Money Chat: Monetizing Domain Names
In the post, Top Things To Consider when Getting a Domain Name, JMMO reader Missy wanted to know the following:
1) Can a domain name be too niche?
My response: It depends on the niche - and what are the monetization expectations from the said domain. Some niche topics are definitely worth pursuing.
I’ve created mini sites and programmes for certain niche topics after investigating the topic’s potential income. And, some basic ideas literally do pay off.
Ultimately, if you’re really passionate about that niche, you’ll find a way to make it work one way or the other, even though actual benefits may not always come in the form of Adsense cheques or affiliate sales.
2) Which tool to use to check on the income potential of a domain name?
This was the question that I was stumped to begin with. But, I guess, I can just share my own process in analyzing a domain name’s monetization potential. And my process includes: checking keyword relevancy, scouting for affiliate linking, competition analysis, and advertising potential.
Depending on what kind of data I wish to have, I use different tools with every area of the process. For example, I use different keyword research tools when analyzing relevancy. I use Google a lot, when looking at competition, affiliate links, and ad potential.
Other people will most likely have different approaches.
If you have other tools that you use in your own research, I’d love to hear about them too.
3) What type of domain names are better to use when using ad programmes like Adsense? And what types of domain names can be used for affiliate marketing?
To me, the question is not about matching monetization strategies with domain names. At least, not to start with. I prefer to think of matching domain names with my vision or plans for the domain first. What do I want the site to achieve? What’s the best way to maximize the use of the domain?
Do I wish to start a blog on it? An online magazine? A directory? A mini site? A forum? A community? A service? A sales page?
Also, another thing to consider is: Where will your audience come from? Will they be primarily geared for search engine referrals, inbound links, or through subscriptions?
If you want to get a lot of search engine traffic, keyword-rich domain names will most likely work better than ‘branded’ names. If you want to develop a following or a fan base, then ‘brandable’ domain names will be great.
If your site will rely heavily on search engine traffic, contextual ad programmes like Adsense will probably do well. Affiliates can be effective too, but people tend to want to buy things from people they feel that they already know. So, having subscribers/followers/fans will be useful if you want to make money from affiliate programmes.
So, what about you? Do you have any other tips and thoughts for Missy and other folks who might be wondering about the same things?
Image based on photo by Pierre Amerlynck
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POSTED IN: Domains and Web Hosts, General: Making Money Stuff
4 opinions for Money Chat: Monetizing Domain Names
giusepphine
Feb 28, 2008 at 4:31 pm
This makes sense. Social networking is always the gateway of many online marketers to advertise theri products. Unlike organization sites that centers on humanitarian issue-oriented campaigns in their sites like the international red cross or the united nation, social networking sites like Friendster and Myspace are more effective sites for affiliate marketers because its information rallied by the affiliates can easily be passed on from one friend to another. A costumer is less reluctant of a product or a service that an online market offers if it is highly recommended by his or her trusted friend.
Link-o-rama
Feb 28, 2008 at 11:07 pm
[…] Make Money Online is talking about Monetizing Domain Names - […]
Missy
Feb 29, 2008 at 12:02 am
Wow, thank you so much for your thorough response to my question. I super appreciate you help.
Even though i’ve been blogging since April 2007, there is still much i don’t know or fully understand.
As for my domain name question, the name in question is a blog in development, i used a keyword rich variation, and so far because it is quite new, i’m not yet monetizing it.
When i add more content, and decide to monetize it, i will start with easy Adsense.
As for keyword research, i recently read a tremendously helpful article series from Brian Clark over at Copyblogger. And although i have a few questions about it, it has really detailed and useful tips about how to use keyword research to build upon your blog. I am in the process of doing this now for all my sites. (I do it already, but i’m referring to more in-depth stuff)
I am currently using the iWebTools keyword tool and also the free trial of Wordtracker. Oh, and the one from Google.
I really want to get the keyword thing down, as this is key to SEO, Adsense, and Traffic success.
Shai: Thanxs for your help, i will report back results and/ or findings.
Missy.
Matt Keegan
Feb 29, 2008 at 3:12 am
Blogging and writing web content are my two favorites as I seem to have a knack for both. Beyond that, writing for magazines/newspapers are some other things that I like to do.
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