Myths and Trends About Domain Names

It feels as if the year is getting off to a roaring start for domain names and the domain name industry. There are many trends to start and follow this year. In addition, you must learn to debunk the domain name myths that are still out there for some reason. As of 2016, there were over 190 million domain names registered. And, there is phenomenal growth for new gTLD domains such as .ai domain names, which account for 22.8 million registrations by July 2016. So, if you think there aren’t any good domain names left-you would be mistaken.

Prominent naming trends

We’ll certainly see standouts this year. But, believe it or not, this year is all about going back to basics. That’s right; you just have to find a good name. In addition, it has to be something people understand and find relatable. It needs to be a solid name; a name people can use.

Despite the need for a solid name, you might be wondering if they are all registered. Well, that is a myth we are busting. You can still use keywords to create solid two and three-word domains. Plus, there are millions of domain names which are about to expire. Just do a bit of hunting. You’ll soon find a goldmine of domain names.

Are social profiles and apps replacing domain names?

Not in the least. Sure, everyone has to be on social media-but people still type in URLs. Plus, you don’t necessarily need an app if your site is mobile-friendly. People are using social media and websites in conjunction. To illustrate, a visitor will check your Facebook page for photos and reviews. If they like what they see, they will proceed to your site. Yet, if anything, social networking is leading to more visitors and websites. This is especially true if you advertise on social media.

How popular are the new top-level domains?

We’re all excited about the new gTLDs to help specify industries even further. One is .Club, which is often trying to innovate. You can probably guess that these new extensions will increase in their popularity. Why wouldn’t a site such as careerhunters.job become more well-known? Just look at the name, and you already know what the site is about-that is the point.

Some other gTLDs to watch are .Web and .Music. This brings us to our next myth: .com is important for your SEO. This is not true at all. Actually, Google treats the new gTLDs just like .com and .org. So, having a .com doesn’t exactly put you above the rest. Look at last.fm that is one successful music site which does not use .com. Just know that .com does not have a priority over any other approved extension.

Are all the best domain names out of my budget?

How can you know? There is no way to tell which startup will hit it big this year. Take a look at the pet site, Chewy.com. Would you have thought of Chewy.com for a pet store? I wouldn’t have, yet, it’s quite popular. So, you might find the next Chewy.com or the next Facebook.com.

You just never know. It takes patience to search out the right places to find reasonable sellers. On the other hand, you can come up with something no one else has thought of and strike gold. You see, every domain name is unique. The only way to place a value on a name is to gauge its market size, potential end-users, content and keyword statistics. You must know what you are doing and pick solid domain names.

Should you invest in domain names?

Only if you have the desire to learn about the industry and patience to make it work. You can invest in any domain name, but it helps to understand the niche you are targeting. If you’re a new buyer, try starting locally and slowly with money you can afford to lose. Once you start finding some success, then reinvest your money and keep moving forward.

New gTLDs offer many opportunities

Last year, the domain 1.xyz sold for $181,720. Others, such as .LIVE are selling for several times more than what the owner paid for them. So, it can certainly pay off to invest in new gTLDs. It’s a new set of chances to make some good money on domains. The only caveat is this is not a get-rich quick scheme by any means. Moreover, don’t expect to become a millionaire overnight. If you make a $1,000 profit, you are on the right track.

Don’t get lost in domain name myths. There is still a lot to learn and a lot of profit to be made from the right domain names. Plus, the new gTLDs make the field much more exciting. You do not have to stick to a .com or .org to build a reputable brand.

Image: Photospin

Author Bio:

Katrina Manning is a published author, content marketer and editor. She’s currently working for Houston-based link building service company BuildNicheLinks. With over eight years of career writing experience, she specializes in business, tech, lifestyle and digital marketing. Her favorite aspect of writing is the opportunity for constant learning. In her free time, she plays with her pets, volunteers and scours Instagram.