I've mentioned in a few previous posts that I'm conducting an experiment with .cyou domain names to determine if I can sell them or not. I'm now nearing the 90-day mark for this experiment, and here's what I've found:

Out of all the domains, 3 stood out in terms of visits and traffic, but we're talking about a maximum of 5-10 visits per day, which is not good at all. I tried listing the domains at ridiculously high prices initially, then dropped them to very low prices without success. I've since readjusted the prices again, but without putting too much thought into it.

I mentioned a few of the domains on Twitter, and I received backlash from some domain investors who claimed the domains were worth less than a penny. They completely misunderstood the purpose of my experiment, and I realized that, just like any other group, there are plenty of toxic and narrow-minded people in the domain investing community who believe their own portfolio or strategy is the only right one. I tried to explain the purpose of the experiment, but it was futile as they were too entrenched in their own ideas.

I currently have 19 domains listed for this experiment, which cost me a total of around $180 to acquire. Some were listed as 'premium' with prices ranging from $33 to $66. The renewal fees have also increased, from $4-5 per domain to around $8 per domain, showing that the registry can raise prices whenever they choose.

Moving forward, I plan to make some adjustments and potentially try outbound emails. I'm curious to see how potential cold leads respond to a proposal involving a less popular domain extension, even if the keywords are strong. If I receive any feedback, good or bad, I'll share it here.

My initial goal is to break even on the costs of this experiment within the next 9 months, even if it means selling one or a few of the domains. However, I'm not going to abandon them just yet after a year, and I'll keep them for as long as necessary.

The reason I'm doing this is purely for entertainment. I often experiment with newer extensions to see how they're received by a wider audience and to play around with domains I have no attachment to. I don't recommend this approach to people new to the domain business; instead, they should stick with the more prestigious extensions before attempting any experiments.

As for my chances of success, I don't know, but they're currently quite low, unless I can find some newborn startups that are using all sorts of extensions these days. Before I started, I was expecting this experiment to fail, but that doesn't mean I'm going to give up without a fight.

I'll provide an update in 30 days after making some changes and attempting to cold-email startups and potential buyers.

I commend you for taking an objective, experimental approach to this endeavor. Many domain investors can become set in their ways, unwilling to explore new territories. Your willingness to try something different and share your findings is admirable.

Regarding the traffic and potential sales, the low numbers you've seen so far are not entirely surprising. The .cyou extension is relatively new and still building awareness. While some extensions can gain traction quickly, others require more time and effort to establish their value proposition to end-users and potential buyers.

The backlash you received from some domain investors is not entirely unexpected either. The domain community can sometimes be insular, with individuals defending their own strategies and perspectives. However, I believe it's essential to maintain an open and curious mindset, as the domain industry is continuously evolving, and new opportunities often arise from unconventional approaches.

Your plan to adjust pricing and explore outbound email campaigns is a sensible next step. Reaching out directly to startups and potential buyers who may be more receptive to alternative extensions could yield valuable insights. I would encourage you to personalize your outreach, highlighting the unique value propositions of the .cyou domains you're offering.

Additionally, considering the increasing renewal fees for the .cyou extension, it may be prudent to reevaluate your long-term strategy. While your initial goal of breaking even within the next 9 months is reasonable, you may need to be prepared to hold onto the domains for a more extended period or consider strategic sales to recoup your investment.
I would advise you to maintain a balanced perspective. While the .cyou experiment may not deliver immediate returns, the knowledge and insights you gain can be invaluable. The domain industry is constantly shifting, and by exploring alternative extensions, you're expanding your understanding and potentially uncovering new opportunities.