GDI Review Website ws Global Domains International

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Global Domains International (GDI)
2. Overview of Services Offered
3. Pricing Structure
4. Affiliate Program
5. Customer Feedback and Reputation
6. Key Benefits of Choosing GDI
7. Drawbacks and Considerations
8. Pros and Cons Summary
9. Conclusion

1. Introduction to Global Domains International (GDI)

Global Domains International (GDI) is a web service provider operating through the Website.ws platform. It specializes in domain registration, particularly for .WS domains, alongside hosting and website creation tools. GDI markets .WS as a versatile and memorable alternative to traditional domain extensions like .COM, .NET, and .ORG.

Established in 1999, GDI aims to provide businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals with affordable online presence solutions. Its unique offering includes an affiliate program with multi-level marketing (MLM) features, enabling users to earn commissions through referrals.

2. Overview of Services Offered

GDI’s offerings include:

• Domain Registration: Primarily focused on .WS domains, marketed as a “WebSite” domain extension.
• Web Hosting: Includes storage and bandwidth for running websites.
• SiteBuilder: A user-friendly, browser-based website creation tool with unlimited page capabilities.
• Email Services: Includes 10 email addresses with 1 GB of storage per address.

3. Pricing Structure

GDI’s pricing structure includes:

Domain Registration

• Standard .WS domains (4+ characters): $35/year.
• Three-character .WS domains: $600 for the first year, $35/year after.
• Two-character .WS domains: $1,200 for the first year, $35/year after.

Hosting and SiteBuilder

• SiteBuilder: $99/year for a single subscription (discounts for multi-year plans).
• Hosting: $239/year for a basic package.

Affiliate Bundle

For affiliates, GDI offers a bundled package at $10/month, which includes a .WS domain, hosting, and email services.

4. Affiliate Program

GDI’s affiliate program is one of its standout features. It uses an MLM structure that allows affiliates to:

• Earn $1 per month for each direct referral.
• Receive commissions for referrals made by recruits, up to five levels deep.
• Access bonuses, such as $100 for five new sign-ups in a week.

While this program can provide recurring income, its MLM nature has sparked debates, with some viewing it as overly focused on recruitment.

5. Customer Feedback and Reputation

Customer opinions about GDI are varied:

• Positive Feedback: Customers appreciate the comprehensive offering of domain registration, hosting, and email in one package. The user-friendly SiteBuilder tool is another highlight for beginners.
• Criticism: Some users have noted that the pricing for .WS domains and hosting is higher than that of competitors. Additionally, the MLM structure of the affiliate program is polarizing, with concerns about a focus on recruitment over product value.

6. Key Benefits of Choosing GDI

• Unique Domain Extension: .WS domains offer an alternative to saturated .COM domains, potentially giving businesses a memorable identity.
• All-in-One Package: Combines domain registration, hosting, email, and site-building tools, making it beginner-friendly.
• Affiliate Income Potential: The program allows for earning recurring income from referrals, which can be lucrative with consistent effort.
• Longevity and Credibility: GDI has been operational since 1999, lending it a degree of trustworthiness.

7. Drawbacks and Considerations

• High Initial Costs for Premium Domains: Three-character and two-character .WS domains come with steep initial registration fees.
• Limited Brand Recognition for .WS Domains: Unlike .COM or .NET, .WS domains are not widely recognized, potentially affecting SEO and credibility.
• Pricing: Compared to mainstream domain registrars and hosting providers, GDI’s standard pricing can appear uncompetitive.
• MLM Structure: The affiliate program’s multi-level marketing model may not appeal to everyone and could shift the focus away from the core product.

8. Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:

1. Unique Domain Option: The .WS domain offers a distinctive alternative to traditional extensions like .COM and .NET, potentially making your website stand out.
2. All-in-One Package: GDI provides domain registration, hosting, email, and a SiteBuilder tool, making it an accessible solution for beginners.
3. User-Friendly Website Builder: The SiteBuilder tool is designed to help users create websites with unlimited pages, even with no technical experience.
4. Long-Standing Reputation: GDI has been in operation since 1999, which adds credibility and trustworthiness to their services.
5. Recurring Affiliate Income: The MLM-style affiliate program offers a recurring income opportunity for those who can successfully recruit others.

Cons:

1. Limited Recognition for .WS Domains: The .WS domain extension is not as widely recognized or trusted as .COM or .NET, which could impact SEO and user perception.
2. Higher Pricing: Compared to many mainstream domain registrars and hosting providers, GDI’s services are relatively expensive, particularly for hosting and premium domain options.
3. Steep Initial Costs for Short Domains: Registering two-character or three-character .WS domains comes with significant upfront costs, making them less accessible for budget-conscious users.
4. MLM Structure in Affiliate Program: The multi-level marketing model may not appeal to everyone and could overshadow the focus on the product itself.
5. Focus on Recruitment: For affiliates, the emphasis on recruitment might feel more like a pyramid scheme rather than a product-driven business opportunity.

9. Conclusion

Global Domains International (GDI), operating through Website.ws, offers a unique alternative to traditional domain and hosting providers with its focus on .WS domains. The all-in-one package appeals to those new to website creation or seeking a simplified solution. However, the higher pricing and limited global recognition of .WS domains might be a deterrent for businesses prioritizing SEO or cost-efficiency.

The affiliate program is an interesting option for those willing to engage in MLM-style marketing, but it requires commitment and strategy to generate significant income. Overall, GDI is a viable choice for beginners and those seeking simplicity, but experienced users may find better value and flexibility elsewhere.

If you are considering GDI, weigh the pros and cons carefully and explore whether the .WS domain aligns with your brand goals.