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Welcome to our monthly Industry News Digest. Explore new online trends and domain industry news to stay up-to-date. Here’s a summary for August 2025.
Researchers are studying the impact of brand misspellings on consumer perception. A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research analyzes reactions to nine categories of misspellings: from simple compounds (AutoZone) to phonetic changes (Froot Loops), abbreviations (Crumbl), alphanumerics (Timbuk2), and letspeak (E11EVEN).
The study shows that fluency is affected by the degree of deviation from correct spelling. Simple phrases are easy to perceive, while abbreviations and slang are difficult. However, product-related errors can mitigate negative perceptions. For example, the two o’s in Froot Loops resemble cereal, while compound words like ‘Instagram’ create new meanings. Over time, misspellings can become understandable.
Why should you care? If you are planning to use misspellings as your domain name, it’s important to think about how it will look, whether it will be easy to remember and type. If you decide to use a misspelled word, try to make it as close to the original as possible and give consumers a reason to accept it.
Moreover, brand names are often used in domain names and “mistakes” migrate into them. So it’s worth considering how it will look in the domain, whether it will be easy to remember and spell.
Source: Domain Name Wire
The Python Package Index (PyPI), a repository for the Python programming language, has protected accounts from domain resurrection attacks. These attacks use domains that previously belonged to legitimate developers but whose registration has expired.
Package metadata often includes contact information, and many PyPI packages have a maintainer email address, which is usually tied to a custom domain. If the maintainer leaves the project (or forgets to renew the subscription), the domain becomes available for purchase. Attackers buy the domain and gain control of the email.
Since June 2025, PyPI has begun checking such domains. This will significantly increase the protection of repository users from fraudulent attacks. The platform detects expired domains in advance and warns the owners. Thus, a simple check of the domain status becomes an early vulnerability detection mechanism and does not allow an attack to unfold.
Why should you care? DNS abuse comes in many forms, as fraudsters are finding new and new ways to use domain names for illegal activities. Losing a domain can lead to losing access to corporate email and user data.
However, there are measures to combat this. Sometimes it is enough, like PyPI, to simply monitor the expiration dates of domain name registrations and renew them in time so that they are not intercepted by attackers.
Source: TechRadar Pro
A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that large language models (LLMs) are more likely to prefer content created by other LLMs than human content in search results.
A team compared human and AI-written text in product descriptions, research paper abstracts, and movie summaries. Popular models like GPT-3.5, Llama-3.1-70B, and Qwen2.5-72B all showed preference towards AI-generated text:
The study is limited to a small sample size (13 research assistants) and does not measure the impact on sales. Results may vary by model and context.
Why should you care? If AI ranking continues to spread to commerce and content search, it makes sense to consider using AI where it directly impacts visibility. However, sites completely littered with machine text may lose people’s trust and don’t be ranked in Google. So it’s worth finding a balance and combining AI generation with human creativity.
Source: Search Engine Journal
Pinterest has released its Fall 2025 Trends Report. Key trends include vintage finds, Art Deco revival, grunge glam, fall scents, and sweet treats. All of this is creating a new style that is not only eco-friendly and budget-friendly, but also unique.
Pinterest has seen an increase in searches for vintage and second-hand items, especially among Gen Z and men. In response, the platform has launched a “Consignment Shop” activation where users can browse and buy vintage items. The promotion will run from August 20 to September 26.
This data can help in planning publications and attracting an audience.
Why should you care? In 2024, a Global Web Index (GWI) study revealed that more consumers were turning to social media, rather than search engines or TV, to discover brands and products. This persists today. That’s why, it’s important to stay attuned to social media shifts to craft a timely and effective marketing and content strategy.
Pinterest is evolving from an inspirational platform into a full-fledged sales tool. For businesses, this is a chance to get in the sights of a younger audience.
It’s especially important that Gen Z — the new drivers of Pinterest growth — come to the platform with a specific ‘shopping intent.’
Using trends and keywords from the social media’s report can help create more relevant content and increase the chances of conversion. Ignoring these trends means missing out on buyers who are already ready to buy.
Identity Digital, a domain name registry, has released data on which domain zones are being chosen by startups launched between 2020 and 2025.
The company analyzed the domain addresses of more than 4,000 startups that collaborated with Y Combinator and Techstars accelerators between 2020 and 2025.
2025 data is inclusive of the first half of the year (January-June). Source: Identity Digital
The graph shows that the popularity of IT related extensions has been growing over the past five years, indicating that more and more companies are trying to show their identity through domain names and suffixes.
Identity Digital’s analysis also shows that companies choosing .com domains often settle on names that do not quite match their brands. 54% of .com domains used by companies this year are not fully consistent with their brands, often preceded by a prefix such as ‘get’ or ‘use.’
Why should you care? IT-related domain extensions are gaining popularity among startups, as they provide an opportunity to reflect the area of activity in the domain name. Such a domain hack can help increase trust and customer loyalty, and also become a recognition factor for tech companies.
Source: Identity Digital
Stay up-to-date with digital trends and news – visit it.com Domains blog and follow us on social media.
Continue reading at the it.com Domains blog...
