Domain Name Wire Podcast

This week, the host dives into fascinating insights from their domain sales through mid-October. With 27 sales so far, they unpack where and how these domains were sold, revealing tactics like outbound emails that led to a surprising $4,000 deal. New developments in domain marketplaces, including GoDaddy’s premium listings and SnapNames' fresh pricing model, are discussed. The complexities of recent legal disputes over high-value domains also spark intrigue. Plus, get a glimpse into the blend of strategies that drive their diverse sales!

Robbie Birkner, CEO North America for OpusDNS, brings 25 years of domain industry expertise to the discussion. He argues for the urgent need for a new reseller platform to address technical limitations existing players face. Birkner unveils OpusDNS's innovative AI concierge designed to ease migration pain for users. He delves into why agencies and domain investors benefit from reseller platforms, highlighting features like volume discounts and API access. With an emphasis on superior support and a human touch, OpusDNS aims to change the game for domain resellers.

Ben Crawford, CEO of Com Laude and veteran of the domain industry, dives into the company's recent acquisitions, including FairWinds Partners. He shares insights on Com Laude's role as a corporate registrar and its focus on brand protection. Crawford emphasizes the renewed value of dot-brands and how they can enhance security while offering feasibility studies to brands. He also discusses the strategic rationale behind acquiring MarkMonitor and reassures clients about maintaining service quality amid ownership changes. Expect more acquisitions as Com Laude continues its expansion!

David Ciccarelli, a serial entrepreneur and the mind behind Lake.com, dives into the immense value of a great domain. He shares how acquiring Lake.com for over a million dollars transformed his vacation rental business. Listeners learn about the significance of a category-defining domain, negotiation strategies for high-value deals, and the power of branding. David also discusses innovative features like AI-powered searches and a commission model focused on shared success, showcasing how he's redefining the rental landscape.

James Beck, Head of Growth at ENS Labs, dives into the fascinating world of Ethereum Name Service. He explores the evolution of the .eth domain, detailing its utility for wallets, apps, and payments. James explains ENS's governance by a DAO and its funding model. The conversation highlights crucial topics like privacy, digital identity, and the integration of registries with ENS. Listeners will discover the implications of name collisions and the importance of traditional DNS integration for blockchain naming projects.

Michael Rader, a seasoned domain investor and founder of BrandRoot, shares his journey from a DMV employee to a successful brandable domains entrepreneur. He reveals his recent surge in registering nearly 2,000 domains and reflects on the emotional ties to his portfolio. Listeners learn about the evolution of BrandRoot, its sale, and how insights on market trends shape strategic decisions. Rader also introduces tools that streamline domain research, turning laborious tasks into swift processes while discussing effective pricing strategies and transitioning into full-time investing.

Maria Cypher and Laurel Sutton, co-founders of the successful naming agency Catchword, discuss their journey from branding giants like VW and Upwork to the world of domain investing. They dive into the importance of crafting evocative names and the impact of intentional misspellings. The duo shares insights on domain registration strategies and the critical link between brand identity and online presence. They also reflect on a UDRP dispute, offering valuable lessons in ethical domain negotiations.

Leah Smith, an Assistant Professor at the Walton College of Business, dives into the intriguing world of misspelled brand names. She discusses how these typos can influence consumer perceptions and decision-making. The podcast reveals why some misspellings detrimentally impact brand image and explores creative spelling as a unique branding strategy. Smith also highlights research showing that certain misspelled names can both confuse and attract consumers, emphasizing the fine line brands walk between creativity and clarity.

Mike Cyger, a domain investor and entrepreneur, introduces Nerve.io, an innovative project designed to simplify domain management with advanced API access. He tackles common frustrations with registrar APIs and discusses how Nerve can revolutionize portfolio management and application development. The conversation also delves into transparent pricing strategies, navigating domain valuations, and the importance of humor in community engagement. Insights into domain verification complexities and new tools for valuing domains further enrich this engaging discussion.

In this engaging discussion, Todd Hahn, CEO and founder of Dynadot, shares insights from his rapidly growing domain name registrar. He reveals new initiatives aimed at showcasing aftermarket domains to end users, including the innovative NameClub project. The conversation dives into the complexities of auction management and the rising trend of tokenizing domain names with blockchain tech. Todd also highlights the vibrant Chinese domain market, spurred by increased Alipay transactions, shedding light on emerging TLD trends and investor interests.