Domain Name Hacks

Traditional domain names consist of a word or phrase that describes a website followed by an extension.  Extensions can be .com, .net or country-based such as .fr or .jp.  So, if this is the case, how can domain names like blo.gs or del.icio.us exist?  It's because a domain name doesn't have to follow a traditional format.  When it is created in the manner demonstrated above, it is called a domain name hack.  With a domain name hack, a domain name spells out a 'word' by using a combination of periods and less popular country-based or state-based extensions.

Now, if you think a domain name hack is a simply a trick created by spammers and/or webmasters with no life, think again.  Yahoo obtained the rights to both blo.gs and del.icio.us, despite their unusual-looking format.  There are also popular organizations that are actually known by domain name hacks.  Examples include who.is, (a site that lets a webmaster know the specifics behind a domain name and their associated website), and whocalled.us, (a site that allows consumers to list the numbers of telemarketers).  Even other countries use domain name hacks in their own languages.  Consider Germany's popular Schokola.de, (which means chocolate in English).

So, does this mean webmasters should consider using domain name hacks?  The answer is it depends.  It is important to remember that while domain name hacks are witty, many of them can be inconvenient for web surfers.  Some may even wonder if the site is legitimate, since the most common extensions are .com, .net, .org and .biz.   However, since there are domain name hacks that still receive a healthy amount of traffic, it is possible that website visitors might overlook how a domain name hack is titled if the site it is pointing to proves to be worthwhile.  There is also the option of having a second more normal-looking domain name point to a domain name hack.  This gives website visitors two ways of being able to access one's website.

How can a person think of a good domain name hack?  First, they need to get a list of all the extensions that are possible with a domain name.  They then need to find a domain name company that sells  the extension they are looking for.  Then they will need to think of any word or phrase that includes the letters used in the extension.  But they will need to make sure these letters are at the end of the word, since extensions conclude a domain name.  An exception could be made if a person considers using third-level domains.  In this situation the letters of the extension could be used in the middle of the domain name hack.

If a webmaster finds they are having trouble thinking of a word or phrase that contains their selected extension, they could use a keyword analyser to help them.  Overture and Google offer keyword analysers for free, though webmasters might find more use from paid keyword analyzers.  This is because paid keyword analysers offer more information about a keyword than free ones.

Cybersquatting and Your Domain Name

When it comes to domain names, don't think that you only need to worry about the ones that you registered.  This is because with the phenomenon of cyber squatting, domain names that are similar to your company's trademark could be registered to unscrupulous webmasters, intending to use them in bad faith.  What happens is once the cyber squatter has gotten sales or AdSense clicks from their domain name, they will try to sell it to the original entity holding the trademark.  When things get to this point, the price is significantly higher, sometimes even thousands of dollars.  This is despite the fact that the individual or organization buying the domain name originally had the rights to it in the first place.

So, how does a company protect themselves from cyber squatting?  Well, first they need to be aware of whether or not domain names related to their trademark are being registered and used in bad faith.  The best way to do this is to sign up for Google Alerts.  This is a service that allows individuals or organizations to track any websites, comments, articles, etc. that are being made about their website or brand.

If they receive an alert that shows a domain name that is similar to their trademark, they could be dealing with a potential cyber squatter.  The keyword of course is 'potential.'  The person may not have any intention on selling the domain name back, though they are still using it in an illegal manner.

Either way, website owners can exercise their right to an arbitration proceeding if they found their trademark has been used in bad faith.  The type of arbitration proceeding that is the most common for domain name disputes is called Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy.  This process can allow disputes to be settled out of court through an ICANN-approved UDRP provider.  The decisions made through the UDRP panel are legally binding, though they can be challenged in a traditional courtroom if either party thinks things are unfair.

Another way companies can avoid cyber squatting is by trying as best they can to register any domain names relating to their trademark.  This would include obvious derivatives where their whole trademark is included, as well as more creative derivatives where only a part of the trademark is used.  If a company finds they are having difficulties coming up with different domain name combinations on their own, they can use a domain name generator.  They should use both automated domain name generators as well as those in which a human comes up with the different combinations. In either case they need to think of combinations for all types of extensions, even free ones such as .tk or .co.nr.

In conclusion, no one should have to succumb to a cyber-squatter.  Too much money and work goes into building a brand to have to spend thousands to a shady webmaster.  Instead, website owners should be aware of how their trademark is being used.  If there is a problem they can consider a UDRP proceeding.  In the meantime they need to try to get as many domain names containing their trademark as possible, so cyber squatters won't have an opportunity to do their dirty work.

Free Domain Names

  Without a domain name, a person does not have a suitable way to find a website.  The only problem is domain names cost money.  Granted, if a person is operating one or two sites, the cost of a domain name, (which ranges from $1.00 to $35), probably isn't too steep.  However, what if one is an avid marketer, making profit from hundreds of sites?  Even the minimum in domain name fees can add up.  This is why Internet marketing gurus might want to consider signing up for free domain names.  Three types of free domain name exist: third level domain names, first level domain names with lesser used extensions and first level domain names with traditional extensions.

  The first type of free domain name is known as a third level domain name.  This is a domain name that is commonly distributed by free web hosting companies or affiliate programs.  Yet, there is a downside to this type of domain name.  This downside involves the first level domain name, (usually the company's name), having to be a part of the third level domain name.  For example, consider a website created with Geocities.

  If a webmaster chooses 'web hosting' as their third level domain name, the following would be the syntax: Geocities.com/web hosting.  Such a domain name is not very convenient for potential visitors, so webmasters may want to consider redirecting these types of URLs to other versions of free domain names.

  The second type of free domain name is a first level domain name that contains an extension that is not as popular in the Internet world.  Examples are the types of free domain names offered by Dot.tk or Free Domain.co.  The extensions offered from these companies are .tk and .co.nr, respectively.  These are far from a .com or a .net, but they are not as cumbersome to use as a third level domain name.  The main key is going to be making sure the initial domain name is short and easy to remember, so potential visitors won't be as offset by the unusual extension.

  Finally, there are free domain names with extensions that are more commonly used such as .com or .org.  To find these a person has to do some sleuthing.  Sometimes individuals will offer them for free, since they were about to expire anyway.  A person can try to find these situations through message boards dedicated to webmasters.  Other times companies will offer these types of free domain names because they are getting free ad space.  What happens is every time the free domain name is used, a pop-up ad will show up on the person's website.  This is how the free domain name company gets their revenue.  In conclusion, free domain names can be an excellent alternative for someone needing domains for several websites.  The best ones are those in which a person can get a first level domain, though  a third level domain name is better than nothing.  To sign up for a free domain name, one can search for free domain name companies on the Internet.