Navigating early hurdles
Starting and growing a business like Domai.io comes with its share of surprises. For Duchesne, one of the biggest challenges was underestimating the complexity of integrating their tool into registrars’ systems. “We knew we had to make our product easy to use,” Duchesne reflects. However, the team didn’t realize how busy registrar developers really are.
This realization came at a cost. Domai.io was losing potential business because registrars, overwhelmed with their own development tasks, didn’t have time to engage with the company’s API. Frustrated by this roadblock, Duchesne and his team quickly adjusted. They re-engineered their approach, providing all the necessary code and support to ensure that integration could be completed in just a couple of hours. “We went from simply offering access to the API to practically doing the work for them,” Duchesne explains. This shift, which included setting up dedicated Slack channels for ongoing support, turned things around. It also deepened Domai.io’s partnerships with its clients.
Tailoring to a global audience
Domai.io’s reach extends across more than 40 countries. Each has its own unique market demands. Understanding these cultural and market-specific differences has been key to the company’s growth. “Every registrar we work with serves a different user base,” Duchesne says. This diversity means that a one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t work.
To address this, Domai.io has developed AI models tailored to each client’s needs. The platform doesn’t just spin variations of keywords. Instead, it offers domain suggestions that resonate with the target audience of each registrar. “We’re the only ones doing it this way,” Duchesne notes with pride. This personalized approach has allowed Domai.io to stand out in a crowded market, offering something that competitors can’t match.
A vision for the future
As businesses increasingly turn to the digital realm to establish their identities, AI’s role in this process becomes more critical. Duchesne envisions a future where AI not only helps businesses find the perfect domain but also assists in creating a complete digital presence in moments. “Imagine being able to describe your business and, within minutes, having the right domain, a logo, a website, and even marketing content,” Duchesne muses. This “business-in-a-box” concept is where he sees Domai.io heading, making it easier for entrepreneurs to focus on what they do best—running their businesses.
For domainers managing large portfolios, this vision includes helping registrars market domains more effectively. “AI can do so much to enhance the user experience,” Duchesne says. “We’re here to make that happen with minimal effort on the part of registrars.”
The power of partnership
One of the standout moments in Domai.io’s journey was securing an investment from NameSilo, a relationship that started during the product development phase. What began as a collaborative effort to integrate Domai.io’s tools into NameSilo’s platform quickly evolved into a deeper partnership. “We didn’t follow any traditional path,” Duchesne admits. “It was about finding people who shared our vision.”
Working closely with Kristaps Ronka, CEO of NameSilo, and his team, Duchesne found a partner who understood and believed in the potential of AI within the domain industry. “It just clicked,” Duchesne says, emphasizing the importance of aligning with the right people. This shared vision eventually led to NameSilo’s investment, solidifying a partnership that continues to drive both companies forward.
Staying competitive in an AI-driven world
With AI’s rise, staying ahead in the domain industry requires continuous innovation. For Duchesne, this means constantly refining Domai.io’s offerings to ensure they provide unparalleled personalization. “We’re not just spinning keywords,” he emphasizes. “Our models are trained on specific data from each registrar, ensuring the highest level of personalization.”
This relentless focus on improvement has led to several key enhancements. These include faster response times and new features like a logo builder and personalized email marketing solutions. “We know that to survive, we need to offer the best possible experience,” Duchesne says. The team’s dedication to staying competitive is unwavering.
Inspiration and innovation
When it comes to AI tools that have inspired him, Duchesne points to GoDaddy’s AIRO. “They’ve streamlined so much with AI, and it’s impressive,” he acknowledges. However, Duchesne remains focused on Domai.io’s mission: to empower registrars to compete with industry giants without needing to make massive investments. “We’re enabling them to offer top-notch services at a fraction of the cost,” he says.
Looking ahead, Duchesne is clear about what drives him and his team. “We make money by making registrars and their users happy,” he says, emphasizing that customer satisfaction is the true metric of success. With a relentless drive to innovate and a commitment to staying in tune with their clients’ needs, Domai.io is well-positioned to continue leading the charge in the AI-driven domain industry.
