How To Choose The Best Second-Level Web3 Domain Names
Did you know that cars.com is worth $872 million? This is due to its generic nature and simplicity of the domain, not to mention how popular the niche is. It also highlights the fact that finding the perfect domain names within budget is almost impossible unless there is an alternate webspace with a spacious pool.
We’re talking about blockchain internet, where you can buy Web3 or crypto domains at fairly reasonable rates. The level of security, control, interoperability, and decentralization make them highly popular among businesses and individuals. Considering the current growth trends, investing in the crypto domains right now would mean hefty profits in the future.
But the question is, how can you pick the best second-level domain names in Web3? This post has the answer. But before that, let’s begin by understanding Web3 domains and second-level domains (SLDs).
What are Web3 Domains?
You must be aware that crypto wallets or NFTs have long and difficult addresses. Although more secure, the difficulty of blockchain addresses often hinders users from interacting with other users on-chain. This is where crypto domains come in handy.
Web3 domains function similarly to traditional Web2 domains. Through human-readable DNS addresses for cryptocurrency wallets, NFTs, and other digital assets, Web3 domains revolutionized communication on blockchains. To name one, Freename DNS can resolve any Web3 domain according to your browser settings.
Just like Web2 domains, crypto domains also have domain extensions, but they differ from traditional domain extensions. Some examples of Web3 extensions include .crypto, .dao, .gaming, .metaverse, .eth, .freename, etc.
What are Second-Level Domain Names in Web3?
The decentralized nature of Web3 lets you create your unique domain name. Not only that, but you can also register a second-level domain (SLD) with an existing top-level domain (TLD). The basic difference is that TLDs are specified extensions, while SLDs comprise words and phrases before the domain extension.
You have the following options:
- Register a unique domain name, such as .freename, .google, .apple, etc. These are similar to traditional domain extensions like .com, .org, .gov, etc.
- Pick a domain name and register with an existing TLD: “art.nft”, “freefire.gaming”, “myhome.metaverse”, and more.
The following example will help you understand the basic difference between domain names and domain extensions.
Suppose you have a company named Elite Finance, and you chose the domain name “elite.finance”. Here, “elite” is the second-level domain name, while “.finance” is the top-level domain name. Depending on availability, you can register “.finance” and use it as your identity for wallets relevant to finance.
After buying and registering the SLDs, you can either promote your products and services or resell them to interested buyers, just like traditional domains. For this purpose, you’re going to need a reliable domain provider like Freename that offers a plethora of TLDs and SLDs whether you want to buy, sell, or register your Web3 domains.
How to Choose the Best Crypto Domain Names
Now that you’ve learned the basics of Web3 domains and SLDs – and how to use them, follow this step-by-step guide to choosing the best crypto domain names.
Step 1: Keep it Sweet and Simple
Choose simple names that have a clear meaning and are easy to remember. You can choose a domain name, “.audit” if you sell audit services. If you renovate homes or sell home improvement products, “.home” is a suitable domain name.
Here are some examples of memorable domain names:
- .art365
- .affiliate
- .metaverse
- .gaming
- .soccer
- .skying, etc.
Step 2: Go for an Ideal Length
Long domain names are harder to remember. Although long domain names have room to insert your target keyword, they don’t perform well in terms of word-of-mouth marketing.
Experts say that the ideal length for a domain name should be more than six characters and should not exceed 14 characters. Shorter domain names have multiple advantages, such as:
- Brandability
- Ease of sharing
- Better SEO
- Effortlessness in typing on mobiles
- Effectiveness in performance tracking
- Higher ranking possibilities
- Authoritativeness
- Trustworthiness, etc.
A study on Web3 domain names suggested that a domain name should have a single word in between 3-8 characters for higher chances of sales. Moreover, those with nouns have a higher sales potential. And if you add emojis to your domain name, it’s 14.18% more likely to sell.
Here are some of the popular domain extensions you can choose from:
- .hodl – popular among long-time holders of cryptocurrencies
- .eth – most popular, can be used to create a Web3 blog, identity, subdomains, and more
- .metaverse – popular among users for hosting blockchain projects
- .nfts – popular among content creators, artists, fans, and more
- .aurora – popular among users of the Aurora blockchain
- .young – popular among users of Young Platform Exchange
- .shib – popular among users working on the Shiba token
- .dao – popular among users who believe in user-led governance
Step 3: Consistency is Key
While registering a second-level domain, consistency should be on top of your priority list. This means, your domain name should be consistent across Web2 and Web3, including your website, social media profiles, and other virtual real estate.
