Happy New Year Everyone,

Twenty eleven was a busy year for me. This domaining “hobby” of mine saw me start new projects, design my first website for a client, and compulsively register A LOT of domain names, but outside of that, I  spent 2011 focused on my day job.

Instead of working day and night, I worked mostly day. 2012 is going to be very different.

In 2012 I am going to re-launch Hello World Domains (for the 4th time) with a new logo, a new focus on my domain portfolio, and adding regular content. I am also going to develop some existing domain names I have. I am mid way through a few projects that I am really excited about. Those are going to be a big part of 2012.

It is hard having a lot of ideas and a little patience, but if you can spare some of your patience, I promise you will see much more robust Hello World Domains.

Stay tuned.

We’re only 5 ½ months in and 2011 has already established itself as a huge year for big domain sales. This is great news for a variety of reasons but mostly because I said so. A slew of recent six figure sales not only shows outsiders that our little “hobbie” is still big business, it also reinvigorates us – the domainers. Yep, there is something in the water and I like it.

The idea that someone can buy and then flip a domain name for a huge profit is the fantasy reason many of us began domaining in the first place. Its exciting. Its inspiring and it gives me green goosebumps.

So here I am, grabbing you by the collar and dragging you over to a list of domain sales – screaming – get excited too! Get excited about DOMAIN NAMES!!!

Here are my favourite big domain sales of 2011:

• RunningShoes.com - Sold for $700,000, on 4/27/2011 – This is a big one. A keyword domain name with first page presence and a very specific application. I’m surprised it went for so little. Why? Because the words “Running Shoes” get typed into search engines (or address bars) the second a person decides to shop for a new brand of runners.

• Mariage.com – Sold for $129,720, on 3/30/2011 – Typo in English. Marriage in French. I like this sale for a couple reasons. 1: Its a reminder that we live in a big world, where English isn’t everything and non English domains can equal big sales (think outside the language people). 2: This could have easily been a typo domain, that any one of us owned. Which is encouraging.

• OnlineKredit.net – Sold for $131,000, on 1/5/2011 – The Mortal Kombat of credit websites. This one delights me. I really like the non .com aspect of the sale. It also proves that .net is still an important part of what we do. Another good European sale.

• AutoInsurance.org – Sold for $440,000, on 4/6/2011 – Great to see a .org go for almost half a million. I wonder what the new owner(s) will do with it? #sarcasm

• GamesForGirls.com – Sold for $500,000, on 2/23/2011 – Brandable and a key search phrase. An average of 43K visits per month proves that thousands of people are looking to busy their kids with video games OR turn their girlfriends into gamers. Well done men.

To the sellers: congratulations. To the buyers: please make something beautiful with your new names and to the rest of you: If these sales don’t excite you, check your head!

What do you think? Does reading about these sales get pump you up?

Incidentally, I have several quality domain names for sale in my domain portfolio. Just saying.

About this post:

• I did research. So thank you to Namebio.com, Domaining.com, DNJournal.com and the Internet.
• I chose MY favourite domain name sales of 2011. Not yours and not necessarily the highest sales.
• I used the word slew. Which was fun and refreshing.
• Hello World Domains always appreciates a link or a tweet. If you liked this post, please share it.

Most successful online destinations can be identified, solely, by their domain name. But until someone develops & launches a website on one, a domain name is just an empty space.

Only after someone has created a website can a domain name reach its true potential.

Before someone can visit a website, it must be made available. And the only way to get an online destination: online, is to upload it to a server – a hosting server.

Web Hosting is Important

Web hosting is the connection between a domain name and its content. Without it, there is no destination. It takes the services offered by a host, including the use of server space and an Internet connection to get a website online. Web hosts are important.

But do you need a web host? Yes…and no.

No one actually needs their own web host. Thanks to several high quality blogging, social networking and online CMS platforms, many function just fine without one.

However, developers, businesses and domainers looking to stand out, maintain control over their image and reach their audience online, can definitely benefit from using a web host.

But what about you? Will a web host benefit YOU and your goals? That depends.

Who are you?

• You’re a Business - If you’re business looking to build your own web site, then you will need a web host. If you’re contracting your web development to a 3rd party, they may use their own host or, more likely, charge you to setup your own hosting account. Either way, as a business, you should try and understand how hosting works.

• You’re a Blogger - If you’re looking to share your feelings, guacamole recipe or lyrics to your favourite Lady Gaga song, you’re probably an amateur blogger. Good news, you don’t need a web host. Blogger, Tumblr, WordPress & countless other web based blogging platforms already make it easy for you to share online – without paying for hosting.

• You’re a Super Blogger - Whats a super blogger? Someone that blogs a lot (also known as Arianna Huffington). Hello World Domains is an example of an ambitious blog that wants to capture targeted traffic using its own domain name. If you want content on your own domain name, expect a lot of traffic or just want total control – you should get a hosting plan.

