If you’re planning to buy or sell domains, chances are you’re considering Sedo and Afternic, two of the most established domain marketplaces. Both take unusual approaches with their customer service phone numbers.

Afternic boldly features its 1-800 (1-866-284-4125) number front and center. However, when you call it — and I did several times during their office hours — you get to listen to a message that states, “Your call is important to us” repeatedly for a minute or two, after which you’re prompted to leave a message. I did, and the call was never returned.

Sedo, on the other hand, does not appear to make its phone number public. I couldn’t find a single phone number on its entire website. Eventually I gave up and requested the number via e-mail, and received it the next day. Here’s the ironic thing: a person actually answered it and was able to provide information immediately.

Afternic promotes its phone number and doesn’t staff it. Sedo hides its phone number and has staff ready to serve. Odd.

By the way, Sedo’s customer service phone number is (617) 499-7200.

Blogging is a great way to increase your search engine rank because it packs your site with relevant keywords and gives reason for Googlebots to return and feed on your fresh content.

Getting incoming links is also one of the best ways to raise your blog profile. Here’s how:

Comment on Other Blogs

Pick ones with authority that are as relevant as possible to your content. Leave your URL and be complimentary to entice reciprocal comments.

Continue reading →

Microsoft recently launched U Rank, a search engine that allows online users to organize, edit and annotate search results, and share information with others.

Here’s what Microsoft has to say about U Rank.

The percentage of Internet users who use search engines on a typical day has been steadily rising from about one-third of all users in 2002, to 49 per cent, reports PEW Internet.

That’s huge. In fact, the number of those using search engines on a typical day is pulling ever closer to the 60 per cent of Internet users who use e-mail — to date, the Internet’s biggest app.

Other popular daily Internet activities include checking the news (39 per cent) and studying the weather (30 per cent).

Those using search engines on an average day are more likely to be “socially upscale” reports the study, with at least some college education and incomes over $50,000 per year. They are also more likely to have six years of online experience, have their homes wired with high-speed connections, and be young and male.

Kiss those bulky hardcover telephone directories goodbye.