I’m serious about staying out of domaining right now. There are already more than enough people flipping domains, myself included. Coming up with catchy or brandable names isn’t tough if you do it often. The real hurdle comes when it’s time to actually sell them. I’ve seen far more people lose money than make any real profit. Most of us, me included, just about break even after paying for renewals and fees.
After twenty years in this, I still enjoy it, maybe too much. It can get addictive, but that’s only fun if you’re actually making money. These days, I have to work extra just to avoid dipping into my pocket. Honestly, I’d probably be happier going for a walk or catching up on a good show. If you’re not sure about domaining, it might be better to leave it alone for now. Building a website or two feels like a smarter use of your time and might even bring better returns.
Right now, I’m figuring out how many domains I need to sell every month just to break even. In domain investing, time usually works against you. Finding a unique, brandable name isn’t the real issue. You can spot names that sound great, but will anyone pay strong money for them? That’s the real question. Every domain feels special, but rare doesn’t always mean valuable. Think of art: a rare painting might not be worth anything unless it’s by someone well-known. Even then, a simple painting isn’t always prized. It’s the same with domains. Most are almost like duplicates or nobody cares about them.
I’ll give you a quick example: makeanebook.com is listed for $350, but there are dozens of similar options available. If I’m being honest, I’d rather focus my energy on writing or creating things than on holding out for the perfect buyer. I do keep an eye out for domains like that, since there’s still some value, just not the large payday people hope to hit. You never really know if a domain will sell or sit there for years.
Another thing making this business harder is that the main domain forums have gotten expensive. They aren’t what they used to be. I lost track of all the fees—those places were free not long ago. It’s almost funny how much things have changed. I’m hoping thesiteforum.com will give people a fairer option, but starting a new forum is tough. I’m already juggling enough as it is. If you’re thinking about domaining, weigh the risks carefully and consider if your time might be better spent building something of your own.
