Sedo.com, the domain name aftermarket service sent out an email this morning to its users that simply made me shake my head and scratch my head!
Our Sedo team is excited to help our partners at DomainsBot announce the introduction of new toll free vanity numbers to the market! Just like with domain names, incorporating a vanity number into your business strategy can add value to your brand.
In reality, I see toll free numbers as a competitor to domain names. Yes, we often see both used in advertising but if no domain name is used, a toll free number is!
Sedo further explained:
A vanity number can be positioned on commercial vehicles, on billboards, and throughout your marketing materials. Owning a vanity number like 1-855-Tickets, for example, makes it easy for people to identify your business with specific products or services.
When was the last time you called a toll free number compared to visiting a domain name? I know I visit more domain names than calling a toll free number and it’s still easier to remember even a longer domain name than a toll free number.
Stick with domain names! If you want to provide a toll free number, do it on your website so people can visit your site and then dial the phone if they feel the need!
Sedo needs to keep a pure focus on Domain Names and not Toll Free Numbers IMO! I was really surprised to see this email promotion this morning, were you?
andrew
I don’t think the two conflict.
BTW, Sedo owns DomainsBot (or is a major investor in it)
Jamie Zoch
@Andrew,
Not a huge conflict, it just seemed a bit odd I guess.
Deke
I actually like the idea. It might bring the “toll free market” to domains. After all, Rick Schwartz and Mike Berkens both came from pay 900 number industry.
This could increase the amount of investors in domains, so I think it is a good thing.
Jim
The combination of a domain name with a vanity number is an effective branding tool. However 1-855 vanity numbers are poor substitute for the branding power of a 1-800 vanity number.