Above.com - Detailed Review
Domain Tools
Above.com - Product Overview
Above.com Overview
Above.com is a comprehensive platform specifically created for domain investors, focusing on optimizing domain portfolio management through advanced technology and data-driven solutions.Primary Function
Above.com’s primary function is to help domain investors maximize the potential of their domain portfolios. This is achieved by providing a suite of services that include domain monetization, registration, marketplace, and brokerage services.Target Audience
The target audience for Above.com is domain investors, which includes both individuals and businesses involved in buying, selling, and managing domain names. Given their expertise since 1997, Above.com is well-positioned to cater to the needs of experienced domain investors.Key Features
Monetization
Above.com’s monetization technology allows domains to compete across multiple parking services in real-time, ensuring the highest possible revenue per thousand impressions (RPMs) for each domain’s traffic. The Maximizer feature also enables premium advertisers to compete for this traffic, further boosting RPMs.Registrar Services
Above.com offers a registrar service that includes features like WHOIS privacy services and domain lock options to protect sensitive information. The platform also provides tools like the Renewal ROI Tool™, which helps in making informed renewal decisions by displaying the last 12 months of revenue statistics and annualized ROI calculations.Marketplace and Brokerage
The marketplace allows for the buying and selling of domains with a low 10% commission and free escrow services. Additionally, FastTrack Transfers enable expedited control of purchased domains, building trust with prospective buyers.Portfolio Management
Above.com provides free portfolio management tools, including an intuitive dashboard where users can track performance and make updates effortlessly. This centralized platform helps in managing domains efficiently.Security and Privacy
The platform prioritizes security and privacy, offering affordable WHOIS privacy services and domain lock options to protect users’ sensitive information and assets.Conclusion
By combining these features, Above.com offers a complete solution for domain investors, helping them manage and monetize their domain portfolios effectively. Above.com - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Above.com, particularly in its Domain Tools and related features, is designed to be user-friendly and comprehensive, catering to the needs of domain investors and managers.Manage Domains Page
The core of domain management at Above.com is the “Manage Domains” page. This page serves as a central hub where users can perform various tasks such as domain renewal, setting DNS, domain push, and locking/unlocking domains. The default view is the “Overview” tab, which displays essential information like domain name, DNS settings, registration and expiry dates, status, privacy status, and lock status. Users can sort columns in ascending or descending order by clicking on the column headings, making it easy to organize and view data.Customization
The “Custom” tab allows users to personalize the view by selecting and arranging the columns they want to see. This feature enables users to focus on specific data points that are relevant to their needs, such as clicks, traffic, revenue, and more. The ability to expand and display monthly statistics for revenue, traffic, and clicks by clicking on the respective icons adds a layer of detail without cluttering the main view.Adding Domains
When adding domains to the Portfolio Manager or Monetization accounts, the interface is straightforward. Users can either copy and paste a list of domains or upload a file in CSV or TXT format. The system also allows for the assignment of domains to different folders and handles conflicts by displaying them on a dedicated “Conflicts page.”Custom DNS
Above.com offers a Custom DNS feature that simplifies domain management and resolves ownership conflicts automatically within a few hours. This feature is accessible from the “Add Domains” page, where users can generate a custom DNS to ensure their domains are secure and correctly managed.Data Reporting and Analytics
The Domain Summary Page, part of the Portfolio Manager, provides in-depth domain-level reporting. This page consolidates almost all the information a user might need about their domains, making it a one-stop resource for detailed analytics and reporting.Ease of Use
The interface is designed to be intuitive, with clear and concise instructions. For example, setting values such as paid, minimum bid, reserve price, or buy-now price can be done easily from either the “Overview” or “Custom” tabs by following a few simple steps. This ease of use is further enhanced by the ability to edit individual fields directly within the table and save changes with a single click.User Experience
Above.com’s tools are built to streamline domain management, reducing the need for multiple spreadsheets and manual updates. The Consolidator tool, for instance, automatically pulls WHOIS expiration dates for all domains, regardless of the registrar, making it easier to manage domain expirations and renewals. The AutoPilot platform analyzes data to find the highest-paying advertising channels, further simplifying the monetization process.Conclusion
Overall, the user interface of Above.com is structured to be easy to use, with a focus on providing comprehensive and customizable views of domain data. This makes it an efficient tool for domain investors and managers, helping them to manage their portfolios effectively. Above.com - Key Features and Functionality
While the resources provided do not specifically highlight AI-driven features at Above.com, they do outline several key features and functionalities that are particularly useful for domain investors and managers, some of which could be enhanced or supported by AI integration in the future.
