Latest news with #domainname
Fox News
26-05-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Smart parents can secure their child's digital identity — before someone else does
Digital parenting: Why you should reserve a domain name for your new baby We live in a world where your name online matters almost as much as your name on a birth certificate. And while it might sound like something only Silicon Valley types would do, buying a domain name and reserving social media handles for your newborn isn't some far-fetched tech trend—it's potentially a smart, proactive move for parents who care about protecting their kids' futures. Not the typical advice you'd get from a financial expert. Think ahead, like you do with a college fund If you're already putting away money for your child's education, teaching them the value of hard work, and raising them with good values, why not also secure their digital future? For $10 to $20 a year, you can purchase a domain like or that will be increasingly difficult (if not impossible) to get by the time they're adults. Just think about how hard it is to reserve a 3-letter, 4-letter, or even 5-letter domain name. It's the digital version of buying land before a new highway goes into your neighborhood. I've done this for all my kids. I didn't do it to make them TikTok stars. I did it because, as a financial expert and a parent, I know the power of being prepared. Whether they want to start a business one day, use it for their resume, or simply create a clean professional online profile, they'll already have the blank canvas ready to go. Don't let Big Tech or strangers own your kid's name Here's the truth that most people don't think about: if you don't reserve your child's digital name, someone else will. Does anyone remember the Brooklyn Nets and the story of When it comes to domain names, it might be a stranger, a spammer, or a foreign domain squatter. And once it's taken, good luck getting it back. We've already handed over too much of our personal data to Big Tech. This is a chance to take some control back. By locking down your child's domain and social media handles early, you're not just making a smart move—you're protecting your family. This isn't about oversharing Let me be crystal clear: I'm not suggesting you create a baby influencer account and post every milestone online. We could use less of that. Quite the opposite. You don't need to publish a single photo or make anything public. Just reserve the space. Keep it private. Hold onto it until your child is old enough to decide for themselves what they want to do with it. That's called responsible parenting. Protect their privacy, secure their future Critics will say, "let kids be kids." But protecting them doesn't stop at locking your doors or watching who they talk to at school—it extends to the digital world, too. Reserving their online name is a way to give your child more freedom and flexibility later. You're not forcing anything on them—you're giving them options. The same way you teach them to drive safely or manage a budget, you're teaching them to be smart about their online presence. How to do it right If you're ready to take action, here's what I recommend: Final thoughts As a dad and someone who's helped thousands of wealthy families with financial matters, it's just common sense to be thinking long-term. This isn't about hype—it's about being prepared. In today's world, securing your child's digital name is just as smart as setting up a college savings account or teaching them how to build good credit. For a few bucks a year, you can give your child something of real value: ownership of their own name, online and off. That's what I call good parenting.
Entrepreneur
07-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
A Great Domain Name Can Add Millions to Your Business — Here's How to Get One (Even If It's Already Taken)
Having a relevant domain name greatly increases the business's credibility, boosts SEO and makes it super easy for potential customers to find the business. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Your domain name does more than just direct people to your website — it's your digital first impression. It builds credibility, boosts search visibility and often becomes one of your strongest brand assets. Let me show you what that looks like in the real world. One of my clients runs a $1 million e-commerce business. For years, they operated under a decent—but—forgettable domain. After a long negotiation, they bought the for $150,000. Within a year, traffic rose 32%, conversions jumped 18% and revenue increased by nearly $300,000. That single domain upgrade paid for itself. In my own case, I've spent over $1 million on a domain. It wasn't vanity — it was strategy. That investment returned many multiples in brand equity, inbound traffic and authority. If you're serious about building a business, you need to treat your domain like an asset, not an afterthought. And if the name you want is already taken? There's a playbook for that. Related: 8 Elements to Consider When Picking Your Domain Name Step 1: Figure out who owns it Start with a WHOIS lookup using tools like ICANN Lookup or DomainTools. If it's public, you'll see the owner's info. If it's private, you'll often still be able to contact them through domain marketplaces or a broker. Next, visit the domain: If it's an active business site : Expect a tougher negotiation. : Expect a tougher negotiation. If it's parked or covered in ads : It's likely for sale. : It's likely for sale. If it redirects somewhere else: That signals strategic value—possibly for branding or SEO. Also, check for trademarks via USPTO or WIPO. Legal issues can derail even the best plans. Step 2: Estimate the value Domain prices vary wildly. Here's what impacts value most: Top-level domain (TLD) : .com reigns supreme. : .com reigns supreme. Keyword relevance : Exact matches in competitive industries drive up price. : Exact matches in competitive industries drive up price. Age : Older domains often carry SEO authority. : Older domains often carry SEO authority. Traffic/backlinks: Existing links or organic traffic make a domain more valuable. Use tools like GoDaddy Appraisal, EstiBot, and NameBio for comps — but remember they're estimates. Real sales data is better. Step 3: Reach out the right way Keep your first message short and low-pressure: Hi [Name], I'm interested in acquiring [ Would you be open to discussing a potential sale? Best, [Your Name] Avoid overselling your business or explaining why you want it — that just raises the price. If you don't hear back, follow up in a week. Many domain owners simply miss your first email or filter unknown senders as spam. Related: Do's and Don'ts of Securing a Domain Name Step 4: Negotiate smart Start below market, but not insultingly low. If a domain's value is around $10,000, consider opening with $3K–$4K. Justify your offer with comparable sales or industry trends. If the seller's number is high, explore options: Installments : Many owners are fine with payment plans. : Many owners are fine with payment plans. Bundle : Ask if they own related domains you can purchase together. : Ask if they own related domains you can purchase together. Quick-close bonus: A small extra for faster transfer often sweetens the deal. Step 5: Use a broker (when it makes sense) If negotiations stall — or if the asking price is way outside your comfort zone — a broker can help. A good broker keeps your identity anonymous, knows how to value domains, and often gets better pricing. They'll usually take a 10–20% cut, so weigh that against the time and effort you'd otherwise spend. Step 6: Lock it down safely Once you agree on a price, use a trusted escrow service like They hold the funds until the domain is transferred to your registrar and in your name. Verify the transfer is complete via WHOIS or your registrar dashboard before releasing payment. What if it's not for sale? If the owner won't sell, you're not out of options: Set alerts on marketplaces like GoDaddy Auctions. on marketplaces like GoDaddy Auctions. Watch for expiration — some domains drop when owners forget to renew. — some domains drop when owners forget to renew. Try alternate extensions (.co, .io, etc.), but use with caution — especially if the .com is actively used. (.co, .io, etc.), but use with caution — especially if the .com is actively used. Rebrand creatively. Some of the strongest brands out there weren't obvious choices at first. Final thoughts Buying a domain — especially one that's taken — takes persistence, research and sometimes a chunk of cash. But when done right, it's one of the smartest long-term brand investments you can make. I've bought domains for $2,000 and $1 million. In both cases, the return came from one thing: business impact. Your domain isn't just a URL. It's your first impression, your brand foundation and a 24/7 trust signal. Make it count.
