Join Alan Shiflett, Senior Director of Domain Investor Product at GoDaddy, as he unveils the new self-brokering feature on Afternic. Discover how this initiative gives domain investors greater control and insights into buyer interactions. Alan discusses the Domain Discount Club's benefits and highlights the challenges of user experience during transactions. He also delves into innovative AI integrations that enhance communication in domain management and the steps taken to ensure a smooth self-brokerage experience. Tune in for insider tips on navigating the evolving domain landscape!
The self-brokering feature on Afternic empowers domain investors by giving them direct control over negotiations, fostering stronger buyer relationships.
GoDaddy's ongoing integration of AI tools aims to enhance domain management efficiency and improve user experience through automated processes.
Deep dives
Self-Brokering Benefits at GoDaddy
The self-brokering feature on GoDaddy's AfterNik platform allows domain investors to have greater control over their sales, enabling them to manage leads directly rather than relying solely on brokers. This approach appeals particularly to experienced sellers who prefer to negotiate prices and strengthen relationships with potential buyers. By implementing self-brokering, GoDaddy aims to cater to sellers who might feel restricted by traditional brokerage methods. The requirement of a premium Domain Discount Club membership ensures that only seasoned investors utilize this feature, thereby maintaining professionalism and accountability in transactions.
AI Integration in Domain Sales
GoDaddy is actively experimenting with AI tools to enhance the efficiency of its aftermarket services. Current experiments include providing recommended pricing for domain names and employing chatbots for answering questions related to domain value, which can improve the buyer's experience. Future plans involve integrating AI further into the negotiation process, potentially shaping how sellers interact with buyers and making transactions smoother. This technological advancement aligns with GoDaddy's broader objective to automate many manual processes involved in domain management.
Reduction of Shill Bidding
To combat shill bidding within its auction platform, GoDaddy has implemented ID verification and other backend improvements, resulting in a significant reduction of over 90% in identified shill bidding cases. This change aims to restore trust and integrity to the auction environment, which had been compromised by malicious practices. By taking proactive measures to clean up the bidding process, GoDaddy is focused on enhancing user experience and fostering a fair marketplace for legitimate domain investors. These initiatives reflect ongoing efforts to address fraudulent activities and ensure a level playing field for all participants.
Iterative Improvements to Self-Serve Features
GoDaddy has launched self-serve features allowing domain owners to resolve issues related to pending review and fast transfer more efficiently. This initiative has led to a notable decrease in support tickets, indicating that users appreciate the ability to manage their listings without waiting for assistance. The iterative process of releasing features as minimum viable products enables quick adjustments based on user feedback, ensuring that enhancements align with user needs. By continually refining these tools, GoDaddy aims to streamline the selling experience and minimize friction for domain investors.
A basic version of self-brokering comes to Afternic. Afternic launched a basic self-brokering option last week. On today’s show, GoDaddy Sr. Director of Domain Investor Product Alan Shiflett joins us to talk about self-brokering. He discusses the company’s iterative approach to launching this feature (and others). We also discuss how the company is experimenting with […]