• You’re a Web Developer- If you are a developer, then you need a web host. Unless you’re only developing websites for other people. Only then can you get away without hosting. However, you will still need to understand how hosting works and be able to recommend a suitable web host to match your clients’ needs. P.S. – If you’re a web developer and you didn’t know all of this, there is probably something wrong with you.

Domainers (AKA the meat and potatoes)

Domain name investing can get complicated. Being a domainer can involve a lot of everything or it can be as basic as buy and sell. Domainers can choose to do any, or all, of the following:

• Buy domains and resell them directly to a variety of customer types
• Build a domain portfolio to generate advertising revenue, through parking
• Broker domain names on behalf of others
• Monetize domain names using affiliate and alternative advertising programs
• Use web development and social media to build ideas around domain names

An ambitious domainer will participate in many of the tasks above. They will need a web host to meet most of their goals and succeed at their projects. The more basic ‘buy & sell’ domainer is a different story.

A traditional domainer only looking to buy, sell or park domain names – does not need a web host. The basic practice of buying and selling domain names for profit doesn’t require any web development. But there are many domainers that go beyond basics and aspire to develop their domain names into something more.

Bottom line: If you’re a domainer and you want to monetize domain names through development or build websites with its own domains, you will need a web host.

So, you’ve decided you need a web host. What are you options?

Before you choose a web host, its important to understand all the options available to you. There are many different types of web hosting, which can make the process complicated.

Understanding the different types of web hosting plans is a whole other topic. So make sure you read Different Types of Web Hosting, before you begin your search for a web host.

Already know what you need? Then its time to choose…but, how do you choose a web host?

This is the easy part. Just kidding. After you decide which hosting plan is right for you, head over to Choose a Web Host for some helpful tips. Unlike choosing a registrar, selecting a web host can be a big commitment. So going into the decision process with a plan is crucial.

This will be the 3rd time I’ve launched Hello World Domains. True story. I know that’s a lot, but believe me, this time will be different. I mean it. Before I tell you what’s changed and ask you to come back and spend time with my blog, allow me to recap.

PREVIOUSLY ON HELLO WORLD DOMAINS

HWD was first launched in early 2009. At the time I was using the super cool WordPress template Arclite. Back then, I had almost zero content on the site.

Having no content at Hello World Domains was hilarious for one very good reason:

1. Websites without content are not actual websites

The second coming of this blog happened in April of last year. Round 2 involved the installation of a new theme (the amazing OPEN) and the upgrade of my domain portfolio from a very lame HTML list, to a sexy new table format. That was it. Impressed yet? :/

The third launch of Hello World Domains is occurring right now. Whats different about this time? I am going to dedicate more time to it. I’m also packing more knowledge, a renewed level of focus and the confidence that comes with it.

What does all that mean? It means you can expect a much better Hello World Domains.

WHATS NEW?

• A new look and feel. I’ve customize the new theme & finalize a style I’m happy with.
• Selling my domain names is no longer my only priority. Going forward this is will be a web destination for domainers and not just a domain portfolio.
• HWD will be a more personal experience, so you will see less ‘we’ and more ‘I’ in my writing.
• Content (finally). Examples include: How to choose a domain registrar and about me.
• More patriotism – OH CANADA! (please contact me and say hi fellow Canadian domainers)
• A new focus on community, opinion and domaining news.
• Slightly better grammar.

If you’ve been here before: thank you for your patience. If you haven’t: you didn’t miss much.

I hope you like all the changes. Please come back…or else.

To be successful as a Domainer you will need to use both of those skills to identity, anticipate and, sometimes, even create a market. The trading of domains, which is very transactional, requires the registering and transferring of names through a domain name registrar.

As the interface that links you to your online investments a domain name registrar functions as both a briefcase and a canvas. Registrars support the day to day transaction and management needs of thousands of Domainers, developers and business owners across the world.

As an active domain trader or developer, expect to spend A LOT of time inside the control panel of your favourite registrar. Much of that time will be spent organizing your domain portfolio, transferring domain names or modifying DNS settings.

As a successful domainer, with a strong domain portfolio, you will have an almost intimate relationship with your domain registrar. So please choose your domain name registrar wisely.

Choose Wisely – Choose the best domain name registrar for you

When you buy, sell or develop domain names you are exposed to all kinds of different domain registrars. While most of them offer the same core services and functionality, their quality level, experience and product offering can vary. But even if you decide to register your domain names through multiple registrars, you will eventually come across, what you consider, a favourite domain registrar.

Choosing the right registrar can be difficult. Hundreds of qualified domain registrars are ‘out there’ asking for your business. However, asking for your business alone is not enough. When it comes to a registrar, you want to choose one that not only asks for your business but earns it too!

