Domain parking optimization service cuts relationship with two large parking companies.
TrafficClub, the domain name parking service I use for most of my domains, has dropped support for DomainSponsor and Google Adsense for Domains. That means that all of my domains are now being routed to Skenzo. This removes the main benefit of TrafficClub, which is having your domains auto-optimized across a number of different platforms. However, TrafficClub is providing access to Skenzo; a network with I would otherwise not have enough traffic to qualify for. In the days since this change, a number of my low traffic domains are performing better due to Skenzo but some of my high performing domains are doing poorly.
TrafficClub blames the change due to partners’ rules:
Due to changes occurring within the monetization industry, several Pay Per Click partners are changing their rules and guidelines and therefore are no longer a fit for our network. We continue to work closely with our highest performing partners, and have temporarily redirected your account(s) through one feed. As you know, we’re committed to making sure your revenue remains high throughout this transition process. As a result of this shift, you may even see an increase in revenue.
We are currently developing alternate solutions and will update you as new partners and products become available. Moniker will continue to work to bring you targeted advertising, increased value and the best monetization options available.
About the same time TrafficClub made this announcement I received several messages from DomainSponsor offering to establish a direct relationship. I’m not sure if this is related, but the timing and the fact that the e-mails were sent to the Whois address for some of my top peforming domains is probably not coincidence.
DomainSponsor recently changed its affiliate program. The program used to pay a percentage of earnings for the life of the account; now it pays a standard amount for 6 months and then a lower rate after that. TrafficClub used to advertise that its fee for putting domains on DomainSponsor was only the ‘standard affiliate payment’. Perhaps this change by DomainSponsor prompted the move by TrafficClub. I have been unable to verify any of this with Moniker/DomainSystems, the company that runs TrafficClub (they are busy preparing for next week’s domain auction).
Patrick McDermott says
Andrew,
Have seen this interesting thread yet:
http://www.dnforum.com/showthread.php?t=211084&highlight=trafficclub
Patrick
Editor says
That would confirm my comments. Thanks