Suppose you already have a Web2 domain name, “myfastfood.com”. Then, you should look for a similar domain name in the Web3 domain directory. There, you will have multiple options, such as:
- my.fastfood
- myfastfood.metaverse
- myfastfood.hodl, etc.
What if you chose a different domain name? In that case, there’s always a risk of losing a portion of your customers to your competitor, who might claim a domain name similar to yours.
Step 4: Respect Your Budget
Your budget plays a pivotal role in determining the domain name you need to choose. Staying within the budget is next to impossible when it comes to choosing a domain name on Web2. But Web3 internet poses no such issues.
With research and analysis, you can find the perfect domain name that matches your budget is subject to research. Here are different ways to do that:
- Websearch
Go to the web and look for the availability and price of the intended domain name. You may have to search for the domain name with multiple service providers who might charge some extra bucks.
- Reliable Domain Name Service Provider
Instead of doing everything yourself, let the professionals assist you. For example, Freename offers an online database of SLDs and TLDs that are available for sale.
One of the key benefits of working with Freename is cost-effectiveness. You can find a handful of domains that meet your brand and budget requirements. Some of the domains start from as low as $5.
Step 5: Determine the Value
There are different ways to determine the value of a second-level domain name in Web3. If you wish to do it on your own, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Find out how much similar domain names are being sold for. Go to DN Journal or NameBio to start your research.
- Step 2: You can leverage a domain name appraisal service, such as Godaddy, to get an estimate of your domain name.
- Step 3: Use domain broker services like Flippa or Squadhelp to see how much people are willing to pay for your domain name.
Or you can cut your work short with Freename.io. The platform offers a thorough analysis of every domain name you search for, including name options along with their prices.
Based on the latest trends in the Web3 market, it provides close to accurate prices for a particular domain name.
Why Should You Own a Web3 Domain Name Now?
The world of Web3 is somewhat new, hence the plethora of opportunities for potential investors. This is the period when most domains are cheaper. You can buy a domain for as low as $5 and sell it at a fairly high price later on.
- As mentioned earlier paradigm.eth was sold for over $1.5 million in 2022.
- Another Web3 domain, win.crypto was sold for $120,000 in 2021.
If you own a handful of Web3 domains today and can retain them for a certain period, you can earn unbelievable profits in the future.
One key advantage is that owning a decentralized second-level domain does not require a renewal fee or annual service charges. Simply mint your Web3 domain on your chosen blockchain network and sell it at a higher price in the future.
Which Domain Names Make the Most Money?
The .eth is arguably the most popular domain extension in the Web3 ecosystem, boosting the highest-paying Web3 domain names until 2023.
Here is the list:
- paradigm.eth – $1,508,884
- 000.eth – $317,759
- abc.eth – $253,100
- depak.eth – $220,401
- porno.eth – $204,505
- mazars.eth – $195,067
- artfao.eth – $194,560
- sapdeutschland.eth – $179,731
- ensmaxisnft.eth – $166,315
- opensea.eth – $165,889
But things won’t be the same for good as more businesses are switching to blockchain networks.
Set Up Your Passive Income Stream Now
Owning a second-level domain is one thing. But if you own a TLD, it’ll most likely pay you back in the future. TLDs are domain extensions that can be used to register a second-level domain name.
If you buy a top-level domain (TLD) and become a registrar, you can earn a commission on every second-level domain registered with your TLD. The royalties go up to 50%. A clever investor would surely go for this option to create a passive income stream right now.
Conclusion
Choosing second-level domain names in Web3 is relatively easier compared to Web2. That’s because decentralized domains are fewer in number, and the blockchain space is more spacious in terms of domain extensions.
When choosing the best SLD, keep it simple and short. Moreover, try to keep the name consistent across Web2 and Web3 portfolios to gain more traffic. Do your research beforehand or work with professionals like Freename to find the best second-level domain names in Web3.
Freename.io not only helps you buy your SLD but also offers an opportunity to register a TLD and create a passive income stream for the future.