Domain Name Industry Glossary: ​​Key Terms Explained

Getting into the world of domain name investing can be both exciting and overwhelming. But don’t worry—knowing the right terminology is essential to getting started. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to improve your skills, understanding these important terms will give you a solid foundation for making informed decisions. From buying and selling domain names to assessing their potential value, each term plays a key role in your success. Let’s explore these terms to prepare for your domain name investing journey!

Aftermarket: An online platform where people buy, sell, or trade previously registered domain names.

Blacklisted domains: Domain names used for spam, malicious activity, or that violate the rules of the internet.

Branded domains: Unique and eye-catching domain names that can easily be turned into a brand or associated with a business.

Chinese market: A portion of the global domain name market focused on China, where there is a high demand for short and memorable domain names.

ccTLD, TLD, gTLD, ngTLD:

ccTLD: A domain name suffix for a specific country (e.g., .ai, .io, .ng).

TLD: Top-level domain, or the last part of a domain name (e.g., .com, .org).

gTLD: Generic top-level domain, which includes common top-level domains (e.g., .media, .agency).

ngTLD: Newer TLDs introduced after 2013 (e.g., .tech, .xyz).

Empty container domains: Domains without an existing brand or website, usually purchased and then developed. These domains can also be single-word domains that fit any industry.

Descriptive domains: Domains that clearly describe the business, product, or service they represent.

DN Journal: A website that tracks news, sales, and trends in the domain industry.

Domain appraisal scams: Fake services that offer high-priced appraisals to trick sellers into making bad sales.

Domain auctions: Platforms or events where domain names are sold to the highest bidder.

Domain blogs: Websites that share news, trends, and insights about the domain industry.

Domain brokers: Professionals who help buyers and sellers negotiate and trade domain names.

Domain squatters: Services that attempt to squat on domain names as soon as they expire and become available.

Domain Conferences: Events where domain industry experts gather to share ideas, trends, and knowledge.

Domain Hacks: Clever domains that combine words or phrases with TLDs (e.g., shoppi.ng, bo.at, gent.ly).

Domain Forums: Online communities where domain investors, sellers, and buyers discuss strategies, trends, and opportunities.

Domain Investors: Individuals or businesses that purchase domain names and hold on to them before reselling them for a profit.

Domain Lines: Source of news on domain name sales, trends, and the domain industry.

Domain Portfolio Management: The practice of managing a collection of domain names for investment or business.

Domain Renewal: The process of extending a domain registration before it expires.

Domain Sales Comparisons (Comps): Comparing similar domain sales to estimate a domain's value.

Domain Speculators: People who purchase domain names based on trends in the hope of reselling them later for a profit.

DotDB: A database that helps users search for available domain names using specific keywords or patterns.

Deleted Domains: Domain names that became available after the previous owner failed to renew them.

False Domain Sale Reports: False or misleading reports about domain name sales, often used to inflate prices.

Manual Registrations: Manually registering domain names, rather than purchasing pre-registered or auctioned domain names.

Legacy Domain Extensions: Older, established TLDs that have been around for years (e.g., .com, .net, .org).

LLLL Domains (Four-Letter .com Domains): Domain names with four letters, usually with a .com extension (e.g., abcd.com).

LNLN Domains (Letters, Numbers, Letters, Numbers): Domain name formats that alternate letters and numbers (e.g., a1b2.com).

LTO (Lease-to-Own): A model where the buyer leases a domain name and chooses to purchase it later.

Pigeon Shits: Slang for a list of low-quality domain names with little market value.

Premium Brands: High-quality, memorable domain names that are great for branding.

Trademarks: Legal protection for a brand, logo, or name that distinguishes a business’s products or services.

Popular Keywords: Popular search terms that, when used for domain names, can help attract traffic.

UDRP (Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy): A procedure for resolving domain name disputes, often involving trademark conflicts.

Whois Lookup: A service that allows you to check domain name registration details, including its owner and contact information.

Mastering these terms will help you succeed in the world of domain name investing. Understanding these terms will help you make informed decisions, discover valuable opportunities, and avoid costly mistakes. Start learning these key concepts today and follow the right steps to grow your investment over time.