Bulk Domain Management
Above.com offers a range of bulk action tools that simplify domain management. These include:Bulk Domain Renewal
Allows users to renew multiple domains at once, saving time and effort.Set DNS
Users can update DNS settings for multiple domains in a single action.Approve Transfers
Streamline the process of approving domain transfers in bulk.Request EPP Codes
Obtain EPP codes for multiple domains simultaneously.Lock Domains
Secure multiple domains by locking them against unauthorized changes.Set Auto-Renew Status
Automatically set the renewal status for multiple domains.Set Privacy
Enable or disable WHOIS privacy for multiple domains in one go.Advanced Search and Reporting
The “My Domains” dashboard features an advanced search capability, allowing users to filter domains based on various criteria such as keyword string, DNS, TLD, status, and expiration dates. This helps in organizing and managing large portfolios of domains efficiently. Additionally, users can receive reports on upcoming expirations, transfers, and other critical domain-related events.Domain Backordering
Above.com has introduced the capability to backorder domains in several TLDs (.com, .net, .org, .biz, and .us). This feature allows users to place orders for domains that are about to expire or become available, increasing their chances of acquiring desired domains.New TLD Support
The platform has expanded its support to include new top-level domains (nTLDs) such as .bar, .wiki, .space, .rest, .ink, .click, and .diet. This provides users with more options for registering and managing diverse domain extensions.Free WHOIS Privacy and Wholesale Rates
Above.com offers free WHOIS privacy and wholesale rates on transfers and renewals, which are significant benefits for domain investors looking to protect their privacy and reduce costs. While these features are not explicitly described as AI-driven, they demonstrate a high level of automation and efficiency that could potentially be enhanced with AI integration in the future, such as predictive analytics for domain expirations or automated decision-making for domain transfers. However, based on the current information, there is no clear indication of AI-specific features within Above.com’s domain tools. Above.com - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Above.com is primarily a traffic forwarding and domain management platform rather than a traditional AI-driven domain tool. Here are some key points regarding its performance:
Traffic Forwarding
Above.com optimizes traffic by directing it to the parking service that offers the best returns for each domain. This automation helps in maximizing revenue without manual intervention.
Website Stability
Users have reported that the website can be a bit unstable at times, but these issues typically resolve themselves within a short period, usually minutes.
Accuracy
In terms of accuracy, Above.com’s system relies on data-driven decisions to optimize domain traffic. Here are some points to consider:
Statistics and Reporting
While the platform provides detailed statistics, there are some limitations. For example, the Statistics Reports only allow reporting for 100 domains per page, and there is no portfolio total reported, requiring users to manually sum up the totals from each page.
User Satisfaction
Despite some minor grievances, users generally report satisfaction with the service, noting that it significantly reduces the effort required to manually test domains across different parking services.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Reporting Capabilities
The current reporting system has limitations, such as the inability to display a portfolio total and the restriction to 100 domains per page.
Website Stability
Although the website issues are usually short-lived, they can still cause inconvenience and may need more reliable infrastructure to ensure consistent performance.
Conclusion
Above.com is not an AI-driven domain tool in the same vein as products like those from DomainTools or Databricks, which focus on predictive reputation scoring, domain intelligence benchmarks, and advanced AI models. Instead, it is a tool for optimizing domain traffic through parking services. Its performance and accuracy are generally positive, but there are specific areas where improvements could enhance user experience, particularly in reporting capabilities and website stability. If you are looking for advanced AI-driven domain intelligence, Above.com may not be the best fit, but for traffic optimization and domain management, it has its strengths.
Above.com - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure for Domain Registrations and Related Services on Above.com
Domain Registration Prices
Above.com offers a wide range of top-level domains (TLDs) with varying prices. Here are some examples:
Generic TLDs
- .com: $19.22 AUD for registration, renewal, and transfer.
- .net: $22.85 AUD for registration, renewal, and transfer.
