Post a Tip to Help Identify Valuable Domain Names

[accelerator]

Hi Guys

In this thread, I would like people to post a tip for identifying valuable domain names. EVERY post in this thread MUST contain at least one tip. So, if you wish to make a reply comment to someone, you must ALSO include a tip.

I'll start

Search for the term on Google. If a healthy amount of AdWords ads are coming up, you may be on to something

Next!

 

[martin-s]

Can you think of a business model which the domain will work well for? If not, why should anyone part with cash for it?

 

[scottmccloud]

If you've found a name you're keen on, think of all the reasons why you shouldn't register it.

 

[websaway]

Could you develop it yourself or would it unquestionably add value to other entities with commercial interests.

 

[Edwin]

Is the domain THE best way to describe that particular product/service/niche?

If you had to add a qualifier (a colour, material, size, weight, location, etc. etc.) then the answer to that question is almost certainly no. The exception would be if that qualifier still leaves a market that's A) distinct and B) commercially meaningful in size in and of itself

So for example "black jackets" or "large jackets" fail under the above guideline, but "leather jackets" would be ok because it's possible to see a real business succeed on the back of selling nothing but leather jackets. "cotton jackets" or "polyester jackets" on the other hand would again be failures - that's why you really have to look at it case by case.

 

[Murray]

I'm not sure who this thread is going to help, only very new members? and even then it wont help them really.

I don't think anything can replace time & experience

It takes time to develop a radar for what has value and what doesn't

Even then the radar can be extension specific; I feel I have an "ok" grasp of .uk domains and their value generally, but in .com not so much

Probably the best tip would be: ask the opinion of people who have had years of experience in that specific domain extension.

When I was new I thankfully had help from Dale & Systreg and acorn domains community as a whole.

Ps. I should add I still ask for second opinions now, I'm under no illusions that my knowledge is limited compared to others.

 

[accelerator]

Find futurologists and identify possible future trends. Be very careful in what you register from this research though, the future is hard to predict!

 

[accelerator]

For a domain to be really valuable, you need the industry it relates to to be reliant on heavy marketing to consumers, e.g. mobiles.com is very valuable, whereas something like NoiseConsultants.com (I own that one) is much less valuable because it is not "consumer" related.

 

[accelerator]

As short as possible is best.

 

[WalkinDude]

Is the domain THE best way to describe that particular product/service/niche?

If you had to add a qualifier (a colour, material, size, weight, location, etc. etc.) then the answer to that question is almost certainly no. The exception would be if that qualifier still leaves a market that's A) distinct and B) commercially meaningful in size in and of itself

So for example "black jackets" or "large jackets" fail under the above guideline, but "leather jackets" would be ok because it's possible to see a real business succeed on the back of selling nothing but leather jackets. "cotton jackets" or "polyester jackets" on the other hand would again be failures - that's why you really have to look at it case by case.

If the domain fits the above criteria PLUS it has high searches you got a solid domain name there.

....

My tip would be to ask yourself how many ways are there of delivering the same message your domain delivers.

e.g. If you own mobiles.co.uk then your main challengers are mobile.co.uk, phone.co.uk, phones.co.uk. Maybe half a dozen domains tops.

If you own. CheapMobileDeals.co.uk, a combination of 3 words then the number of permutations increases exponentially and as such the quality of uniqueness diminishes where it is typically inversely proportional to the number of words that make up the domain with the exceptions being well known phrases or industries that are commonly referred to using multiple wordage.

Much of the value of a domain. Why someone will pay big money for a domain comes from the strength of that domains resistance to copycats, for the simply reason that a big investment in a domain is intended to lead to a successful business and successful business must ward off copycats.

 

[accelerator]

The less "physical" work that is required in the industry related to the domain name, the more profitable that industry tends to be, and hence the more valuable the domain name tends to be.

 

[eddieb]

It must pass the radio test

 

[accelerator]

It helps if the domain is easily memorable. If attempting to register a "brandable" domain, then being memorable and distinctive are useful qualities.