The advantages and challenges of hand registering domains, and learn how to identify high-quality names, conduct market research, and build a profitable domain portfolio over time.
In the world of domain investing, there are two main approaches: hand registering domains and buying them from others. While buying existing domains can potentially yield higher returns, hand registering domains is a more accessible and affordable option for those just starting out. But is it possible to be a successful domainer by only having hand registered domains to sell?
Now let’s see what we mean by hand registered domains. Hand registered domains are domains that have not been previously owned or registered by someone else, and are instead newly registered by the domainer themselves. These domains can be registered through domain registrars such as GoDaddy or Namecheap for a relatively low cost.
The main advantage of hand registering domains is that it allows domainers to find and secure potentially valuable domain names at a low cost. However, the success of this strategy largely depends on the domainer’s ability to identify and register high-quality domain names before anyone else does.
One of the keys to success with hand registered domains is understanding the market demand and trends. Domainers must stay up-to-date on current events, popular culture, and emerging technologies in order to identify potential domain names that could be in high demand. For example, if a new technology or trend is emerging, domainers can register domain names related to that technology or trend before anyone else does.
Another important factor to consider is the length and complexity of the domain name. Short and simple domain names are generally more valuable than longer and more complicated ones, as they are easier to remember and type into a browser. Also, domainers should consider the use of keywords in the domain name, as this can help improve its search engine optimization (SEO) and make it more valuable to potential buyers.
In order to be successful with hand registered domains, domainers must also be patient and willing to hold onto their domains for an extended period of time. While some domains may sell quickly, others may take months or even years to find a buyer. Domainers must be willing to invest the time and effort required to promote their domains and find potential buyers.
That being said, it is possible to be a successful domainer with only hand registered domains. In fact, many successful domainers have built their portfolios primarily through hand registering domains. However, it is important to keep in mind that success with this approach requires a lot of hard work, research, and patience.
One example of a successful domainer who primarily uses the hand registering approach is Michael Cyger, the founder of DomainSherpa.com. Cyger has built a portfolio of over 1,000 hand registered domain names, which he has been able to sell for a total of over $500,000. While Cyger does occasionally purchase domains from other investors, the majority of his success has come from his ability to identify and register high-quality domain names through hand registering.
Another example of a successful domainer who primarily uses the hand registering approach is Shane Cultra, who runs the blog DomainShane.com. Cultra has built a portfolio of over 3,000 domains, the majority of which were hand registered. He has been able to sell many of these domains for significant profits, and has also built a successful domain brokerage business.
There are also many domainers who have found success by buying and selling existing domains. However, this approach can be more expensive and risky, as the domain names may have a higher purchase price and there is no guarantee that they will sell for a profit. The market for existing domains can be highly competitive, making it difficult to find and purchase high-quality domains at a reasonable price.
While it is possible to be a successful domainer with only hand registered domains, it requires a lot of hard work, research, and patience. Domainers must be able to identify and register high-quality domain names before anyone else does, and must be willing to hold onto their domains for an extended period of time in order to find the right buyer. With dedication and persistence, hand registering domains can be a viable and profitable approach to domain investing.
One potential advantage of hand registered domains is that they can be tailored to specific niches or markets. For example, a domainer interested in the fitness industry could register domains related to popular workouts, equipment, or supplements. By focusing on a specific niche, domainers can become experts in that market and better understand the potential demand for certain domain names.
Another advantage of hand registered domains is that they allow domainers to build a portfolio over time, rather than making large, risky investments all at once. By consistently registering high-quality domains, domainers can slowly build a portfolio of valuable assets that can be sold for a profit over time.
There are also some potential drawbacks to hand registering domains. One of the biggest challenges is finding the right domain names to register. With so many domains already registered, it can be difficult to find a high-quality name that hasn’t already been taken. Also, there is no guarantee that a hand registered domain will sell for a profit, and some domains may never sell at all.
In order to mitigate these risks, domainers should do their research and carefully consider the potential value of a domain before registering it. This may involve analyzing market trends, conducting keyword research, and looking at past sales data for similar domains.
So, is it possible to be a successful domainer with only hand registered domains to sell? The answer is yes, but it requires a lot of hard work, research, and patience. Domainers must be able to identify and register high-quality domains before anyone else does, and must be willing to hold onto their domains for an extended period of time in order to find the right buyer. With a lot of dedication and persistence, hand registering domains can be a viable and profitable approach to domain investing.
Have you ever tried hand registering domains? What was your experience like, and what tips do you have for others interested in this approach to domain investing?