Wanted: Domain Appraisal Please share your thoughts on Blackpool.co.uk

[cm1975]

CM you're missing out a lot there, if you just think fuel cost and exchange rate.

Especially the fact that there are still cheap package holidays that families can get to the costas. What many families on a tighter budget do is travel during term time, taking their kids out of school to go away for a week or 2.

Yes I was simplifying it slightly, but then again these are some of the main considerations of low income families, especially when they risk prosecution if they take their kids out of school for holidays.

There are indeed still cheap package holidays still to be had, but as we saw last year, some of the operators at that end of the market are finding times hard - Zoom, XL and SilverJet went bust, Easyjet saw profits nosedive 45%, and RyanAir made a loss for the first time .... to name but a few.

With belts tightening will 2009 see more holiday companies and airlines go out of business? Especially as Opec want to see oil prices rise again!

 

[Leeroy]

The name its self is great, however when it comes to blackpool businesses you have a problem. Not very many of them can advertise on other websites as most are tied into contracts with the BTB.

Most of the main attractions, restaurants, hotels and b&b's are signed up with them. We had a meeting with them the other week regarding our plans and nothing much came out of it.

All is not lost though as not all businesses are signed up, even the ones that are signed up are still game, however price is key to these guys. What ever you charge for a listing they need to pay the board the same amount.

You would need a good call centre to make any real money from the name i feel. If you need anymore info just drop me a PM. Good luck.

 

[retired_member12]

^ That's torn it a bit!

 

[retired_member34]

Not very many of them can advertise on other websites as most are tied into contracts with the blackpool tourist board.

Wow. What kind of contract do they have, and for what? Are you able to tell us?

Interested as I am doing this elsewhere..

 

[Edwin]

The official site only has 348 hotels and guesthouses listed out of approx 20x that many, so even if I was to go down the direct sales route I don't think that's exactly a hindrance. But a well-optimized site probably could make plenty from Adsense and accommodation affiliate programs alone, without having to mess around with the "C" word (customers!)

 

[Leeroy]

The official site only has 348 hotels and guesthouses listed out of approx 20x that many, so even if I was to go down the direct sales route I don't think that's exactly a hindrance. But a well-optimized site probably could make plenty from Adsense and accommodation affiliate programs alone, without having to mess around with the "C" word (customers!)

Edwin, it isnt just the web sites listed on the site, its a good portion of businesses. The board spends more than most promoting Blackpool off and online. Blackpool is also one or the hardest hit places with the credit crunch, so makes going down the direct route harder, but still possible. Taking nothing away from the name, but look at it long term.

 

[ratboy]

Why not list accommodation for free, and charge a booking fee or something. Find a way round the monopoly!!

 

[retired_member34]

Don't think 5% penetration is a monopoly, just competition.

Curious though Lee why you stated "Not very many of them can advertise on other websites as most are tied into contracts with the blackpool tourist board". Did you just mean that they wouldn't use 2 websites to advertise, or did you mean they are contractually not able to?

 

[Leeroy]

Don't think 5% penetration is a monopoly, just competition.

Curious though Lee why you stated "Not very many of them can advertise on other websites as most are tied into contracts with the blackpool tourist board". Did you just mean that they wouldn't use 2 websites to advertise, or did you mean they are contractually not able to?

Because that's what we have been told Rob, by the businesses and by the TB. I meant the latter, they are in contract. If they do advertise else where there is a fee to pay to the TB.

We have found ways round the issue, and i am sure Edwin can if that's the way he goes.

 

[retired_member34]

Because thats what we have been told Rob, by the businesses and by the TB. I meant the latter, they are in contract. If they do advertise else where there is a fee to pay to the TB.

Thanks for the clarification Lee. Sounds very restrictive to the businesses, anti-competitive even.

 

[Leeroy]

Thanks for the clarification Lee. Sounds very restrictive to the businesses, anti-competitive even.

I agree with you Rob, one would think any advertising as a whole is good for the place.