High-quality domain names are becoming a new asset class having demonstrated appreciation during market ups, and an ability to retain value through market downturns.

Domainer is the term used to describe those who invest in and monetize internet domain names. Some domainers are full scale business entrepreneurs while many are enthusiasts who enjoy internet technology.

Assembling a domain name portfolio can be accomplished using several approaches. Like all investing, research and strategy are essential to success and achieving a substantial return on investment (ROI).

Generic domain names are the bread and butter of domain name investing. Generic domains are typically immune to federal trademark registration on the principal register, and consequently represent the safest and most lucrative business opportunity for the domain investment community.

Geo domains, or alternatively geodomains, are geographical internet addresses: cities (Miami), states (North Carolina), countries (Canada), or locations (Grand Canyon). Pure geodomains are elite premium domain names.

Geo-targeted domains are a combination of a location + business category as in:

NewYorkCondos.biz

Cybersquatting is registering or using a domain name with bad faith intent to profit from the goodwill of a trademark belonging to someone else.

Cybersquatting is ethically wrong, a Federal offense, and looked down upon by legitimate domain investors.

• .BIZ | .INFO | .US | .TV | .MOBI

• .COM/.NET | .ORG

.BIZ	(Business)
.INFO	(Information)
.US	(United States)
.TV	(Television)
.MOBI	(Mobile)
.COM	(Commercial)
.NET	(Network)
.ORG	(Organization)

• Generic domain
• One or two words in length
• Clear, descriptive, memorable
• High search frequency
• Geographic or industry relevance
• Numerous advertisers for the phrase