For the SEO stand point - you have it parked for a year and the content is sort of general, about nothing in particular and then, all of a sudden, you put your actual themed content on it. Is such drastic change detrimental to future ranks of that domain's pages? What do you think?
Hmm... I think it would vary. I usually find that undeveloped domains do not get great stats unless its a typo or brandable domain. Unless its parked and a developed site. I tend to find that people who buy domains are limited with the knowledge of whats brandable and whats not. To some I think is not worthy of the reg fee alone vs those that have some sort of page rank or development. Than there are those who think they have worthy names that they think should sell for $xxx and all I can do is bite my lip ( IMHO would sell for low to mid $xx and not $100 or more) When it comes to domains, its the eye of the beholder. Unless its is a brandable name without trademark infringements or legal battle. But for the most part ( atleast 65 - 70% of the time I think people may be off a little of what might bring in loads of money) - Almost like the chances of winning big with Super lotto in California.
There are many names that receive type-in traffic without being a type or brandable domain. Some examples: "videocameras.com", "newyorkdining.com" and "cameras.com". Many users use domains as a method of search - even if this might sound unusual to you. To add my two cents to the original question: Generally, if a domain that was previously parked is developed, there might be an additional delay in getting it index and picked up by the search engines. However you should be able to at least over come some of these delays by adding a sitemap etc. to your new site and possibly even submit it manually to the search engines. In the long run, having the right name for your site is worth this initial wait. Hope this helps, /Frank
Domain Parking up until two weeks ago does not tend to help or hurt domains unless you have a domain with pagerank. Normal parking systems are not built to hold or gain pagerank, most systems are far from search engine compatible. So your question goes both ways. A parked domain should act like a unseen domain. Ready for future use. The reason why I say two weeks ago is Parketeer - We built the system for the future use of a domain as well as it's use in the meantime. Our system is SEO compatible and will hold or gain pagerank. This is a way to prime a domain so when you sell it or develop it the site is not starting from the bottom. It would be visible, should have some rank and maybe even back pages, all this established with the search engines prior to design and development. Over the last week we have implemented our "your own content" platform where you can use your own text and change features on the mini sites to your liking and this week we are working on other abilities you have asked for to make even more money. The object of a parked domain is for revenue. But what if you can dial in the content, advertising and text links that will go right into the future site. No other parking system allows you to manage a domain like Parketeer. Manage content, keywords, ad systems, etc. etc. When you decide to develop the domain the changes are less drastic since you were able to add some life to it before you launched it, your way. Plus you keep 100% of the ad revenue. Domain parking will change towards a content management style of service. There is just no other way to control your money, your domain or your business without having control. Up till now parking systems have stayed alive off of your dollar, the more money you make, the more money they take. It's that simple.
Umbrella Technologies, I've been to your site but could not find any pricing information available. Do you care to elaborate on your charges here? I would love to know that before signing up, and I am willing to give you a try. I can't think of a reason you'd want to keep that information private but if you do, PM me.