Epik Development vs Parking Test
Many, many posts and ‘articles’ have been written about the value of the Epik platform. Most comments run along the lines of:
- That’s not development
- Why use Epik when you can do yourself
- There are cheaper ways to ‘develop’ a name
- If you’re going to sell things why not go direct to advertisers, or manufacturers even
- It’s a phase and will pass
- Once you take out the Epik share, you might as well be parking
Okay, we know that many of those posts and comments come from ‘competitors’ trying to sell you things. Some come from actual webmasters/developers/designers that believe their way is the only way to really develop a name. And some are from people that just don’t like seeing success for others – haters you could say.
I have no reason to stick up for or support Epik – other than if they are wrong/bad then my decision making process needs to be re-considered. That may end up being the case but I want to let you know where I stand right now – and the test I’m running. I currently have 18 sites with Epik. Most are developed, just recently, and the rest should roll out this week. From previous posts you might remember that I think I’ve done pretty well with the results – and should be doing better as they continue to climb in the rankings. BUT, to date, I haven’t really had a way to compare.
Epik Vs. Parking Test
LadiesEveningJackets.com (don’t laugh. It’s not my best maybe but it is paying for itself and more each month.) LadiesEveningJackets.com was purchased 6/6 of this year for hand-reg. I placed the name at WhyPark.com. (WhyPark.com is my favorite place for parking a name while waiting to sell or develop.) I did NO tweaking, adding of keywords, nothing. Craig and Kelly do a great job – and I just don’t have time – so I don’t usually bother with tweaking or adding any of the great apps they’ve enabled.
Last 30 days: Average of 3 visitors per day. Average CTR of 68%, Average RPC of 28¢. REVENUE: 19.73 last 30 days. I know, not enough to retire on BUT pays for itself and 20+ renewals a year. And just went live in June.
I’m changing it to Epik Product Portal
Goes live tomorrow – 11 October 2010. Let’s keep an eye on it (you can see the stats for any Epik domain by /stats to any domainname.) I’ll report here weekly, you’ll double-check me and we’ll see how it goes. NOTICE: I did not have to pay for this development thanks to EpikBucks but will consider the account at -$249 so to be a fair comparison.
One key comment to those that say an affiliate site could do better and be cheaper in the long run: I have a day job and don’t have time (or money yet) to develop names on my own. Not a product one at least. I believe Epik is my best option at this time – but let’s see a comparison.
Join the conversation – agree or disagree – and let’s see how things go.
Epik 1st Annual DevCon – Success
Sitting at the Seattle airport waiting to fly home (after 10 days on the road) and have some thoughts about the last few days. I will post much more over the weekend – with photos and details – but wanted to get these initial thoughts down while fresh.
I would have to emphatically state that the DevCon event just completed was a complete and resounding success. For me personally at least – and that’s the only way for me to judge. So much was learned and so many excellent connections were made. I posted a while ago that you have to attend these events to truly get the full value – and to take your business to the next level. I believe I received way more than I paid. And I firmly believe that my business will now accelerate to the next level because of this event.
Rob Monster (just love that name, self-branding possible) and the entire Epik Team (Luke, John, Kristine, Jodi, and others I’ve forgotten) were great and gracious hosts. Their vision excites me and I believe they have the skills and drive to fulfill all that they are attempting. Upcoming plans sound promising. And EpikBucks totally rule! Turn in non-used names, get EpikBucks as credit, buy solid names/sites for incredibly low prices. What’s not to love?
While all this sounds like fawning I just call it as I see it. If they veer or falter, I’ll let them know, so it’s only fair to praise when they are exceeding expectations.
Again, I’ll post more details, and some photos, over the weekend but wanted you all to know this conference truly was an Epik event. Thanks Rob and team!
EpikBucks – Why Wouldn’t You?
“Domain Rich & Cash Poor” – Rob Monster of Epik kept using this phrase and after hearing it a few times I realized that he meant me. Okay, he wasn’t talking straight to me – but his message was definitely hitting home with me.
Rob decided instead of just talking about this problem facing many domainers that he and Epik would actually create a possible solution – EpikBucks. I’m sure there are naysayers out there snickering at Rob, doubting Rob, casting aspersions even on the entire concept. But that is true anytime somebody rolls out a new idea or solution. Many will doubt, some will listen and take action.
I decided I would be one to take action. I have too many names. I can’t keep track of all of them (although I do have a great system to track everything it still involves me doing the data entry and checking on everything). I know I’m missing out on opportunities because of the inability to find the ‘hidden gems’ among the ‘pigeon droppings’. And the renewal fees for those one day big ideas – most of which I can’t necessarily remember now or no longer have interest in – are adding up. So, do I just let them all die or do I take action to increase the value of my overall portfolio?
I sent Epik a list of names (way too many but didn’t want them to miss anything) and asked for a review. They came back with a generous and realistic offer to purchase 14 of those names. We went back and forth on one name but came to an agreement very quickly. I was paid enough EpikBucks to have at least 10 sites of various types created – OR purchase a couple of solid, income-generating names at next week’s auction. Either way, my portfolio increases in value with no additional out of pocket to me.
I move names that I likely wouldn’t have ever developed or sold and gain the chance to create or purchase income-generating names? Why Wouldn’t You?