- .org: $19.37 AUD for registration, renewal, and transfer.
- .biz: $27.47 AUD for registration, renewal, and transfer.
Specialized TLDs
- .online: $4.78 AUD (promotional) / $48.54 AUD for registration, renewal, and transfer.
- .tech: $9.95 AUD (promotional) / $49.95 AUD for registration, renewal, and transfer.
- .store: $6.40 AUD (promotional) / $81.03 AUD for registration, renewal, and transfer.
- .io: $89.05 AUD for registration, renewal, and transfer.
Niche TLDs
- .design: $49.95 AUD for registration, renewal, and transfer.
- .hosting: $349.00 AUD for registration, renewal, and transfer.
- .movie: $224.18 AUD for registration, renewal, and transfer.
- .realty: $281.18 AUD for registration, renewal, and transfer.
Additional Services and Fees
- Domain Privacy: Many TLDs offer free domain privacy.
- Domain Transfer: Prices for domain transfers are generally the same as registration and renewal fees for each TLD.
Marketplace and Brokerage Fees
For those selling domains through Above.com’s marketplace:
- Sale Commission: Above.com charges the greater of either US$20 (or equivalent currency) or 10% of the total sale price for each domain sold.
- Brokerage Service Fee: The Above.com Brokerage service charges a 15% fee based on the domain sale value.
Plans and Tiers
Above.com does not explicitly offer different tiers or plans for domain registration services. Instead, the pricing is primarily based on the type of TLD chosen. However, the brokerage and marketplace services have specific fees associated with them.
If you are looking for more detailed information on specific features or additional services, it might be helpful to check the Above.com website directly or contact their support, as the provided resources mainly focus on pricing and fees.
Above.com - Integration and Compatibility
Domain Management and Monetization Integration
Above.com allows users to add domains to their Portfolio Manager and Monetization accounts seamlessly. You can add domains either by copying and pasting a list or by uploading a file in .CSV or .TXT format. These domains can be organized into different folders, and any conflicts are highlighted on the Conflicts page.
Custom DNS and Security
Above.com provides the option to generate a Custom DNS, which enhances security and helps resolve conflicts automatically. This feature is particularly useful as it prevents other users from claiming ownership of domains using your Custom DNS. However, it’s important to note that Custom DNS is not supported for .DE domains, which require the default Above.com name servers.
Registrar API
The Above.com Registrar API allows for automated domain registration and management. This API supports most TLDs and provides functions for checking pricing, registering domains, and managing DNS records. Users can access their API key and view API logs within their account settings. This integration is beneficial for advanced users who need to automate domain management tasks.
Linked Monetization Accounts
Users can link their Above.com Domain Registrar account with their Monetization account. This linkage enables automatic addition of newly registered domains to the specified Monetization account and allows for the import of stats from multiple Monetization accounts.
DNS Management
Above.com allows users to manage DNS records, including the option to set custom name servers. This can be done through the Manage Domains section, where users can edit DNS records and update name server details. While this feature is intended for advanced users, it provides flexibility in managing domain settings.
Security Enhancements
The platform offers Two Step Authentication, adding an extra layer of security to domains and accounts. This feature requires a random code generated from a mobile app to make critical changes, ensuring that domains remain secure against unauthorized actions.
Conclusion
In summary, Above.com integrates well with various domain management and monetization tools, offers custom DNS options for enhanced security, supports API integration for automated tasks, and provides comprehensive DNS management and security features. These integrations and features make it a versatile platform for managing and monetizing domains effectively.
Above.com - Customer Support and Resources
Support Options
Live Chat
You can engage in live chat with Above.com’s customer support staff during US and Australian business hours, Monday to Friday. This option is available through the “Chat with us” button that appears at the bottom-right of the page when live chat is available.
Customer Contact Form
If you cannot find the answer to your question in the FAQs or prefer a more formal inquiry, you can fill out the customer contact form. This allows you to submit your questions or issues directly to the support team.
Account Manager
For more personalized support, you can contact your account manager directly. This is particularly useful for specific or detailed inquiries related to your account.
Additional Resources
FAQ Sections
Above.com has extensive FAQ sections that cover various aspects of their services, including the Monetization FAQ, Domain Marketplace FAQ, Domain Registrar FAQ, and Portfolio Manager FAQ. These sections address the most common support questions and are the fastest way to find answers.
