November 15, 2019

How to Buy a Domain Name – 10 Tips to Follow Before Buying

written by

Joe Uddeme

Joe Uddeme

How to Buy a Domain Name – 10 Tips to Follow Before Buying

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Picking a domain name for your brand should be given the respect it deserves. After all, says NameExperts.com Director Joe Uddeme, it could make or break your business.

 

Among the most crucial decisions in establishing an internet presence is picking a domain name to buy.

Ignore the trends and fads of the day and pick a name that makes sense for your company or subject matter a decade from now.

When you choose well, you can rest assured that you have a valuable piece of digital real estate that is woven into the overall success of your business.

Here are 10 suggestions that will help you to make a fantastic domain name purchase.

 

1. Do your homework

Just a small amount of research can go a long way when buying a domain name. Find similar websites and check out your competitors’ domains using a website like Compete.com.

Use dnpric to determine when a domain name was last sold, for how much, and the web hosting agent. You can search by keyword, which will help provide the popularity of particular words in a domain name.

While any research is better than none, plan to put aside days or even weeks to properly research the right name for your brand – something that will help it to grow. If you need some guidance and an insider’s eye, an experienced domain broker can help you come up with – and secure – the perfect name for you.

2. Buy a domain name people can remember

Even if you’re planning on optimizing the website for search engines so that it can be found when people search for “used boats in Dallas” or “hair styling near me”, you still need a domain name that individuals can remember and type.

Anyone hearing your name needs to know how to get right to your business without you having to say things like “the number 4,” and “dash-dash.”

It’s also wise to avoid words that have more than one spelling if your customers are likely to be confused and type in the wrong name. Alternately, you can purchase both versions of the name and guide visitors to the one you prefer – safe in the knowledge that your backup site will scoop them up if they make a mistake.

Avoid anything mysterious like “voodrifunk” or “flambinastic” that might sound fun but is so out there that people will have difficulty remembering it.

Neon sign saying blah blah blah to denote strange domain names

3. Avoid slang terms

Stay away from slang terms and instead select a name that will continue to be meaningful in ten years. This may also help your title be known and remembered by non-native speakers.

Even if you don’t intend to conduct business globally, this strategy can help your neighborhood audience also.

4. Purchase a domain that is shorter rather than longer

The longer your domain name is, the harder it is for people to remember. And the greater chance you have of someone misspelling some of the words.

Most good single word domains are long gone (read “what do to if the domain name you want is taken“), but it’s still possible to avoid super-long alternatives by getting a little creative.

For those who have one word in mind that’s not available, consider adding an adjective or verb in front of it and seeing if those variations are available. Perhaps not “GetAppple”, as that would likely lead to a world of trademark issues and other legalities, but you get the idea.

Think of your domain name as part of your brand, and be sure it matches how you want visitors to consider you.

Small cactus next to a tape measure to denote 'short'

5. Stick with .com if you’re able to

Most individuals assume that a domain name ends in .com – it’s just become the default for most of us. If you purchase a domain name with a different extension or “TLD” as they are known (.net, .info, .org, etc.), you will have some additional work to do if you want to get people to keep you in mind.

However, do not automatically assume you should only ever buy .com domains. Many websites have done very well with different extensions – such as last.fm

6. Do not buy trademarked domains

Even if you’re not intentionally trying to create confusion, you are most likely to face some legal challenges by purchasing trademarked terms in your domain name. To be safe, look for U.S. trademarks at www.uspto.gov and be sure no one owns a trademark on the name you’re contemplating.

7. Do not buy a domain name that is too similar to an existing website

Even if the wording, name or expression in the domain name that has caught your eye is not trademarked, do not buy it if is is merely a variation of some other domain name.

This applies to plurals if the singular is taken (mediatemple.net vs. mediatemples.net) and hyphenating a term (media-temple.net).

8. Avoid buying hyphen domain names

If you have to go with hyphens, do not buy a domain with more than three of them. It is just too messy.

Screengrab of a webpage with many hyphens in the domain name

9. Avoid numbers

People may get confused about whether the amount is a digit (3) or a word (three). If you would like a number on your domain name because there’s a number in your organization’s name, purchase both versions (word and digit ) and redirect one to the other.

10. Check availability on social networking sites

When you’ve got a name picked out, see if this word or phrase can be found on social networking sites like YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, and Tumblr.

Even if you don’t intend on using social media straight away, you will want the option when you are ready, and it is easiest if you can use the identical phrase on each website.

 

About the author

Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]

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The Best Places to Buy and Sell Domain Names

