I Purchased bootcamp.dev: A New Home for My Web Development Bootcamp

Every Spring, I organize a highly anticipated course called the Web Development Bootcamp. This comprehensive 20-week program covers all the essential aspects of web development, including vanilla JavaScript, React, Node.js, Next.js, and more. The course has been a tremendous success, with a growing number of signups and consistently positive outcomes for my students. Due to its popularity and effectiveness, I have decided to make it an annual event.

Formerly known as the JavaScript Full-Stack Bootcamp, I recently rebranded it to better reflect the diverse skills and technologies covered. With this change, I wanted to find a new domain name that aligned with the updated name. As I was searching for domain ideas, I stumbled upon bootcamp.dev on Instant Domain Search, a website I frequently use for domain searches. Through a random search, I discovered that the domain was available for purchase at a price of 682€, which is significantly higher than what I have paid for domain names in the past.

Though the price seemed steep, I rationalized my decision by considering the experiences of others in the industry. Pieter Levels famously paid $102,000 for a .com domain, while Tyler McGinnis spent $25,000 on a .dev domain. These insights provided me with a valuable perspective, realizing that I was paying a fraction of the cost compared to these notable figures. Additionally, as a digital entrepreneur based in Europe, having more business expenses allows me to reduce the overall tax burden, which can reach up to 50% of my revenue.

Despite the initial hesitation, I recognized the long-term advantages of obtaining the bootcamp.dev domain. Not only does it provide a shorter and more memorable web address for my course, but it also enhances the branding and professionalism of my business. Furthermore, I believe that as the bootcamp grows over time, it has the potential to become a prominent entity in its own right.

Without much delay, I made the decision to purchase the domain. However, it’s important to note that .dev domains are not widely available for purchase like other domain extensions. After exploring various options, I ultimately chose gandi.net as my registrar due to their reputation for excellent customer support. Although Google Domains offered a similar price, I recalled reading a post on HN about someone who faced suspension without adequate support from Google. This incident compelled me to consider the risks associated with relying heavily on Google’s services. To mitigate such risks, I’ve recently transitioned from Gmail to other email providers like FastMail and Hey, ensuring I have alternative options if any issues arise.

Overall, acquiring bootcamp.dev not only gives my course a premium and distinctive web presence but also provides me with a sense of independence and security. I’m confident that this investment will contribute positively to the growth and success of my Web Development Bootcamp.

tags: [“SEO”, “web development”, “bootcamp”, “course”, “JavaScript”, “React”, “Node.js”, “Next.js”, “domain name”]