Domain Talk

In 2026, the digital landscape has shifted from a visual-first to a voice-first economy, rendering the "visual-only brand" an endangered species. As AI agents and voice-activated commerce become the primary gatekeepers of web traffic, the traditional value of a domain has moved away from how it looks on a screen to its Phonetic Fluidity. By tracing the evolution of naming through the Descriptive, Vowel-Drop, and Abstract eras, it becomes clear that we have returned to a need for natural language, where brands like Otrivio represent the new gold standard because they pass the "Radio Test" with 1:1 phonetic accuracy. Ultimately, in an age where the screen is increasingly optional, ambiguity is a tax, and the most valuable digital real estate belongs to those whose names require no spelling, no clarification, and zero friction in a spoken world. Does yours...?

Posted: 21 Jan 2026

Once upon a time, when the internet was still in its infancy and countries were being designated their own unique website addresses known as a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) such as .us for the US, and .uk for the UK, a small Caribbean island of Anguilla, managed to land the address .ai. Unknown to anyone what .ai would become, in recent times, the .ai domain has grown into the digital hub for the global artificial intelligence revolution, driving a modern-day gold rush in the digital landscape. For startups, entrepreneurs, domain investors, and domain flippers alike, the question is simple and ultimately the same. Why are .ai domains so expensive compared to other domains, and are they worth it?

Posted: 19 Dec 2025

The term "web3" was first coined in 2014 by Gavin Wood, co-founder of Ethereum, to describe a decentralised online ecosystem based on blockchain technology. Since then, it seems to have become a media catch-all for concepts like crypto, NFTs, and the supposed "next generation of web ownership." Despite dominating headlines, web3, or Web 3.0, has failed to meet the revolutionary expectations once set for transforming the internet. In this third and final installment of his series, John Henkel examines the claims of blockchain supporters to determine if Web3 domains truly offer a viable alternative to traditional domain registration or are simply an illusion that supersedes their purported technology and innovation.

Posted: 01 Dec 2025

Web 3.0 is a prominent, yet overused term that is associated with a decentralised, blockchain-based internet. In this "utopian" and revolutionary virtual world, domain names, or Web 3.0 domains, are marketed as a permanent, censorship-resistant alternative to traditional domain systems, offering ownership without annual renewals. The truth, however, is far less convincing, including issues of compatibility with the existing Domain Name System (DNS). In this second part of his three-part series focused upon Web 3.0, John Henkel examines the underlying problems of these new domains, taking a closer look at what makes a blockchain-domain different, and why these problems are more serious than promoters of Web 3.0 care to explain.

Posted: 18 Nov 2025

In the beginning, Web 3.0 promised revolution with cryptocurrency and financial independence from the banking system. Then came a new, and smarter way for artists and creatives to finally get the revenues they deserved from their work through Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). Now, Web 3.0 has turned it's attention towards the very infrastructure of the internet itself and how we find products, services, companies, and sites online: through web domains. In this first, of a three-part series, John Henkel, takes an in-depth look at blockchain domains to see how they differ from those of traditional registrars, and asks the question, can you, or anyone else really ever own a Web 3.0 domain?

Posted: 06 Nov 2025

Owning a domain name is more than a digital claim, it's a real investment with the potential to earn steady income. In this article, we explore the most effective domain monetisation strategies, from parking and affiliate marketing to leasing and content development. Each method offers a different path to turn your portfolio into a sustainable revenue stream while increasing the long-term value of your digital assets. So, whether you own one domain or hundreds, the opportunities to generate ongoing value are right at your fingertips, and shouldn't be missed.

Posted: 29 Oct 2025

In the fast-moving world of domain acquisitions, hesitation can be costly. Waiting too long to secure a desired domain name can lead to disappointment, higher resale prices, or the loss of an ideal digital identity altogether. Through real-world examples of missed opportunities that include startups who delayed a purchase only to see their preferred domain snapped up, readers gain insight into the importance of acting decisively when a strong, suitable brand name becomes available for their needs.

Posted: 14 Oct 2025

Expired domains sound like leftovers, but in reality they're one of the most competitive and rewarding parts of the internet economy. Every day, thousands of names slip through the cracks and become available again, and for the right buyer that's where the opportunity begins. The big question everyone asks is simple: where do you actually buy expired domains, and how do you know if you're getting value? The truth is, there's no single answer. Expired domains aren't about buying cheap. They're about buying right. And that's what separates lucky breaks from sustainable wins.

Posted: 18 Sep 2025

Lease-to-Buy is a practical solution for startups and small businesses struggling to afford the full upfront cost of premium domain ownership, but who don't want to settle for anything less than the perfect name. Like leasing a car with a buyout option, lease-to-buy domain agreements offer flexibility, lower the barrier to entry, and create a win-win for both sides. Of course, it comes with considerations and contracts need to be clear, for both buyer and seller who should be aligned on expectations. That said, when done right, lease-to-buy is possibly one of the smartest ways to build a modern brand without breaking the bank, and here's why.

Posted: 12 Sep 2025

When it comes to figuring out what a domain is worth, it's often a question of how short, memorable, and relevant it is. Single word names that are simple, and phrases that are catchy almost always tend to stand out because they're easy to type, share, and remember. But what other factors play a part in determining a domain's worth? How can you be sure of its value, or if it will appeal to someone who sees the potential in building upon it, and what can you can do to help influence their decision?

Posted: 04 Sep 2025