If you are developing domains yourself a basic development package can be downloaded from AceHTML.com, for free. You will require a knowledge of HTML and CSS to get the most out of it. But this package will enable you to do minor development work as well as more complex jobs.

Basic minisites can be created quickly and easily using free templates, such as the ones available from FreeCSSTemplates.org. AceHTML will be helpful here. I think, as a general rule, mini sites of up to 5 – 25 pages can easily be developed in this way. Larger sites would be easier to develop if you used some of the other packages I will discuss below.

The next step up is probably Wordpress blogging software. this is a package that, once you get used to it, allows you to rapidly develop sophisticated sites. A self hosted Wordpress.org driven website is a quick and easy way of developing sites and the variety of eye catching templates available make this the software of choice for all but the smallest sites or the most demanding sites. Wordpress is a popular blogging tool that is gaining a good reputation for itself as a Content Management System (CMS). Either way once you become familiar with the software you may never want to change. You can even add online discussion forums to Wordpress. See YouLookFab.com for a good example of Wordpress / forum integration.

Another feature of Wordpress is the multiuser option WordpressMU. This is a quick and straightforward way of developing a number of domains using Wordpress.

If you wish to add a forum to your site, or if you just want to have a website that is a free standing forum such as acorndomains.co.ukthere are a variety of packages available. SMF and PHPBB are two of the most popular free packages available. There are many more. Many developers prefer the paid for options vBulletin or Invision Power Board. Fortunately, it is possible, though not straightforward, to migrate between the packages, so it is possible to start with a free option to begin with and move to a paid option later on.

However, there are some more advanced packages which take you into the ‘professional sphere’. Joomla and Drupal are free to download but certain add-ons may cost. They are aimed at more advanced developers and offer integrated modules to make more sophisticated sites. Wordpress needs a lot of work to make it act as a CMS so many developers are seeing the benefits of Joomla and Drupal which are CMS, ‘straight out of the box’. However, the overall complexity of these two packages compared to Wordpress put many people off as has the lack of a wide selection of free templates/ skins. A paid for package that has many of the same features is Expression Engine. This is perhaps the most expensive option but is also gathering a following. For example, FemaleForum.com is build using Expression Engine and is an example of what can be done with only a moderate investment.

Development is an important way to make your domain names work harder for you. I’m not saying that domain parking should be avoided, but I do believe that key word rich domains in your portfolio should be developed out as soon as time allows. The options covered here will help you to do so.

You bought generic domains and, with the rise of domain name parking companies, you parked them and watched the money flood in. I accept there were many late nights and many problems for early domainers to overcome, but it is safe to say things are harder now.

Not all of the best domains are gone but domainers have to work hard to make money now and need additional skills. One of the most vital skill sets domainers need is web development skills, or at least an appreciation of what is involved in web development.

Many domainers do not want to worry about web development or site creation. Perhaps they are better off spending their time prospecting for domains or are better off concentrating on other business activities. (Those domainers will be sharing the revenue their domains attract with domain name parking companies, and thats not always the best possible option, for them.)

However, I think most people are not in that position.

For most domainers, developing out domains in their domain portfolio is a worthwhile use of their time and will lead to greater profits. I am not suggesting the creation of numerous minisites, but domainers should know which of the domains they own can be developed into profitable sites.

Lets be clear about this.

If you do not want a significant proportion of your profits to go to web developers in development fees, or if you would prefer not to share your revenue with domain name parking companies you need to acquire web development skills.

What skills? Well to start with a working knowledge of HTML, CSS and at least know what PHP and MySQL can do when integrated with one another. Ability to install Wordpress on a paid hosting service. Knowledge about website monetization options and search engine optimization is vital.

If you have no choice but to use web developers, perhaps because of time commitments, you should still have a good appreciation of the topics I mentioned above. That way you can talk to your developer in a language you both can understand, and are able to get from your developer exactly what you want.

Are you a domainer with web development skills? How important is it for a domainer to have those skils? Have you used developers to develop your domains? Would web development skills have saved you money and time? Share your experiences below….

The US based firm provides geo-targeted adverts in a number of countries including the US, Canada and the UK. Chitika announced on their blog last week that they are looking into offering a customizable “Chitika for domains” service. 

Chitika is a welcome alternative to existing domain name parking services such as that provided by Sedo.com and Parked.com.

There are not very many parking options catering to domainers with domain names getting UK traffic and the results from Sedo’s parking service is felt by some to provide only modest results.  So this is a welcome opportunity for domainers with .uk domain names and/ or UK traffic.

I will be monitoring this development and revisit it shortly.

In the mean time what do you think of Chitika’ plans. Is this a product that might interest you? What other parking services are there for UK traffic? Share your thoughts below.