Domain Investing

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

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

Cybersquatting is when someone registers, uses, or sells a domain name with the intent of profiting from someone else's trademark or brand name. The idea is usually to take advantage of the reputation or recognition of a company or individual by owning a domain that looks like it's associated with them, even though it's not.

Posted: 14 Jul 2025

At first glance, domain investing might seem straightforward, after all, you buy a domain in the hope of selling it for more. But succeeding in this space takes more than just luck. It requires a solid understanding of market trends, careful research, good timing, and a sharp sense of which names will hold long-term value.

Posted: 30 Jun 2025

The widespread use of automated AI domain appraisal tools has created a culture of overpriced domains that domain owners rarely sell and domain buyers are unwilling to pay for. As a domain investor, how can you increase the chance of discovering undervalued domains and unlock assets that others simply overlook?

Posted: 26 Jun 2025