Does Commuter Traffic Become Domain Type-In Traffic?
I wonder what percentage of commuters notice the domain name references on billboard advertisements and business signs? Of the percentage that do notice, how many actually retain the proper URL and visit the website at a later time or date?
We've all heard of expired domain names and the traffic they can receive from existing links that still point to the domain. But what about type-in traffic from outdated advertising material?
Does this exist at all and if so, is significant type-in traffic generated from outdated billboards, magazines, or even vacant business that didn't remove their signs when they closed shop?
Case in point, the photo (top left) shows a vacant building formerly used by a lending company. The lending company may be gone but the signs are not. Rather impressive signs I might add. Despite closing for some unknown reason, they obviously understood the value of promoting their company and website to the traffic passing by.
What's even more intriguing and not evident from these photos is the fact that this building is located on W150th Street, less than 100 feet away and in plain view of all traffic on I-71, just south of
Some of these daily commuters are in the market for a mortgage or personal loan which probably increases the likelihood of
them noticing these rather distinct signs as they pass by. Perhaps they make a mental note and jump online to check it out as soon as they get home or to the office. I’m sure it happens but how often? That’s what I’d like to know.
Here’s the kicker that may inspire you to try and find out for yourself. At the time of this post, the domain name you see in these photos doesn’t resolve at all. It doesn’t expire until 2011 and appears to be under the control of a web design company which was probably hired by the lending company. I sent out a few emails to the design company and to an individual who I believe was the owner of the lending company. I didn't receive a reply. That was the extent of my attempt to acquire it, mostly due to time constraints.
It seems a shame that this potential traffic, both highly targeted and mortgage related, is being met with a “page cannot be displayed” error. Without setting up a testing period it’s impossible to know how much type in traffic the domain receives and therefore impossible to assign a value to it. If it does receive significant traffic, how valuable would this domain be to another mortgage broker if the current traffic was redirected to their existing site?
There are a lot of unknowns when trying to acquire and monetize a domain like this. You have no control over how long the references to the domain will stay in place. Imagine buying this particular domain and having the building's owner take down the signs the following month.
If anyone follows through with this and acquires this domain, I'd love to hear how it works out for you.
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Filed under: Domain Name Articles
It is almost certain that this name is receiving type in traffic from commuters. The amount of traffic it is generating can only be validated by having it operational unfortunately.
I helped a friend out with his small used car business on a major highway and developed a generic website with his business name. I told him to get a sign made with the website. Traffic immediately increased from those traveling past his business going to 1StopAutos.com.
Unfortunately, he went out of business, but to this day, the name still receives a very small amount of type in traffic. There is no sign up anymore. My guess is that past visitors book marked the site or remembered the site’s name and went to site when they were ready to buy a car.
It is proven though in my senario that these names receive traffic, especially if the sign remains up and located in a highly visible location.
Steve Morales
SimplyGeo.com
Yes , it most certainly will. I’ve generated traffic to various names of mine with corrugated signs and thats at intersections with a small amount of traffic!
John