Why AdSense for Domains is a Step in the Wrong Direction

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I mentioned in my last editorial, “The Evolution of Domain Parking and Mini Sites” that domain parking will gradually transition to feature rich mini-site development. Google recently announced the public launch of it’s AdSense for Domains program. As with all things Google, it is getting alot of buzz in the industry.

Will AdSense for Domains be worth your time? Let’s take a look at some of the benefits and shortcomings of Google AdSense for Domains.

What are the benefits of AdSense for Domains?

Higher Conversions - There have been case studies and numerous reports on conversion rates for simple domain parking pages. Direct navigation (typing a domain into an address bar) has proven to be highly targeted traffic.
Possibly Higher Revenue - This may turn out to be the opposite as Andrew of DNW points out here, Google has contracts for the advertising feeds it provides to parking companies. It is within Google’s power to “dial back” or reduce revenue shares for both parking companies and new AdSense for Domains users.

What is AdSense for Domains lacking?

Search Indexing – Obviously Google is not going to index any domain enrolled in this program, a major drawback to anyone interested in driving more traffic and increasing site value.
Domain Sales Contact – As far as I am aware there is no option to notify visitors that your domain may be for sale or how to contact you, please correct me if I am wrong.
Unique Landing Page Design - Google is good at simplicity. Pages may convert but won’t look good.
Unique Keyword Rich Content – It is impossible to add any custom content whatsoever to your domains.
Alternate Revenue – There will be no option to include affiliate links, products or leads of any kind.
Customization – No real way to fix any of the above.

These are huge features that benefit domainers by increasing the short and long term value of your domain name properties.

Google’s AdSense for Domains is simply boring domain parking for the general public repackaged and sold direct from the provider. They are taking a step backwards in the evolution of domain parking.

Don’t worry about activating your AdSense for Domains account, it will probably just disappoint and waste your time. However, I must admit I will be interested to hear about initial conversion rates and revenue earnings per click.

What’s a Better Alternative?

Soon I will be announcing an amazing new product/service for domainers that will allow you to almost instantly develop full mini-sites with unique content and multiple revenue streams including Google AdSense direct from Google! There are many other great features I can’t wait to share. I am currently in beta testing and will have a full review completed when the product officially goes live.

Update: The wait is over! Parking Revolution has just been announced.

What are your thoughts on Google AdSense for Domains versus automated mini-sites or more advanced domain parking? Please comment.

Jamie Parks

I think the best sign for domainers who are still stuck in the parking lot is that google apparently seems to be lightening up their threatening stance against the potential indexing of parked domains. By no means does this mean that pathetic parked pages will be seen by the algorithm as 'smart'pages. DevelopOrDie should be the creed that domainers carve into their forearm. 2009 is going to be the year that you either 'GET IT' or 'FORGET IT'.

BTW, need any beta testers for your secret project? I'd love to squash some bugs =)

namer.ca

at this point in time indeed the google parking pages are neither pretty nor very advanced. If one wanted more advanced parking features they are just a wordpress away

David

Yep - development is the key to reduce Google dependence.... good luck with your mini site project!

Samm I Amm

I saw this [post] and disagree. I think that AS4D is a wonderful program and one which offers huge opportunities to those with otherwise non-performing sites.

John

You stated: "Search Indexing - Obviously Google is not going to index any domain enrolled in this program, a major drawback to anyone interested in driving more traffic and increasing site value." Really? This is wrong. I wish guys like you ("experts" heh.) wouldn't make these ignorant sweeping statements as though they were facts.

I am happily indexed and parked at Google.

Oliver

Good look with your mini site development/project! :)

I agree, adsense does lack some things quite badly... :)

Thanks for the post!

Kino

From the technology side, I’m sure Google would provide the technology. Maybe something better than what the parking companies provide. Ultimately it is google that gains more if they improve on the tech side and optimize your domain for more visitors.

Tal

In addition to AdSense, Google runs a search engine that you might have heard of :)

They don't want robot generated content in their search engine or other garbage. Those sites also don't convert as well as genuine type in traffic.

It wouldn't make sense for Google to come up with a service that undermines it's attempts to clean spam out of it's search index.

Lots of people have also had problems with sites like WhyPark.com that try and create keyword rich but useless sites to display adsense on.

rod

adsense for domain is just a search engine maintanance for google.Google wants the search engine well cleaned to reduced the number of empty or site not found in the search engine directory.

The Well-Read Entrepreneur

This is a great article. I never really liked the idea of Adsense for domains. I mean if Google claims to be all about content and making the web a more informative place, shouldn't they be trying to discourage domain parking?

Kino

I think the best sign for domainers who are still stuck in the parking lot is that google apparently seems to be lightening up their threatening stance against the potential indexing of parked domains.

John

I just setup this program for 5 of my sites that produce no income and I am going to part them for 3 months as a test. I will see for myself.

Jas

I've just switched from sedo, had no luck there and don't hold out hopes for Google working any better. But if it eventually pays off the cost of the domain that's something!

I was surprised how few configuration options Adsense for Domains gives you: nothing beyond choosing a colour scheme and a few keywords.

problogger 2u2c

i still looking the way how to maximum income with adsense for domain...but not yet found on net that really good advice and tips....

but with domain .info only 1usd at godaddy i still can make about 20usd per month with adsense for domain without doing much effort

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