas they'd be much better of running a much more leaner operation.

I'm always learning, even ten years in. I look back and think crap what was I doing. Those domains have to go.

I have spectrum of domains and what I think are good (one words) rarely get inquiries. You'd be surprised how average some domains are that cross the block. It's the mass of registrations that actually makes it viable, the more land mines someone will step on it.

 

[websaway]

just when everyone thinks they have got a strategy to retain "valuable" domains only

campings.uk sells for £7.5k

 

[Murray]

just when everyone thinks they have got a strategy to retain "valuable" domains only

campings.uk sells for £7.5k

Weird one

campings.co.uk apparently sold for £1,217 in 2011 to a Dutch company and now they sell the .uk for £7500 to an Italian company

Maybe campings is how camping is said in continental Europe, but even then not sure why they would want it on .uk extension