About Simkin
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1,191 followers Joined March 2011
Hello Everyone! Thank you for taking this time out of your busy business building to read this! I'm one of the those many university students who

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asked in
Website Development & Programming
Updated

Hello WA friends and colleagues,

I have been majorly bummed out with an email I received a couple days ago.

My domain name for my website includes 'Roku' which is a

Yup I heard back from Kyle he says this is something that happens from time to time depending on the attitudes of the company in question, etc.

He is suggesting I find another domain and use the WA domain transfer tool from here within the WA members area to transfer the website and just move forward from there. Obviously trying to avoid the trademark this time around.

I just want to thank you all for the input the scariest parts about this when it happened to me were not knowing what to do and also having no one to talk to about it!

WA remedied both of those hurdles, this is where this community truly shines!

Thank you!!

Dan

This is a topic that definitely should have been covered in training prior to suggesting we have our own domain name. Now I am questioning all the domains I purchased already.

Honestly I had been asked to stop using the *.ca URL I had with the website. I did stop, however there was nothing at all said about the *.com URL which I have continued to use for the last 2+ years since this issue reared it's head. Not a peep from Roku or any issues since.

So it is relevant but not as scary as it sounds. I am prepared to switch domains if it ever becomes an issue but frankly its working as it is, for now.

Wow... 3 years have passed! I should really get back to posting new articles... the traffic isn't gonna grow itself, unfortunately :P

If you don't have decent traffic already I would consider switching the domains now if possible. It's a lot more of a thing when you start getting real traffic. Although I'll leave that decision in your hands.

Have a great day!

I had a similar problem back in 2012. However that company only wanted specific affiliates on Commission Junction. My Attorneys told me to move away from them and that is what I did. It was a Weebly site so blanking it was SIMPLE. I chalked it up to me making a rookie mistake.

Thanks for the input! I'm doing the same and I'm in the process of transferring to a new domain.

It seems this is a fairly common issue!

I'm just kinda interested that I made their radar, haha ;-)

Even though you are promoting someone's product, you can't use their trade name, or even a similar name. Marion seems to have sorted this out. I'd take her advice

I made a similar mistake. I registered http://blogwithwordpress.com for a two year term then found out later that I couldn't use 'wordpress' as part of a domain name. DANG! The only time I registered for a two year term and I can't use the website. I transferred all the content to another website, made all the old pages and posts 'no follow' and also removed the website from Google Webmaster Tools. :-( ~Marion

How did this change your rankings in the SERPs?

I had to start all over again. :-(

:-( That is most unfortunate I believe I can use the domain transfer tool here at WA to do the deed and it could in all likelihood have my new domain pages simply replace the old ones in the SERPs... at least that's according to a training Carson did for the domain transfer tool. The only issue is that training is a little old and I'm not sure if it is relevant for my situation but here's to hoping.

I'm sure that you will be able to transfer all the content to a new domain. Then, while the original domain is still registered you can put re-directs on every page/post to take your readers to the new domain's corresponding pages/posts and delete the content on the original domain.

On every page/post of the new domain tell your readers that the domain name has changed and ask them to bookmark the new page/post.

Remember to remove the old domain from Google Webmaster Tools and anywhere else it may appear including social media.

All excellent advice, I appreciate it greatly, thank you!

If you want to sell other peoples products you must look into their affiliate programs and read all the terms. I made similar mistakes and you did the right thing. You took it down and you also shared your experience with us so someone else might benefit from not making the same mistake so thanks for sharing.
I too would ask Kyle on this one. :)

I believe sharing our mistakes and fixes with others is what puts this community above the rest out there that only attempt to sell the illusion of ease and quick riches.

Here its real... sometimes unpleasant, but always real!

I'm in the process of finding a new domain and transferring. Its scary because I just got another sale today and I don't want to loose that momentum!

Thanks for your input!
Dan

Please keep us all in the loop on what happens, traffic wise and such so we all have an idea if faced with the same problem what to expect.
Good luck!

If I were you, I would private message Kyle about your situation and get his expertise. Good luck!

That is an excellent idea!

I have found some very useful information amongst the WA community also. In particular an article written by Carson:

SiteRubix Website to a Domain You Own in One-Click!

I will contact Kyle for advice on the particulars of this situation I am in.

Thank you,
Dan

I really hope that this works out for you and that you get a fast resolution!

that is a rotten set back. I'm sorry to hear this has happened to you.
how long did it take to see decent traffic on the old .ca site. Was it under 6 months....because, a lot of your previous traffic that looks for you again, should find you....and there must be a way to get google to boost you faster with the rename.....
Am I correct in assuming the site is just around 1 year old
Let me know
mark

The *.ca site was simply redirected to the content on the *.com. Hence why I'm aware its just a matter of time before they address the *.com.

It was really slow for the first little while however, when the numbers picked up they didn't stop. I have seen more sales and interaction and Google ad-sense income in the last month than the previous 6 or so before. I registered in mid March but the work on it has been sporadic as life has thrown a couple curve balls my way even before this.

