: How can I monitor traffic on unused domains to determine which would be most popular? I recently bought a handful of similar domains. None of the domains are currently hosted, but if I were

@Vandalay111

Setup your own DNS server and have it log all queries, failed or not.
Update your domains to use your DNS server.
Parse the log files.

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@Jessie594

ISPs are doing this on a massive scale by monitoring failed DNS requests and are selling the information to admarketplace.com and others. You might be able to DIY this by monitoring traffic on a public WiFi that you control or using your cable modem as many of them show your neighbor's traffic as well as your own.

I wouldn't be shocked if the operators of the DNS root servers were defraying some of their expenses by selling this information as well.

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@Gretchen104

I were to host a blank page with a tracking code on each of them I
would be able to monitor incoming traffic to each domain, correct?


Correct, although I would avoid a completely blank page and at a minimum use the opportunity to throw a simple page up there with "Coming Soon" or similar. If you want a stretch goal, you can stick a form on these pages inviting people to leave their email address for more information or be notified when the site launches. You could also sign up for AdSense and get a little revenue while you decide. Why waste a perfectly good domain on a blank page? :)


I am completely new to analytics and this area of web development. Are
there any alternatives to Google Analytics? Or is Google Analytics the
best there is?


There are lots of alternatives to GA and a quick search will reveal them to you. GA just happens to be the leader in the space and I would recommend starting with that.

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