When trying to get paid in the domain space you have to offer something that is a must have. Now many tools get a few subscribers but it also motivates others to create a free tool that offers similar features.
The latest site out there that is moving to a paid model is ZFBot. A post on Namepros mentioned that the site was now going to cost $10 a month.
Hookbox posted:
You have got to be kidding me. I can understand charging 10 bucks a month for a service that actually gives you 10 bucks worth of tools but come on ZFbot you are not there yet.
In the thread there is a reference to Ramped.com charging from the start and a couple posters felt that pretty much ended interest in that website.
Of course Domain Tools caused a ruckus last year when they raised their prices.
Domain Tools situation was a bit different, for one, they really didn’t care if they kept domain investors, they are looking for bigger clients at the enterprise level.
DomainIQ.com fills the void for Domain Tools in my opinion. (I am a paid subscriber).
Secondly they offered a lot of tools that domainers use. Not just one product like ZFBot.
GenericDomainFinder.com was another free service that just woke up one day with a dialog box. I would have never paid for that service, sorry it’s just not that valuable.
There are many free alternatives to a lot of tools out there. Recently Domain Tools wanted to take another jab at domain investors and make a paid Domain Tools membership mandatory for access to DailyChanges.com.
Please NoteThanks for your interest in DailyChanges. DailyChanges is a service that is now part of a DomainTools Membership. If you already have a membership, please log in. Otherwise, sign up for a membership for access to this and other DomainTools services.
I didn’t know zfbot was charging now, thx.
Can’t fault someone for trying to earn from their investment. It costs money to run servers and maintain code.
Absolutely Danny, I agree and pay for plenty of tools. I think the tool has to equate to the amount of value the user is getting out of using it.
Along with that there cannot be free alternatives that are just as good.
Perfect example, I cancelled Domain Tools and went to DomainIq but when Daily Changes became paid, I was going to pay for Domain Tools for that access and DNS.Link came along.
People should get paid 100% but the juice has to be worth the squeeze. Again IMO.
The start-ups can monetize through advertising revenue, until they’ve established their brand value.