I'm not going to get into the broader issues of domaining etc (that can be done in other threads) but I will respond to your queries and comments re Netfleet.
When we started Netfleet, the volume of domains listed rose pretty quickly. It became apparent to us that we needed an efficient system to help people find what they are looking for.
We did the obvious things - categorised domains for 'easy' browsing and created an advanced search function.
However it was also evident that some listings would, in general, be more attractive to our visitors than others. These are often from sellers who are more motivated (realistic).
We had already devised a valuation algorithm (with over 20 calculations from 13 different variables!!) so we decided to (in Google fashion) create another algorithm for establishing the quality of the actual domain listing itself. Then using that metric we could push the 'better' listings to the top of the search results and give our visitors a better user experience (and help our more realistic sellers and the site overall get more sales)
So we created Quality Index. A measure of the listing's quality, not the domain itself. ReallyCrappyDomain.com.au could have a better QI than Realestate.com.au.
Quality index takes into account:
Whether the lister has gone to the effort of putting in a target price
If so how close is that target price to our internal valuation
Has the lister put in a low starting price to encourage bidding
If so, how low is that starting price relative to our valuation
How many views has the listing had (if for whatever reason a listing is getting heaps of views, we must imagine it's a good listing)
Has the domain had an offer
If so how many offers has it had
Then there are a few other things as well that I'll keep under my hat
NOTE - a domain is not automatically penalised in the valuation (certainly not the listing) if it has numerals in it.
It is, as you say a bit of a chicken and egg scenario. The more views, the more offers, the more of both of those the higher QI and therefore the more views etc... But then again, so is the Google algo. It's easier to acquire backlinks for a high PR well ranked site than a brand new unranksed site for example.
There are methods to get a headstart though things such as placing a link on the site itself to the listing. Not only will it tell visitors your domain may be for sale but it will greatly increase the views on that listing which will increase it's QI on Netfleet and therefore its site exposure.
You can also buy your way to a good start through our Premium Listings options
But in general if you follow above, and your domains are half decent, over time you'll make progress and the listing will find it's rightful spot in the rankings.
Also, please be aware that we aren't just sitting on our hands waiting for the money to come rolling in. Much of my time and Mark's time has been marketing Netfleet (moreso the domaining industry) to end-users.
For every dollar we've made on the aftermarket (through people buying credits), we've committed $10 into promoting the site and I don't think anyone's spent as much time or money on press releases, email campaigns, social media marketing etc etc on this than us (in Australia anyway!).
Anyway I hope that gives you a better idea of how the system works It's not perfect and we have a huge list of improvements to work on but we are trying and are always open to suggestions (such as the great feedback we've had on this forum)
When we started Netfleet, the volume of domains listed rose pretty quickly. It became apparent to us that we needed an efficient system to help people find what they are looking for.
We did the obvious things - categorised domains for 'easy' browsing and created an advanced search function.
However it was also evident that some listings would, in general, be more attractive to our visitors than others. These are often from sellers who are more motivated (realistic).
We had already devised a valuation algorithm (with over 20 calculations from 13 different variables!!) so we decided to (in Google fashion) create another algorithm for establishing the quality of the actual domain listing itself. Then using that metric we could push the 'better' listings to the top of the search results and give our visitors a better user experience (and help our more realistic sellers and the site overall get more sales)
So we created Quality Index. A measure of the listing's quality, not the domain itself. ReallyCrappyDomain.com.au could have a better QI than Realestate.com.au.
Quality index takes into account:
Whether the lister has gone to the effort of putting in a target price
If so how close is that target price to our internal valuation
Has the lister put in a low starting price to encourage bidding
If so, how low is that starting price relative to our valuation
How many views has the listing had (if for whatever reason a listing is getting heaps of views, we must imagine it's a good listing)
Has the domain had an offer
If so how many offers has it had
Then there are a few other things as well that I'll keep under my hat
NOTE - a domain is not automatically penalised in the valuation (certainly not the listing) if it has numerals in it.
It is, as you say a bit of a chicken and egg scenario. The more views, the more offers, the more of both of those the higher QI and therefore the more views etc... But then again, so is the Google algo. It's easier to acquire backlinks for a high PR well ranked site than a brand new unranksed site for example.
There are methods to get a headstart though things such as placing a link on the site itself to the listing. Not only will it tell visitors your domain may be for sale but it will greatly increase the views on that listing which will increase it's QI on Netfleet and therefore its site exposure.
You can also buy your way to a good start through our Premium Listings options
But in general if you follow above, and your domains are half decent, over time you'll make progress and the listing will find it's rightful spot in the rankings.
Also, please be aware that we aren't just sitting on our hands waiting for the money to come rolling in. Much of my time and Mark's time has been marketing Netfleet (moreso the domaining industry) to end-users.
For every dollar we've made on the aftermarket (through people buying credits), we've committed $10 into promoting the site and I don't think anyone's spent as much time or money on press releases, email campaigns, social media marketing etc etc on this than us (in Australia anyway!).
Anyway I hope that gives you a better idea of how the system works
It's not perfect and we have a huge list of improvements to work on but we are trying and are always open to suggestions (such as the great feedback we've had on this forum)
