What happens when you see an available keyword.org domain with exact match search volume of 5,456 and a CPC of $1.34? Do you start salivating and want to register that domain right away?
Have you heard of Pavlov’s dogs? Most of us have. Here is a brief recap in case you’ve forgotten the most famous experiment in classical psychology …
During his research on the physiology of digestion in dogs, Pavlov noticed that, rather than simply salivating in the presence of meat powder the dogs began to salivate in the presence of the lab technician who normally fed them.
From this observation he predicted that, if a particular stimulus in the dog’s surroundings were present when the dog was presented with meat powder, then this stimulus would become associated with food and cause salivation on its own.
In his initial experiment, Pavlov used a metronome to call the dogs to their food and, after a few repetitions, the dogs started to salivate in response to the metronome.
This is known as conditioning. So what does it have to do with domaining?
The search volume estimates and CPC numbers have become like the bell that is trotted out for domainers. It does not mean there is always food present.
Even if there is a strong association between these metrics and domain sales and revenue, does it mean that every domain that has a reasonably high search volume is going to make you a fast buck?
For every domain that you register, you need to be thinking, who is likely to buy this domain? How could it be developed? Who is the target market? Do they spend money? How much? What industry? How competitive?
Choose wisely. Every domain is like a mini Grail cup of holy water in the Last Crusade. Choose assets and not liabilities.
If you find yourself jumping the gun to register domains every time you are confronted with a list of available keywords, you are most likely salivating in the absence of food. If you are making money, that’s fine. If not, step back. Watch your own process. Be aware. Think first, register later.
Conditioning means old habits which are hard to break. If your habits are not profitable you may be conditioned to think a certain way, to domain a certain way.
{ 1 trackback }