Here are some of the most important considerations to make when choosing a domain name registrar.Let’s start with the priority considerations that we call The Non Negotiables:

Non Negotiable Requirements in a Domain Registrar

• ICANN – Credentials. If you’re looking at a registrar and they are not ICANN accredited, walk away. ICANN means certified and when it comes to domain name ‘property’ certification is a must. Bottom line: When a registrar is ICANN accredited, you know it meets a certain level of standards.

• Reputation – A registrar with a bad reputation is a bad place to spend your money. This means that choosing a quality registrar will require you to eliminate ones with a poor service record or history of shadiness from consideration. If you have peers in the domaining world, ask for their opinions. An endorsement or negative review from a professional domainer or web developer can go a long way. Another way to learn about a registrars reputation is to check with the Better Business Bureau. Visit the BBB at www.bbb.org and see how each registrar measures up. If they are BBB accredited and they have a high rating, then they are less likely to scam you or offer poor service. If they are unknown to the BBB, then you might want to reconsider.

• Customer Support – It’s possible that the registrar you choose with will have terrible customer service. Don’t let that happen. Read and understand the service standards each registrar promises, search online for registrar reviews and ask other domainers in the community for their opinions. For the most personal touch ask your potential registrar about their services via an email or a pre-sales support ticket. The speed and quality of their response is often an excellent measure of the customer service you can expect.

• Security – Protecting your investment from thieves and scammers is important. Thankfully most of the larger domain registrars operate using the highest available security. If you consider going with a smaller or lesser known registrar, make sure you review their security standards, systems and track record. Before you risk losing personal information, money or an important domain name – ask the right questions!

The Want List

After you limit your considerations to include only registrars that meet your non negotiable standards, its time to look at your want list. The want list includes all the options that make your domaining experience easier and more fun. While they might be important to you, leaving them out shouldn’t be a deal breaker. Items such as a “pretty” GUI, available extended services, free extras and yes even price are included on our list of wants.

Comfort

Being comfortable in your workspace is important. Which is why you should try and find a registrar with a control panel and navigation system that you find easy to work with. Some domain registers have an awkward or cluttered control panel that can slow you down or make your navigation clumsy.

Here are few ways to find out if a registrars interface is right for you:

• Love at First Site – You can judge a registrar by its cover…or at least its front page. If you get a warm fuzzy feeling the first time you visit somedomainregistrar.com, then you can often expect the same reaction to their user interface. The opposite can be true as well. If you find the layout of a registrars home page cluttered or unattractive, then their systems might not be a good fit for you. Remember, a good registrar earns your business and a first impression can go a long way.

• Online Reviews – For most goods and services online reviews are very helpful but when it comes to registrar reviews available online, many of them are useless bullshit. Why? Because a multitude of registrar reviews are written through the lens of affiliate programs, Fanboys always try to push their favourite products or they’re just advertisements disguised as reviews. So how do you dig through all the garbage and find a real registrar review? You have to work for it! Search online to find credible sources such as large online publications, search web forums ( e.g. www.namepros.com), reach out to peers or respected websites and start asking important questions. Sometimes a little extra investigating can reveal affiliate or sponsor footprints. Bottom line: Unbiased registrar reviews exist but they can be hard to find.

• Test Drive – This might be the best way to get a real feel for a registrar. Once you find a registrar that you’re interested in, sign up for a membership and take it for a spin. Don’t register any domain names, just play around with their control panel, use their domain search and pretend to buy a domain name. If you register a new account, choose a domain name and go through their check out process, stopping before paying, you will get the best lesson possible – experience – at no cost.

• Word of Mouth – Yep, it still exists. The only catch is that you need to know someone who has bought a domain and has an understanding of the domain industry. Friends, business owners, your employer and especially online forums are all good sources for real opinions, recommendations and the genuine feedback.

Price

Price is always important when considering a purchase but when it comes to registering a domain name, it should never be the most important variable.With domain name registrars, sometimes the best price can come with the worst catch.

Before you jump at the cheapest price for domain names, consider the following:

• The Price of Customer Experience – You get what you pay for. That statements also applies to registering domain names. While there are plenty of affordable quality registrars, there are as many or more discount registrars that sacrifice their interface quality, security and customer service in exchange for lower prices.

• High Service Standards – The more expensive fish in the sea usually have the money available to meet or exceed their service guarantees. Examples include 24/7 support, guaranteed ‘up time’, excellent customer service and overall reliability. If you’re looking at a registrar that promises a lot, its wise to look at their pricing structure. If it seems like they’re giving away everything and promising the world, its probably too good to be true.

• Risk & Stability – For the difference of a few dollars you can protect your domain name or idea from the baggage that comes with a discount registrar. New or economy registrars come and go, so its wise to consider their operating time as well as their sales pitch. If a domain registrar has only been in business a short while, there is a greater chance they could fail. After all, an out of business registrar could cause you plenty of headaches.