New Research: The Impact of Misspelled Brand Names on Consumer Perceptions
Researchers are studying the impact of brand misspellings on consumer perception. A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research analyzes reactions to nine categories of misspellings: from simple compounds (AutoZone) to phonetic changes (Froot Loops), abbreviations (Crumbl), alphanumerics (Timbuk2), and letspeak (E11EVEN).
The study shows that fluency is affected by the degree of deviation from correct spelling. Simple phrases are easy to perceive, while abbreviations and slang are difficult. However, product-related errors can mitigate negative perceptions. For example, the two o’s in Froot Loops resemble cereal, while compound words like ‘Instagram’ create new meanings. Over time, misspellings can become understandable.
Why should you care? If you are planning to use misspellings as your domain name, it’s important to think about how it will look, whether it will be easy to remember and type. If you decide to use a misspelled word, try to make it as close to the original as possible and give consumers a reason to accept it.
Moreover, brand names are often used in domain names and “mistakes” migrate into them. So it’s worth considering how it will look in the domain, whether it will be easy to remember and spell.
Source: Domain Name Wire
How a Python PackageFights Scammers Who Use Expired Domains
The Python Package Index (PyPI), a repository for the Python programming language, has protected accounts from domain resurrection attacks. These attacks use domains that previously belonged to legitimate developers but whose registration has expired.
Package metadata often includes contact information, and many PyPI packages have a maintainer email address, which is usually tied to a custom domain. If the maintainer leaves the project (or forgets to renew the subscription), the domain becomes available for purchase. Attackers buy the domain and gain control of the email.
Since June 2025, PyPI has begun checking such domains. This will significantly increase the protection of repository users from fraudulent attacks. The platform detects expired domains in advance and warns the owners. Thus, a simple check of the domain status becomes an early vulnerability detection mechanism and does not allow an attack to unfold.
Why should you care? DNS abuse comes in many forms, as fraudsters are finding new and new ways to use domain names for illegal activities. Losing a domain can lead to losing access to corporate email and user data.
However, there are measures to combat this. Sometimes it is enough, like PyPI, to simply monitor the expiration dates of domain name registrations and renew them in time so that they are not intercepted by attackers.
Source: TechRadar Pro
LLMs Prefer AI Content
A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that large language models (LLMs) are more likely to prefer content created by other LLMs than human content in search results.
A team compared human and AI-written text in product descriptions, research paper abstracts, and movie summaries. Popular models like GPT-3.5, Llama-3.1-70B, and Qwen2.5-72B all showed preference towards AI-generated text:
- Products: 89% of LLMs chose AI, 36% chose humans.
- Abstracts: 78% vs. 61%.
- Movie summaries: 70% vs. 58%.
The study is limited to a small sample size (13 research assistants) and does not measure the impact on sales. Results may vary by model and context.
Why should you care? If AI ranking continues to spread to commerce and content search, it makes sense to consider using AI where it directly impacts visibility. However, sites completely littered with machine text may lose people’s trust and don’t be ranked in Google. So it’s worth finding a balance and combining AI generation with human creativity.
Source: Search Engine Journal
Pinterest Fall Trends Report: Gen Z Drives Thrifting Wave
Pinterest has released its Fall 2025 Trends Report. Key trends include vintage finds, Art Deco revival, grunge glam, fall scents, and sweet treats. All of this is creating a new style that is not only eco-friendly and budget-friendly, but also unique.
Pinterest has seen an increase in searches for vintage and second-hand items, especially among Gen Z and men. In response, the platform has launched a “Consignment Shop” activation where users can browse and buy vintage items. The promotion will run from August 20 to September 26.
This data can help in planning publications and attracting an audience.
Why should you care? In 2024, a Global Web Index (GWI) study revealed that more consumers were turning to social media, rather than search engines or TV, to discover brands and products. This persists today. That’s why, it’s important to stay attuned to social media shifts to craft a timely and effective marketing and content strategy.
Pinterest is evolving from an inspirational platform into a full-fledged sales tool. For businesses, this is a chance to get in the sights of a younger audience.
It’s especially important that Gen Z — the new drivers of Pinterest growth — come to the platform with a specific ‘shopping intent.’
Using trends and keywords from the social media’s report can help create more relevant content and increase the chances of conversion. Ignoring these trends means missing out on buyers who are already ready to buy.
.AI Extension Grows in Popularity among IT Startups
Identity Digital, a domain name registry, has released data on which domain zones are being chosen by startups launched between 2020 and 2025.
The company analyzed the domain addresses of more than 4,000 startups that collaborated with Y Combinator and Techstars accelerators between 2020 and 2025.
2025 data is inclusive of the first half of the year (January-June). Source: Identity Digital
The graph shows that the popularity of IT related extensions has been growing over the past five years, indicating that more and more companies are trying to show their identity through domain names and suffixes.
Identity Digital’s analysis also shows that companies choosing .com domains often settle on names that do not quite match their brands. 54% of .com domains used by companies this year are not fully consistent with their brands, often preceded by a prefix such as ‘get’ or ‘use.’
Why should you care? IT-related domain extensions are gaining popularity among startups, as they provide an opportunity to reflect the area of activity in the domain name. Such a domain hack can help increase trust and customer loyalty, and also become a recognition factor for tech companies.
Source: Identity Digital
Stay up-to-date with digital trends and news – visit it.com Domains blog and follow us on social media.
Continue reading at the it.com Domains blog...