The site is under one year old... I am definitely looking into ways to help the content transfer to a new domain.

I am taking this opportunity mixed with the blessings of seeing that online income is real to expand! These sort of set backs happen with entrepreneurial endeavors and I'm not going to let it stop me!

Thanks for the response
Dan

Hey Daniel,
I had a similar situation with Farmville (I used that in my domain name) and was told (not asked) to remove any existence of the domain within 10 days. I complied.

I was lucky (as are you) that stronger legal action wasn't taken. It probably is just a matter of time before they contact you about your .com as well. It is rather surprising that they didn't tackle both at he same time. It could be that the computer system that scans for it didn't get to it yet. Who knows?

Even though you are selling on their behalf they don't like websites that have the trademark in domain names because they can't control the content that you produce. Any content that you post that is contrary to them, could get them sued as it could be misconstrued in courts that your website is associated with them, simply by the fact that their company name (or product, etc) exists in your website.

I am not trying to pass this off as any kind of legal advice because I am not qualified to do so. If you are looking to keep the .com, you may want to seek professional advice.

Transferring the content to another site (one that does not contain the trademark in the domain name) may take a hit initially but over time it should work itself out as your readers and Google have ranked the content itself not necessarily the website. Your statistics confirm that.

Best Regards,
Jim

Thanks Jim,

Everything you say makes sense.

I'm happy to hear your thoughts on content transfer. I will be pursuing this now as it seems likely that my *.com will be addressed some time in the near future. Better to get on it while I have some time.

Hey Daniel,

I know how you feel. I had that same sinking feeling when it happened to me.

My advice is to just keep moving forward. Domain names are no longer the most important factor in ranking any more so when you do transfer it just keep creating good content and take it from there.

Best Regards,
Jim

Thank you so much!

I will, its priceless to hear this and even though it might not seem like much your responses and advice are enormous help!

Dan

See more comments

I have been trademark warned what do I do now?

I have been trademark warned what do I do now?

asked in
Website Development & Programming
Updated

Hello WA friends and colleagues,

I have been majorly bummed out with an email I received a couple days ago.

My domain name for my website includes 'Roku' which is a

Yup I heard back from Kyle he says this is something that happens from time to time depending on the attitudes of the company in question, etc.

He is suggesting I find another domain and use the WA domain transfer tool from here within the WA members area to transfer the website and just move forward from there. Obviously trying to avoid the trademark this time around.

I just want to thank you all for the input the scariest parts about this when it happened to me were not knowing what to do and also having no one to talk to about it!

WA remedied both of those hurdles, this is where this community truly shines!

Thank you!!

Dan

This is a topic that definitely should have been covered in training prior to suggesting we have our own domain name. Now I am questioning all the domains I purchased already.

Honestly I had been asked to stop using the *.ca URL I had with the website. I did stop, however there was nothing at all said about the *.com URL which I have continued to use for the last 2+ years since this issue reared it's head. Not a peep from Roku or any issues since.

So it is relevant but not as scary as it sounds. I am prepared to switch domains if it ever becomes an issue but frankly its working as it is, for now.

Wow... 3 years have passed! I should really get back to posting new articles... the traffic isn't gonna grow itself, unfortunately :P

If you don't have decent traffic already I would consider switching the domains now if possible. It's a lot more of a thing when you start getting real traffic. Although I'll leave that decision in your hands.

Have a great day!

I had a similar problem back in 2012. However that company only wanted specific affiliates on Commission Junction. My Attorneys told me to move away from them and that is what I did. It was a Weebly site so blanking it was SIMPLE. I chalked it up to me making a rookie mistake.

Thanks for the input! I'm doing the same and I'm in the process of transferring to a new domain.

It seems this is a fairly common issue!

I'm just kinda interested that I made their radar, haha ;-)

Even though you are promoting someone's product, you can't use their trade name, or even a similar name. Marion seems to have sorted this out. I'd take her advice

I made a similar mistake. I registered http://blogwithwordpress.com for a two year term then found out later that I couldn't use 'wordpress' as part of a domain name. DANG! The only time I registered for a two year term and I can't use the website. I transferred all the content to another website, made all the old pages and posts 'no follow' and also removed the website from Google Webmaster Tools. :-( ~Marion

How did this change your rankings in the SERPs?

I had to start all over again. :-(

:-( That is most unfortunate I believe I can use the domain transfer tool here at WA to do the deed and it could in all likelihood have my new domain pages simply replace the old ones in the SERPs... at least that's according to a training Carson did for the domain transfer tool. The only issue is that training is a little old and I'm not sure if it is relevant for my situation but here's to hoping.

I'm sure that you will be able to transfer all the content to a new domain. Then, while the original domain is still registered you can put re-directs on every page/post to take your readers to the new domain's corresponding pages/posts and delete the content on the original domain.

On every page/post of the new domain tell your readers that the domain name has changed and ask them to bookmark the new page/post.

Remember to remove the old domain from Google Webmaster Tools and anywhere else it may appear including social media.

All excellent advice, I appreciate it greatly, thank you!