Other Services & Extras

Other services offered by a domain registrar can often influence your decision. Especially if your plans go beyond registering and trading domain names.

If you have plans to develop or park your domain names, you might consider selecting a registrar that also offers domain hosting, parking and other web development services.

ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE: Some domainers and web developers prefer to keep their domain names registered at one location and host them at another. This can be strategy or just preference. One argument is this: If you have all your domains registered and hosted in the same place, what happens if that place goes out of business? That same logic is applied to the argument of spreading your domain portfolio amongst multiple registrars. We discuss this and more in our article How to Choose a Web Host.

• Discount Codes – Many online businesses offer coupon and discount codes, especially domain registrars. However, not all registrars offer promo codes and not all codes are worthwhile. It might not be a make or break factor in your decision but it is a feature worth looking into. Before you choose a registrar go ahead and check to see if they have coupon or discount codes readily available online.

• Domain Privacy – If you’re trading adult domain names, trying to keep your online and offline businesses separate or you just want to stay off the grid, using a privacy option for your domain names is a must! While you search for the right domain registrar, here is something else to consider: do they offer free private registration? If they don’t, how much will it cost you?

• Extension Variety – .com might be the most sought after domain extension but its still a small part of a bigger industry. If you are looking to work exclusively with one registrar, then you should review your plans. Do you want to build a strong domain portfolio? If so, you’ll need access to other extensions such as .net, .tv and country specific extensions such as Canada’s .ca. If you want to be flexible as a domainer and expand your portfolio, make sure your registrar(s) offer access to a variety of domain extensions.

A carefully chosen domain registrar should include everything from the non negotiable list and your most important wants from the want list. Take your time and consider what you need, what you want and what you’re going to do with it.

The Chosen One

So, did you choose wisely? Don’t worry if you didn’t. Buying and selling domain names is about trial and error. As a domainer you’re probably going to register a lot of domain names, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make mistakes and learn from them. If you choose a brutal registrar – its ok. You can try another one and another one and another one, until you get it right!

• GlassesFree.TV – Glasses free 3D tech is around the corner and its headed to your living room.
• 3DTVGlassesFree.com – Search engine traffic is already growing for this emerging technology.
• GlassesFree.info - Be the information source for glasses free 3D technology.
• GlassesFree.net – Another strong technology domain name. This is the future of 3D tech.
• GlassesFreeTV.com – This is the direction 3DTV is headed. Will you own this powerful .com?
• GlassesFreeTV.info – Someone needs to be 3D TV information expert. Is it you?
• GlassesFreeTV.net – 3D TV…buy this domain and be part of the revolution
• HiDefinition3D.com – 3D HDTV systems are out now. This tech is only going to get bigger!
• WhatSize3DTV.com -What size of 3D TV should you buy for your home? The world will be asking!
• WhatSizeTV.com – Optimal viewing requires the right size TV. Be the expert!

Make an offer on one of these domains or find more great names in my domain portfolio.

Hello World Domains is being redeveloped. I’m currently in the process of updating it to a completely new design. I very much like the original theme of HWD (especially the free part), however its time for a chance.

You’ve probably noticed a HUGE lack of content. The new theme I’m working with, as well as a time machine less time spent working on other projects, should change that.

Here are a few improvements you can expect to see sometime soon:

• A much better domain portfolio - complete with new domain names for sale
• A pretty, but simple, new logo for Hello World Domains
• Content, content, content – With more focus on the industry and how to get started as a domainer
• More outbound links to Domaining blogs, industry news and other cool shit

I’ve been very distracted by the 8 other websites I’ve been creating and since I’ve been teaching myself along the way, I have been busier than expected. I hope to shift a lot of that energy over to Hello World and domaining!

Thank you for your patience and please come back soon for a more beautiful Hello World Domains.

Hi There!

Hello World Domains is a domaining blog, a domain portfolio and a place to talk about domain names.  If you are looking to learn about domain trading, connect with other domainers or buy and sell domain names – you found the right place!

I created Hello World Domains because I want to develop long term relationships with likeminded Domainers, share my industry knowledge and showcase my domain names. With this web destination I hope to add a personalized approach to domain sales, provide a unique perspective on the industry and have fun doing it.

Buy Domain Names

Check out my domain portfolio, if you’re ready to get your business noticed by the world, buy a domain for resale or just grow your portfolio. When you’re ready, please make an offer.

Connect with Me

I’m a proud Canadian that is eager to network with Domainers across the globe. If you’re interest in working together on a projecting, buying or selling domains, offering / asking for advice or  even if you’re just looking to just say hi – please do!

You can also follow Hello World Domains on Twitter, right…here.