Let’s face it, no one knew how to pronounce or spell the name ‘neuvoo‘. So when i saw the news last week that the job search company had acquired a top tier domain like Talent.com, I saw it as a much needed move if they ever want to take on the Indeed’s of the world.
And take them on they will to the tune of paying $1.8 million (CA) for the rights.
This is a big and bold move by the Montreal based company whom I have come to know and admire for their startup, grind it out mentality.
They do job search well and have carved out a place for themselves by going global early in their existence. Today they are in 60+ countries and their bank account is stacked after a $50+ million investment in September. Their traffic is steadily rising.
They are going to need that cash to take on the big players but I’d like to talk more about the domain purchase.
In order for them to grow and become a household name they needed a brand name that is easily understandable/memorable. Talent.com checks those boxes easily.
The biggest players in the job space have traditionally had one word names…first Monster then Indeed…could Talent.com be next to take that mantle?
I don’t think they’ll be surpassing Indeed anytime soon but they have a real shot at being the Avis to their Hertz. Being #2 in the job site industry is an enviable position and that is where they are likely to end up.
This news is also a reminder that a great domain is a powerful marketing tool. I’m very curious what kind of type-in traffic happens on talent.com today. That domain brings instant credibility to their business.
So if you are thinking about launching your own job board be sure to get a domain that is the shortest possible and always try for the dot com version. Most of you won’t be able to afford a one word name like the above but the right name can help you market your site more easily (especially if its hard to spell).
In any case, our industry just got a little more interesting and these new job wars will be fun to watch. Perhaps we may even see a Talent.com super bowl commercial one day!
