Obviously, having a ‘generic’ main domain name is essential to getting best out of this cost, time and trouble saving method of creating multiple websites. If you have a main domain name ‘pillshop.net’ (perhaps your initial Affiliate endeavor involved promoting this type of product) it is really only going to be useful for one type of product or service. Alternatively, something more generic like ‘online-plus.biz’ is going to be useful for promoting almost anything because it has no specific meaning. For instance, in case of promoting a Singles Dating Affiliate program, something like ‘singles.online-plus.biz’ would work as well as ‘pills.online-plus.biz’ or even ‘dogs.online-plus.biz’. However, ‘singles.pillshop.net’ just doesn’t work, does it? (Although, I have seen some pretty weird URLs around!)

The only problem you will be presented with, concerns traffic ranking facility Alexa. Alexa will read all sub-domains as their parent ‘main domain’, so traffic ranking for each website will be same, as will all other Alexa information. However, this isn’t such a great problem when you consider that total traffic indicated for each website will actually be total for ALL of them. In my opinion, not so much of a problem, at all.

So, for Affiliate at least, choosing right type of domain name and a hosting facility that includes multiple sub-domains in their package is very important, especially if there’s any possibility that you’re going to be venturing into promoting unrelated products and services. The first hosting facility I was involved with a few years ago, charged $10 to create each sub-domain. The one I've been with for last couple of years, allows unlimited free sub-domains (contact me at one of my websites if you want to know who they are).

What can you do about those unwanted, unprofitable domain names which you have marketed so assiduously?

You have several options.

·You could put a “This domain is for sale” notice on your web site and see if someone will make you an offer. ·Consider selling your complete web site – it may be that your competitors are interested in your site. ·Allow domain name to lapse and someone else may benefit from your work; - but best solution may be to ·Keep your domain registration up to date and sell it at online auction at http://www.sellmydomain.co.uk

There’s more! …. Have you also spotted that some domain name registrars are putting up a “this domain may be for sale” page if you allow your registration to lapse for more than three or four days and they are redirecting your web site to their name servers and their own directory site. This is happening only a few days after your domain should have been renewed. Arguably domain registrars have a right to do this, as it is in their terms and conditions of contract. However, for you consequences might be loss of search engine ranking, if you still wish to maintain your web site. It certainly also means loss of control of domain if you do wish to sell it.

In these circumstances, we recommend renewing domain registration, even if you do not pay for hosting; then YOU can choose how to sell domain and if you’d like to test waters by auctioning your web site at http://www.sellmydomain.co.uk. That’s how you can give your unwanted domains a good send off!