Quick Start Guide
For new users, Above.com provides a Quick Start Guide that offers step-by-step instructions to help you get started with their services, such as monetization and domain management.
Online Manual
In addition to the Quick Start Guide, Above.com offers a full Online Manual that provides more detailed information on using their services. This manual is a valuable resource for both beginners and advanced users.
Support Page
The support page on Above.com centralizes all support links, making it easy to find the help you need. This includes links to FAQs, the Quick Start Guide, and the customer contact form.
Domain Management Resources
Manage Domains Page
This page is the primary location for managing your domains. Here, you can perform functions such as domain renewal, setting DNS, domain push, and domain lock/unlock. The page offers customizable views, allowing you to arrange and display only the columns you need.
API Documentation
For users who need to manage domains programmatically, Above.com provides API documentation. The manage_domains API function lists domains and their details, including name servers, expiry dates, and lock status.
By utilizing these support options and resources, users can efficiently manage their domains and resolve any issues that may arise, ensuring a smooth and productive experience with Above.com.
Above.com - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Above.com
Above.com offers several significant advantages for domain investors and managers, particularly in the domain tools and monetization category.Monetization Optimization
Above.com’s platform allows for real-time competition among multiple parking services to maximize your domain’s traffic revenue. By constantly analyzing the monetization potential of each domain, the system directs traffic to the highest-paying parking service, thereby increasing your Revenue Per Mille (RPM).Comprehensive Domain Management Tools
The platform provides a range of free tools to manage your domain portfolio efficiently. The Portfolio Manager and Consolidator tool help in consolidating domains from multiple registrars, automating tasks such as setting DNS, zone file records, and tracking expiration dates. This saves valuable time and reduces the hassle of manual updates.Enhanced Statistics and Reporting
Above.com offers detailed domain-level reporting through its Domain Summary Page and Statistics Reports. These tools provide comprehensive data on clicks, revenue, and EPC (Earnings Per Click), helping you make informed decisions about your domain portfolio.Trust and Transparency in Sales
For domains listed on Above.com’s Marketplace, the platform offers low 10% commission rates and free escrow services, which can increase trust with potential buyers. Additionally, the verified stats feature allows buyers to view revenue and traffic stats, enhancing transparency and trust.FastTrack Transfers
Above.com’s Registrar service includes FastTrack Transfers, which expedite the transfer process for purchased domains, giving buyers quicker control over their new domains.Disadvantages of Above.com
While Above.com offers numerous benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider:Technical Issues
Some users have reported occasional technical issues with the website, such as flakiness and delays in loading statistics. However, these issues are typically resolved within a short time.Limitations in Statistics Reports
The Statistics Reports have some limitations, such as only allowing 100 domains per page and not providing a total portfolio report, which can make it cumbersome to track overall performance.Dependence on Multiple Services
While the platform optimizes traffic across multiple parking services, it still requires integration with these services. This can sometimes lead to variability in performance and revenue depending on the services used. In summary, Above.com is a powerful tool for domain investors, offering significant advantages in monetization, management, and transparency, but it also has some minor technical and reporting limitations. Above.com - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Above.com to Other AI-Driven Domain Tools
It’s important to highlight the unique features and capabilities of each platform.Above.com
Above.com, particularly through its Registrar and Monetization platforms, offers several distinct features:Domain Portfolio Management
Domain Portfolio Management: Above.com provides a powerful inventory tracking tool that allows users to record purchase prices, appraised values, and assign categories and keywords to their domains. This tool also tracks the performance data of parked domains, including the last 12 months of traffic and parking performance history.ROI Calculations
ROI Calculations: For domains on the Monetization platform, Above.com automatically imports revenue statistics to generate Buy Now prices and calculate annualized ROI, helping users make informed renewal decisions.Integrated Management
Integrated Management: The platform integrates various aspects of domain management, such as tracking key data, exporting data, and managing renewals, all from a single interface.AI-Powered Domain Finders
