Many U.S. Baby Boomers Interested in Leveraging the Internet For Business and Pleasure But Reluctant to Register a Domain Name

April 11, 2006; 07:52 AM
Register.com, Inc., a leading provider of global domain name registration and Web business services, today announced its survey results on Baby Boomers, the Web and retirement. The national survey, conducted by Harris Interactive(R), found that many (61%) Baby Boomers (those ages 42 to 60) who do not currently have a Web site say they would consider launching one for some purpose, including to make money, as a hobby or pastime, or to keep in touch with friends and family. However, the survey results suggest that there are several barriers that may be keeping many Baby Boomers who do not have and don't plan to launch their own Web site (71% of all Baby Boomers) from doing so.

The following further suggests the level of interest Baby Boomers have in creating their own Web site:

Among U.S. Baby Boomers who do not currently have a Web site...

-- 34% would consider launching a Web site to make money

-- 24% would consider launching a Web site as a hobby or pastime

-- 24% would consider launching a Web site to keep in touch with family and friends

Despite the interest many Baby Boomers express in launching a Web site, the survey results suggest that some Baby Boomers who do not have and are not planning to launch their own Web site are apprehensive that such endeavors are too expensive and complicated. Baby Boomers who do not presently have and are not planning to launch their own Web site said particular factors would make them more likely to consider doing so. Not surprisingly, saving time and money are at the top of the list.

Among Baby Boomers who do not have and are not planning to launch their own Web site...

-- 27% say they would be more likely to consider launching a Web site if it were less expensive

-- 27% say they would be more likely to consider launching a Web site if it were less complicated

-- 23% say they would be more likely to consider launching a Web site if it were less time-consuming to manage

Partnering with Register.com provides Baby Boomers a wealth of Web site building tools that meet the above criteria, all of which include Register.com's award-winning customer service, 24/7, 365 days a year. Register.com's template-based WebSiteNOW!(TM) Web site building tool is easy to use and affordable. Customers who prefer not to build their own site can select Register.com's Build-It-For-Me(TM) offering and a team of Web experts will partner with them to create a customized Web site with unique graphics, logos, images and tailored content.

"This study suggests that many Baby Boomers have the desire to leverage the Web and create an online presence for business and pleasure," said Monica Hodges, general manager of Retail for Register.com. "Register.com has the Web site tools this audience needs to take plans for a Web site to the next level. Not only do we provide the services, but we pride ourselves on holding the customer's hand throughout the entire registration, Web site design and hosting process."

Hodges continued, "With these excellent options, Baby Boomers no longer have to spend thousands of dollars on professional design and development and can launch a Web site quickly and easily."

Details about Register.com's small business offerings can be found at www.register.com or by calling toll-free 888.734.4783

Survey Methodology

Harris Interactive(R) fielded the online survey on behalf of Register.com between February 10 and 14, 2006 among a nationwide sample of 688 U.S. Baby Boomers (adults ages 42 to 60). The data resulting from questions not related to the Internet or to online behavior have been weighted to be representative of the total U.S. adult population on the basis of region, age within gender, education, household income, race/ethnicity and propensity to be online. The data from questions related to the Internet or related to online behavior have been weighted to reflect the total U.S. adult online population on the basis of region, age within gender, education, household income and race/ethnicity. Data from these questions were NOT propensity weighted. In theory, with probability samples of this size, one could say with 95% certainty that the overall results have a sampling error of plus or minus 7 percentage points. Sampling error for the sub-samples of those who do not currently have a web site (575) and those who do not currently have a web site and do not plan on launching one (508) is higher and varies. This online sample is not a probability sample.

About Register.com

Register.com, Inc. is a leading provider of global domain name registration and Internet services for businesses and consumers that wish to have a unique address and branded identity on the Internet. With approximately three million domain names under management, Register.com has built a brand based on high-quality domain name management services for small and medium sized businesses, large corporations, as well as ISPs, telcos and other online businesses. Register.com's call center was certified in 2005 by J. D. Power and Associates for providing "an outstanding customer experience." The company was founded in 1994 and is based in New York.

To experience the Register.com difference in customer service, call toll-free 1-888-REGISTER or visit the company online at (www.register.com).

About Harris Interactive(R)

Harris Interactive Inc. (www.harrisinteractive.com), based in Rochester, New York, is the 13th largest and the fastest-growing market research firm in the world, most widely known for The Harris Poll(R) and for its pioneering leadership in the online market research industry. Long recognized by its clients for delivering insights that enable confident business decisions, the Company blends the science of innovative research with the art of strategic consulting to deliver knowledge that leads to measurable and enduring value.

Harris Interactive serves clients worldwide through its United States, Europe (www.harrisinteractive.com/europe) and Asia offices, its wholly-owned subsidiary Novatris in Paris, France (www.novatris.com), and through an independent global network of affiliate market research companies.

Register.com Craig Cooperman, 212-798-9133 [email protected] or Greenough Communications Sarah Millerick, 617-275-6516 [email protected]