Over the past few years, I’ve often had people contacting me via LinkedIn to ask for help or advice in relation to domain names.
And since the inception of Domainer early last year, the number of enquiries received – and contacts made – have risen exponentially.
The Australian domain name space is my absolute passion, and has been for nearly 10 years. I know the market; and I know many of the players from all aspects of the industry. I also have a good handle on auDA policy which is such an important ingredient of operating in Australia. If I don’t know the answer to a question, I generally know someone who will.
I’m always happy to make new friends and contacts, and I’m equally happy to help anyone, or give them some of my time. I don’t ask for anything in return – I’m just a great believer in good karma, and the adage that a “rising tide lifts all boats”. Many of my friends in the domain industry feel the same way.
Becoming A Domain Investor
In the last two months, I’ve had three serious enquiries from people who want to do what I do. Do I feel threatened by this? A big, fat NO.
On the contrary, I think that it is fantastic that new players get involved in what is an amazing industry. Compared to the USA, there is so much room for growth in the Aussie market. If you tried to start out in the .com market today, you would be swamped by the number of players.
Where else can you start a business with a low capital investment, and potentially reap huge returns on your investment in a short space of time? Obviously, some knowledge and experience is required to alleviate the expensive mistakes that rookies can (and do) make! That’s where I’m happy to offer my advice / suggestions.
In my opinion, new wholesale buyers (domainers / domain investors) ultimately introduce more endusers to the domain eco-system. That’s another reason why I’m always happy to give of my time and experience.
A rising tide does indeed lift all boats.
Ned O’Meara – 21st November 2016
Not only do new domainers publicize the industry through their outreach efforts, placing more domains in the right hands and increasing end-user interest in quality names across the board. With more domainers engaged, you’ll all see higher wholesale prices and more liquidity.
This benefits domainers who trade among their own class. Beyond those active wholesale traders, it benefits anyone who wants the option to liquidate assets, whether they avail themselves of that option or not. This reduces the risk and increases the value of domain ownership for everybody – domainers and end users alike.
In my view the Australian domain market has been in decline for 4 years so I don’t agree with the statement that there a rising tide going on. Even before 2012 it has always been a pretty poor market for reselling names. If people want to make money out of the domains the first port of call should be .com.
@Snoopy – thanks for your comment. Wouldn’t have expected anything different from you!