TLDz
TLDz[edit | edit source]
TLDz is a strategic consultancy focused on enabling organizations to unlock the full value of their top-level domains (TLDs). The company offers a range of services to support dotBrand applicants, open registry operators, and existing TLD holders throughout the entire TLD lifecycle—from ideation and application to launch, promotion, and optimization.
Founded by industry veterans Christa Taylor and Martin Sutton, TLDz combines deep expertise in domain strategy, digital risk management, marketing, and analytics to provide data-driven, actionable insights for TLD success.
Overview[edit | edit source]
TLDz provides specialized advisory services to help clients understand the diverse applications of top-level domains and how they can be leveraged for competitive advantage, brand security, customer engagement, and digital transformation. The company supports both brands applying for their own TLDs (commonly referred to as dotBrands) and operators managing open, geographic, or restricted TLDs.
Unlike many organizations in the domain industry, TLDz is fully independent—free from affiliations with registries, backend providers, or other service platforms. This neutrality allows TLDz to provide unbiased, client-first guidance, with every recommendation tailored solely to the client’s needs and objectives.
TLDz’s approach is built on decades of experience in the domain industry, ICANN policy, and digital strategy, with the goal of demystifying the TLD ecosystem and making it accessible and valuable to a broader range of organizations.
Track Record[edit | edit source]
TLDz has a long-standing record of delivering results across the domain name space. In the 2012 round of new gTLDs, over 50 TLD applications were successful - with a 100% success rate.
This performance reflects the firm's deep understanding of ICANN policy, technical requirements, and strategic positioning. It also reinforces TLDz’s reputation as a trusted advisor capable of guiding clients through one of the most complex and competitive processes in the domain name industry.
Services[edit | edit source]
TLDz offers two flagship service frameworks: TLD Class and Zen Report.
TLD Class[edit | edit source]
TLD Class is an educational and strategic development program designed to guide prospective TLD applicants through the process of conceptualizing and preparing a successful TLD application. It includes:
- TLD idea evaluation
- Target audience definition
- Business model development
- Pricing strategies
- Competitive landscape analysis
- Financial projections and ROI modeling
The program helps clients build a compelling, data-supported business case to ensure their TLD meets both ICANN requirements and organizational goals. TLD Class also includes full ICANN application support—drafting responses, aligning with policies, managing clarifying questions, and providing auction advisory in the event of contention.
More at: TLDz.com
Zen Report[edit | edit source]
The Zen Report is a strategic decision-making tool designed to help organizations assess the potential sucess of their chosen Top-Level Domain (TLD) string—before committing significant time and resources. Each report includes a comprehensive, expert-led analysis and features the proprietary TLD Power Score (TPS), a data-driven metric developed by TLDz to provide clear insight into the likely performance and strategic alignment of the proposed TLD.
Each Zen Report includes:
- A comprehensive analysis of the selected TLD string
- Market fit assessment and strategic alignment
- TLD Power Score (TPS) – TLDz’s overall proprietary scoring system
- Objective recommendations to proceed, refine, or pivot
The report empowers applicants to make well-informed decisions before proceeding with their ICANN application process and offers a valuable foundation for refining or validating their TLD strategy with minimal costs, making it a valuable, unbiased tool for applicants.
Mission and Vision[edit | edit source]
TLDz was founded on the principle that top-level domains can be transformative digital assets - when properly aligned with business objectives and backed by a sound strategy. Its mission is to provide a clear, simplified path for organizations to harness the full potential of their TLDs, whether as branding vehicles, secure communications channels, or platforms for digital innovation.
TLDz also helps revitalize underperforming or underutilized TLDs by offering new perspectives and growth strategies tailored to client goals.
Positioning & Independence[edit | edit source]
TLDz operates as an independent consultancy, free from affiliations with registries, backend providers, or other vested interests in the domain name ecosystem. This neutrality allows the firm to offer truly objective, client-first guidance focused solely on the success of each organization’s unique goals.
Unlike some industry players who may steer recommendations based on partnerships or internal priorities, TLDz maintains complete autonomy—ensuring that every strategic recommendation, TLD evaluation, or application plan is made in the best interest of the client.
This independence is a core differentiator and underpins TLDz’s reputation as a trusted advisor across the evolving TLD landscape.
Leadership[edit | edit source]
Industry Context[edit | edit source]
With the next application round for new gTLDs anticipated in the near future, interest in dotBrands, geographic TLDs, and community-based strings is growing. TLDz is positioned as a strategic partner for this next wave of applicants, offering expert guidance through the complexities of ICANN policy, digital positioning, and long-term registry operations.
TLDz positions itself as a strategic partner for organizations preparing for this next wave, offering clarity and direction in an often complex regulatory and technical landscape.
External Links[edit | edit source]
ICANNWiki: Content Guide | Documentation | Development || Categories: Articles needing attention | Candidates for deletion || Projects: Internet & Digital Governance Library