If you want to sell other peoples products you must look into their affiliate programs and read all the terms. I made similar mistakes and you did the right thing. You took it down and you also shared your experience with us so someone else might benefit from not making the same mistake so thanks for sharing.
I too would ask Kyle on this one. :)

I believe sharing our mistakes and fixes with others is what puts this community above the rest out there that only attempt to sell the illusion of ease and quick riches.

Here its real... sometimes unpleasant, but always real!

I'm in the process of finding a new domain and transferring. Its scary because I just got another sale today and I don't want to loose that momentum!

Thanks for your input!
Dan

Please keep us all in the loop on what happens, traffic wise and such so we all have an idea if faced with the same problem what to expect.
Good luck!

If I were you, I would private message Kyle about your situation and get his expertise. Good luck!

That is an excellent idea!

I have found some very useful information amongst the WA community also. In particular an article written by Carson:

SiteRubix Website to a Domain You Own in One-Click!

I will contact Kyle for advice on the particulars of this situation I am in.

Thank you,
Dan

I really hope that this works out for you and that you get a fast resolution!

that is a rotten set back. I'm sorry to hear this has happened to you.
how long did it take to see decent traffic on the old .ca site. Was it under 6 months....because, a lot of your previous traffic that looks for you again, should find you....and there must be a way to get google to boost you faster with the rename.....
Am I correct in assuming the site is just around 1 year old
Let me know
mark

The *.ca site was simply redirected to the content on the *.com. Hence why I'm aware its just a matter of time before they address the *.com.

It was really slow for the first little while however, when the numbers picked up they didn't stop. I have seen more sales and interaction and Google ad-sense income in the last month than the previous 6 or so before. I registered in mid March but the work on it has been sporadic as life has thrown a couple curve balls my way even before this.

The site is under one year old... I am definitely looking into ways to help the content transfer to a new domain.

I am taking this opportunity mixed with the blessings of seeing that online income is real to expand! These sort of set backs happen with entrepreneurial endeavors and I'm not going to let it stop me!

Thanks for the response
Dan

Hey Daniel,
I had a similar situation with Farmville (I used that in my domain name) and was told (not asked) to remove any existence of the domain within 10 days. I complied.

I was lucky (as are you) that stronger legal action wasn't taken. It probably is just a matter of time before they contact you about your .com as well. It is rather surprising that they didn't tackle both at he same time. It could be that the computer system that scans for it didn't get to it yet. Who knows?

Even though you are selling on their behalf they don't like websites that have the trademark in domain names because they can't control the content that you produce. Any content that you post that is contrary to them, could get them sued as it could be misconstrued in courts that your website is associated with them, simply by the fact that their company name (or product, etc) exists in your website.

I am not trying to pass this off as any kind of legal advice because I am not qualified to do so. If you are looking to keep the .com, you may want to seek professional advice.

Transferring the content to another site (one that does not contain the trademark in the domain name) may take a hit initially but over time it should work itself out as your readers and Google have ranked the content itself not necessarily the website. Your statistics confirm that.

Best Regards,
Jim

Thanks Jim,

Everything you say makes sense.

I'm happy to hear your thoughts on content transfer. I will be pursuing this now as it seems likely that my *.com will be addressed some time in the near future. Better to get on it while I have some time.

Hey Daniel,

I know how you feel. I had that same sinking feeling when it happened to me.

My advice is to just keep moving forward. Domain names are no longer the most important factor in ranking any more so when you do transfer it just keep creating good content and take it from there.

Best Regards,
Jim

Thank you so much!

I will, its priceless to hear this and even though it might not seem like much your responses and advice are enormous help!

Dan

See more comments

asked in
Website Development & Programming
Updated

I am getting this strange prefix for my URL that I have never seen before and have no idea what it is or if its malicious!

Normally the URL is

https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/getting-started/why-does-my-url-starts-h128direct

Read this. The same thing is happening here with your website. You are simply being upgraded to a new server as we migrate our hosting platform here. This is a very temporary redirect as a DNS update is required when this happens.

You will see your normal URL when your Internet Service Provider does a refresh.

Kyle... you rock! Seriously it means the world to people that you are here to respond to these questions and so quickly ally our concerns!

See more comments

Strange redirect to my site?

Strange redirect to my site?

asked in
Website Development & Programming
Updated

I am getting this strange prefix for my URL that I have never seen before and have no idea what it is or if its malicious!

Normally the URL is

https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/getting-started/why-does-my-url-starts-h128direct

Read this. The same thing is happening here with your website. You are simply being upgraded to a new server as we migrate our hosting platform here. This is a very temporary redirect as a DNS update is required when this happens.

You will see your normal URL when your Internet Service Provider does a refresh.

Kyle... you rock! Seriously it means the world to people that you are here to respond to these questions and so quickly ally our concerns!

See more comments

Login
Create Your Free Wealthy Affiliate Account Today!
icon
4-Steps to Success Class
icon
One Profit Ready Website
icon
Market Research & Analysis Tools
icon
Millionaire Mentorship
icon
Core “Business Start Up” Training