A domain name is a human-readable and memorable string of characters that identifies a website on the internet. A domain acts as an address for a website and allows users to access the site by simply typing the domain URL into their web browser.
The concept of domain names started in the 1980s, as the Internet was rapidly growing and becoming more accessible to the general public. At the time, most websites were identified by their IP addresses, which were long strings of numbers that were difficult for people to remember. To make the Internet more user-friendly, the domain name system (DNS) was created to map domain names to IP addresses, allowing users to access websites using human-readable and memorable names.
When was the First Domain Name Registered?
The first domain name ever registered was “symbolics.com” on March 15, 1985. This name was registered by the computer manufacturer Symbolics, Inc., which was one of the first companies to sell computers specifically designed for use on the Internet.
Since the registration of the first domain name, the number of registered domain names has grown exponentially, and today there are over 330 million registered domain names in use around the world. The popularity of the domain has made them an important tool for businesses, organizations, and individuals looking to establish an online presence.
Who Manages The Domain System?
The domain name system (DNS) is managed by a network of servers and registrars around the world and is governed by a number of organizations, including the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which is responsible for coordinating the assignment of IP addresses and domain names.
Overall, domains have played a critical role in making the Internet more accessible and user-friendly, and continue to be an important tool for establishing an online presence in the modern world.
What is the After Market?
The domain aftermarket refers to the buying and selling of already registered domain names that are not currently in use. The domain aftermarket is similar to a stock market, where domains are bought and sold just like stocks.
The domain aftermarket provides a platform for individuals and businesses to buy and sell valuable names. The value of a name is determined by its perceived worth, which is based on factors such as the length of the domain name, the popularity of the keywords used in the domain name, and the perceived demand for the name.
List of Some Domain After Market and Platforms
There are several marketplaces and platforms that specialize in the domain aftermarket, including:
- GoDaddy Auctions: GoDaddy Auctions is one of the largest domain aftermarket platforms, offering a wide variety of domain names for sale.
- NameJet: NameJet is a popular domain aftermarket platform that provides a marketplace for buying and selling expired and deleted domain names.
- Sedo: Sedo is a leading domain aftermarket platform, offering a large selection of premium domain names for sale.
- Flippa: Flippa is a popular domain aftermarket platform that specializes in the sale of websites and domain names.
- DomainMarket: DomainMarket is another popular domain aftermarket platform that specializes in the sale of premium domain names.
In the domain aftermarket, the price of a name can range from a few dollars to hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, depending on its perceived value. Some of the most valuable domain names ever sold include LasVegas.com, which sold for $90 million, and VacationRentals.com, which sold for $35 million.
Here are some examples of high-value names that have sold on the aftermarket:
LasVegas.com: Sold for $90 million in 2005.
VacationRentals.com: Sold for $35 million in 2007.
PrivateJet.com: Sold for $30.1 million in 2012.
Insure.com: Sold for $16 million in 2009.
Sex.com: Sold for $13 million in 2010.
Fund.com: Sold for $9.99 million in 2008.
Porn.com: Sold for $9.5 million in 2007.
Diamond.com: Sold for $7.5 million in 2006.
Beer.com: Sold for $7 million in 2004.
Slots.com: Sold for $5.5 million in 2010.
These sales demonstrate the high value that some domains can command on the aftermarket, and underscore the importance of carefully choosing and registering a domain that accurately reflects your brand and will be memorable to your target audience.
The domain aftermarket provides a unique opportunity for businesses and individuals to invest in valuable domains and leverage them for their online presence. Whether you’re looking to buy a domain for your business, or sell a valuable domain for profit, the domain aftermarket is a vibrant and dynamic marketplace worth exploring.
How you can start your career in the After Market?
If you’re interested in starting a career in the domain aftermarket, here are some steps you can take to get started:
- Research the market: Study the domain aftermarket to understand how it works, the value of different types of domain names, and the current trends and demand for specific types of domains.
- Build your knowledge: Read articles, blogs, and books about domain names, including information about domain registration, transfer, and sales.
- Register domain names: Start registering domain names that you believe have value and could be in demand in the future. You can register domain names through a domain registrar such as GoDaddy or Namecheap.
- Build a portfolio: Build a portfolio of domain names that you believe have value and could be in demand in the future. This portfolio should include a mix of short, memorable domain names, as well as more niche or targeted domains.
- Network with others in the industry: Attend industry events, join online forums and social media groups, and connect with other domain investors and brokers to build your network and learn from others in the industry.
- Monitor the market: Stay informed about the latest trends and changes in the domain aftermarket, and monitor your portfolio regularly to identify potential opportunities for selling or acquiring new domains.
- Market your domains: Create a professional website to showcase your portfolio of domain names and market them to potential buyers. You can also list your domains on domain aftermarket platforms, such as GoDaddy Auctions or NameJet, to reach a wider audience.
By following these steps, you can build a successful career in the domain aftermarket and help others establish their online presence through the acquisition of valuable and memorable domain names.
Some Learning Websites Where you can get more Knowledge
There are several websites and resources you can use to learn about the domain aftermarket and build your knowledge and skills in this field:
- DomainNameWire.com: A popular blog covering the latest news, trends, and insights in the domain name industry.
- DNJournal.com: A leading source for news and information about the domain aftermarket, including sales data and analysis.
- NamePros.com: An online forum where domain investors and brokers can connect, share knowledge, and discuss industry trends.
- DomainSherpa.com: A blog and podcast that provides expert interviews and insights on domain investing and the aftermarket.
- DomainNameNews.com: A resource for news and analysis about the domain name industry, including information about the aftermarket.
- DomainInvesting.com: A blog and resource center dedicated to providing information and education about the domain aftermarket and domain investing.
- TLDInvestors.com: A forum and community for investors and enthusiasts of top-level domains (TLDs) such as .com, .net, and .org.
These websites and resources can provide you with a wealth of information and insights about the domain aftermarket and help you build your knowledge and skills in this field. Additionally, you can attend industry events, such as the Domainfest conference, to network with other professionals and learn from experts in the industry.