DomainsGPT
Advanced Language Processing: DomainsGPT uses sophisticated GPT language models to convert business concepts into actionable domain suggestions. It operates through a three-step process involving domain type selection, business description, and specific requirement definition. Brand Compatibility: It evaluates industry-specific naming patterns and brand context to generate domain suggestions that align well with the target market.AI Domain Genius
Comprehensive Search Features: AI Domain Genius acts like a high-powered domain search engine, allowing users to adjust parameters such as maximum character count, keyword inclusion, and TLD preferences. It also provides real-time price comparisons across multiple registrars. Social Media Handle Verification: This platform verifies social media handle availability simultaneously with domain availability checks.Ultahost
GPT-4 Technology: Ultahost uses OpenAI’s GPT-4 technology to process and understand complex business requirements, generating domain suggestions that balance industry conventions and creative innovation. Free Domain Generation: Ultahost offers free domain generation services, with costs applied only during registration, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes.Other Alternatives
AIDomainIdeas
AI Chatbot Assistance: AIDomainIdeas is an AI-powered tool that assists users in generating unique and relevant domain names using an AI chatbot. It is free to use.Domain Finder AI
SEO-Optimized Suggestions: This tool generates unique, SEO-optimized domain names through advanced artificial intelligence. It offers a freemium model with additional features available for a fee.Domain Crafter
Real-Time Availability Checks: DomainCrafter.ai provides intelligent suggestions and real-time availability checks for domain names, all for free.Unique Features and Potential Alternatives
Above.com’s Strength in Portfolio Management: While Above.com excels in managing and tracking domain portfolios, it does not have the same level of AI-driven domain suggestion capabilities as platforms like DomainsGPT, AI Domain Genius, or Ultahost. AI-Driven Domain Suggestions: If you are primarily looking for AI-powered domain name generation, DomainsGPT, AI Domain Genius, and Ultahost are more focused on this aspect. They offer advanced features such as brand compatibility scoring, social media handle verification, and real-time price comparisons. Comprehensive Search and Verification: AI Domain Genius and Ultahost stand out with their comprehensive search features and real-time verification of domain and social media handle availability. Free and Freemium Options: For those on a budget, options like AIDomainIdeas, Domain Crafter, and My AI Domain offer free or freemium models that can still provide valuable domain suggestions. In summary, Above.com is ideal for those who need robust domain portfolio management and ROI calculations, while the AI-powered domain finders like DomainsGPT, AI Domain Genius, and Ultahost are better suited for generating and discovering new domain names using advanced AI algorithms. Above.com - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Above.com
Q: How does Above.com’s Monetization platform work?
Above.com’s Monetization platform works by analyzing the traffic of your domains across multiple parking services in real-time. When you point your domains to Above.com’s name servers, the platform constantly evaluates which parking service is offering the highest revenue for your traffic at any given moment. This competition among parking services helps drive up your Revenue Per Mille (RPMs).Q: What are the benefits of using Above.com’s Registrar for domain management?
Using Above.com’s Registrar offers several benefits, including the consolidation of domains from multiple registrars into one account, which simplifies management. The platform provides free tools to help you apply common changes to groups of domains, such as setting DNS, zone file records, and obtaining authcodes. Additionally, it includes a powerful inventory tracking tool that helps you organize your domain portfolio and make informed renewal decisions based on ROI calculations.Q: How does the ROI Tool help in domain renewal decisions?
The ROI Tool in Above.com’s Registrar automatically imports the last 12 months of revenue statistics for your domains. This allows you to view the latest annualized ROI calculations, sort domains by expiry date, and make fast, informed decisions about which domains to renew immediately or later. This tool helps you optimize your domain portfolio by focusing on domains that generate the best return on investment.Q: What is the BIN Pricing Tool, and how does it work?
The BIN Pricing Tool is a feature that helps you calculate Buy Now (BIN) prices for your domains based on their traffic and parking stats. You can select a folder of domains or enter them individually, choose the Traffic Method, enter the value of each unique visitor and the number of months to multiply it by, and then calculate the BIN price. You can also save these calculated values or list the domains for sale/auction with the specified prices.Q: How does Above.com’s Marketplace facilitate domain sales?
