Thread: Using a domain name with Realtor in it

Originally Posted by dallasrealestate

Am I allowed to use the domain name DallasRealtor.net? They say it is for Geographical usage,and I cant do that. I could only do it if it were my name.

they said it was ok it was someones name? Could I consider my nickname to now be "Dallas"? Please let me know of some legal help if anyone has some...

Thats a good question, never thought of it. I don't know how many lawyers hang out here, but you might seek out local counsel in Dallas, Dallas.

If the name Realtor is trademarked which I'm almost positive it is then you could run into problems. It would be like saying DallasCocaCola.com. They wouldn't take to kindly to you using their name.

Don't do it, it is not worth fighting over. You are not going to be able to afford the law suit even if you could win. Stay away from using REALTOR with anything other than your name when choosing a domain name.

It would be foolish to do otherwise.

Realtor is a trademark (tm). So why would you wanted this word so bad? It is probably someone told you that having a valuable keyword in your domain will give you a huge boost in Google ranking. It is not true, it was helpful for beginner websites about a year ago, last time I checked, but not anymore. I know this will become a subject of many arguments but honestly, I have been doing SEO long enough to have my own opinions.

Try DallasHomeKing or something like that. Try something that is memorable, this will benefit you more than keyword chasing. I will tell you this; a few high quality links and optimized content management on your site will dwarf the URL keyword-picking strategies of your competitors. Try to build a brand.

I heard recently you should do SEO for a site that has your name as a domain name. That way if you would ever change markets it wouldn't matter.

Originally Posted by Bones

I heard recently you should do SEO for a site that has your name as a domain name. That way if you would ever change markets it wouldn't matter.

It does make sense and I am using my name on one of my sites. But see, if you overnight will change your site's content from realtor site to a let's say gardening site, you will have to start over competing for new keyword expressions. The benefit you will get is the aged domain with higher PR.

There is also a danger to plunge in rankings due to content change. You have to change your content carefully.

What search engine optimizers have to realize that Google has many talented engineers who are working daily on improving Google's algorithms. What was true yesterday is very unlikely to be true tomorrow. In relation to overhyped theory that "you-must-have-valuable-keywords-in-your-domain", it is not as effective as it used to be especially in the long run.

If you do a search for 'realtor' you'll see that tons of folks have had their domain name with the word 'realtor' in it for a long time.

I understand erring on the side of caution, however, the REALTOR association does not seem to be filing lawsuits against these types of domain holders. As suggested earlier though, if you're that worried, speak to an internet attorney.