Above.com’s Marketplace allows you to sell your domains with several advantages. You can offer prospective buyers a link to view the last 12 months of revenue statistics for any domain, which helps build trust. The platform charges a low 10% commission and offers free escrow services. Additionally, if your domains are registered with Above.com’s Registrar, you can offer FastTrack Transfers, which expedite the transfer process for buyers.Q: Is Above.com’s WHOIS Domain Privacy Service free?
Yes, Above.com’s WHOIS Domain Privacy Service is provided at no cost to Above.com Registrar clients. However, Above.com reserves the right to make pricing changes for this service with at least 30 days’ notice to existing customers.Q: Can I cancel or unsubscribe from Above.com’s services?
Yes, you can cancel or unsubscribe from Above.com’s services at any time. For automatic renewal billing, you need to cancel at least 2 days before the current subscription expiry date to avoid renewal charges. For any pricing changes, you will be given at least 30 days’ notice and the option to cancel or unsubscribe during this period.Q: How does Above.com help in organizing and tracking my domain portfolio?
Above.com’s Registrar includes a powerful inventory tracking tool that allows you to record the purchase price, appraised value, and categories for your domains. You can also assign keywords for Pay Per Click services and view or export the performance data of your parked domains for the last 12 months. This tool helps reduce the complexity of managing your domain portfolio and aids in making better business decisions.Q: Are there any additional fees for domain registration services on Above.com?
Above.com charges non-refundable fees for domain registration services, which are displayed on their website and during the ordering process. Any pricing changes will be notified to existing customers at least 30 days in advance.Q: Can I manage multiple domains in bulk using Above.com’s tools?
Yes, Above.com provides tools that allow you to apply common changes to designated groups of domains. This includes setting DNS, zone file records, getting authcodes, and approving transfers, all of which can be done much faster than managing each domain individually. Above.com - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Above.com in the Domain Tools Category
Above.com stands out as a comprehensive platform specifically engineered for domain investors, offering a suite of tools that cater to the unique needs of this group. Here’s a detailed assessment of who would benefit most from using Above.com and an overall recommendation.Key Benefits and Features
Above.com is more than just a domain service provider; it is an end-to-end portfolio management platform. Here are some of its key advantages:Monetization AutoPilot
This feature automatically optimizes domain traffic by testing and redirecting it to the parking service offering the highest revenue per thousand impressions (RPM). It includes real-time competition among parking companies and a maximizer feature that allows premium advertisers to bid, further increasing potential earnings.
Domain Registrar
Above.com’s registrar platform is built for domain investors, simplifying renewals, centralizing domain management, and providing valuable revenue insights. Tools like the StatsPowered Renewal ROI Tool™ help investors make informed renewal decisions based on annualized ROI calculations. The platform also offers free portfolio management tools, batch actions for managing multiple domains, and fast transfers.
Domain Marketplace
The marketplace is designed to help investors sell domains quickly and at optimal prices. It integrates revenue data to generate competitive “Buy Now” prices, charges a low 10% commission, offers free escrow services, and enables fast transfers for buyers.
Who Would Benefit Most
Above.com is particularly beneficial for domain investors managing large portfolios. Here are some groups that would find significant value in using the platform:Domain Investors
Those with multiple domains spread across different registrars can consolidate their management on Above.com, simplifying renewals and improving efficiency.
Domain Monetizers
Investors looking to maximize their traffic revenue will appreciate the automated optimization and real-time competition features.
Domain Sellers
Individuals aiming to sell their domains quickly and at optimal prices will benefit from the data-driven pricing and transparent sales analytics provided by the marketplace.
Overall Recommendation
Above.com is highly recommended for anyone serious about maximizing the potential of their domain portfolio. Here’s why:Efficiency and Automation
The platform automates many manual processes, such as optimizing traffic and managing renewals, saving time and increasing profitability.
Data-Driven Decisions
Above.com provides valuable insights through its StatsPowered tools, enabling investors to make informed decisions about renewals and sales.
Low Fees and Seamless Transactions
The marketplace offers competitive commissions and free escrow services, ensuring safe and smooth transactions.
Comprehensive Management
Above.com consolidates domain management from multiple registrars into one place, making it easier to manage large portfolios.
In summary, Above.com is an indispensable tool for domain investors seeking to optimize their domain monetization, simplify portfolio management, and sell domains efficiently. Its automated features, data-driven insights, and low fees make it a standout in the domain tools category.