Last updated: 10 September, 2025. Got a domain name in your sights? Looking to sell one? Our domain marketplace comparison is just the ticket for anyone looking to buy or sell domain names – as Name Experts director Joe Uddeme explains.   If you’ve found yourself here, you’re probably exploring the world of domain marketplaces or checking out related options. These are online sites where you can buy and sell domain names, and it can be fun typing a name into one of these sites to see if it’s already been taken. What you’ll quickly find is that pretty much every great name is already owned by somebody else (check out our post on what to do when someone else owns the domain name you want). There is a vibrant international market in buying and selling domain names; they’re traded like shares and some go for millions of dollars. Plus, of course, many of the good ones are actually in use. The likes of carrentals.com were never going to be simply ‘parked up’ forever! If you’re looking to buy a premium domain name, a broker specializing in market research, negotiation and transfer services can save you a ton of time and money. But for more everyday transactions – those costing a few thousand dollars or even as little as 20 bucks – a domain marketplace is where you’ll do business. In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the pros and cons of some of the best domain marketplaces, including Flippa and Namepros. Key takeaways Even for a low-value sale or purchase, use a reputable service. When you get into five figures or more, consider using a domain broker. Big names like Sedo and Namecheap are as popular as ever. Check out our FAQ for tips on selling fast, buying expired domains and more.   1. Sedo Sedo is a dedicated domain marketplace (similar to GoDaddy) with millions of users. It has been around for over two decades, making it a trusted marketplace for buying and selling domains. Any domain name owner can sign up for free and list their domain for sale on the website, and prospective buyers can easily contact them through the platform to buy domains. If you need something memorable that you can hang your whole business on, check out Name Experts’ current premium domains for sale. On Sedo, sellers can set a fixed price for their domain, put it up for auction, or indicate that they’re entertaining offers with an unspecified price range. When buyers come to the site, they can search for any keyword and check if anyone has listed a related domain name on the market. If you’re in the market for a premium domain name costing upwards of $10,000, consider seeking out an expert domain name brokerage service. These can help you purchase a domain name at the best price – or sell one without leaving money on the table. Sedo Search Sample: When we typed in ‘bikes’, the first three results were bikes.org, bikes.co, and bikes.biz, which are premium domain names – although they currently get little traffic. Sedo also includes other domain names that are closely related to your search phrase to sell domains. The first two domains in this example have a Make Offer button next to them, while the last has a Buy It Now button for your popular domain. This indicates that the domain sellers of the first two domains put them up for auction, while the third domain’s owner set a fixed price for their marketing strategy. As a buyer, you’re free to search for any specific URL and find related domains listed on Sedo to find the perfect domain. Purchasing from the domain marketplace requires added registration and jumping through a few other hoops, but it’s worth it as Sedo has such a large selection of premium domains available for acquisition. Who it’s best for: serious name-hunters who want access to a vast pool of names. 2. NamePros NamePros is an online community for domain name owners to interact and discuss events related to the industry. In the forum’s early days, users commonly posted they had domain names available for sale and wanted to connect with potential buyers. Observing this, the owner of the forum launched an official domain marketplace section for buying and selling domain names. On NamePros, any registered user can list the domain names they have available in a forum post. To make the domains easy for prospective buyers to find, NamePros has formal categories that users can attach to their posts to find the perfect domain. How much is it worth? Namepros can also share pertinent details of recently sold domains that are similar in nature to your domain search. Domain name valuation is a complex area, so tread carefully! Because it is a forum, NamePros only helps buyers and owners find each other and it’s up to them to negotiate and decide how they’ll handle payments for the domain. This is unlike Sedo, which facilitates payments and domain transfers for its users among other services. When using NamePros to buy a domain you should be more careful about your purchase. Set specific terms with the seller before proceeding on any deal and use a trusted online escrow service (e.g. Escrow.com) to ensure that the payment goes through only after the seller has transferred the domain name to your preferred registrar. You can find a large variety of domain names for sale on NamePros, making it one of the best domain marketplaces in the world. Who it’s best for: industry players and those looking to strike up a relationship with fellow domain traders. It’s by no means the easiest marketplace to use! 3. Flippa Flippa is a marketplace competing with GoDaddy for buying and selling online properties, including websites and domain names. The platform has facilitated millions of dollars in domain name sales since its inception in 2009 and has built a reputation as one of the most trusted domain name marketplaces to find the perfect domain name. The most expensive domain name deal arranged on Flippa was StockPhoto.com, which sold for $250,000. Any domain name owner can sign up on Flippa and list their domains, but it requires a payment of $29 for a base listing and $99 for an enhanced listing. Sellers often pick the second option because it makes their domains more visible to potential buyers looking for a great domain name. As a buyer, you can create a free account on Flippa and find domain names matching your taste. You can then search for a specific keyword and find related domain names listed by domain owners to buy domain names based on cost, features and budget. Easy to use To demonstrate, we searched for “cars”. The first three results were OldCarsForSale.com, acars.com, and fastsportscars.com, listed for $5,000, $100, and $1 respectively. OldCarsForSale.com is a premium domain worth its higher price. It’ll be a very good domain for anyone who wants to sell used cars online without a specific destination. Check out our post on choosing a good brand name for some further thoughts on this. Fastsportscars.com seems like a good generic domain name, but it can easily be mistaken for fastsportcars.com, giving it a disadvantage. It’s likely why it’s listed for a very low price and shows that you can find a good deal on a domain name for personal use. When you’re ready to make an offer or buy a domain on Flippa, the platform handles the entire process for you. They have been around for over a decade and built a reputation on the internet as one of the most trusted domain name marketplaces to find the perfect domain name. Who it’s best for: anyone wanting to sell quickly (choose an enhanced listing for maximum visibility). 4. Namecheap Namecheap is one of the most widely-used domain registrars, serving over 2 million customers and giving GoDaddy a run for its money. It also has a premium domain marketplace as well as business resources and forum support for its customers. Popular domain names Namecheap has an internet marketplace where domain name owners can connect with and manage potential buyers. Only domain names registered on Namecheap can be listed for sale, however, and owners can list their domain names at a fixed amount or put them in auctions. If a seller lists their domain at a fixed price, you can purchase it immediately, just like you would purchase a new domain on Namecheap. Auctions If the seller puts their domain up for auction, you’ll have to participate in a timed bidding process if you want to try and secure it. If you’re the one doing the selling, Namecheap collects a 10% commission on each sale. You must have a Namecheap account to buy domains from its marketplace and after buying any domain it is automatically transferred to your control. The convenient sale process makes Namecheap one of the easiest domain marketplaces to use over other domain marketplaces. Who it’s best for: amateurs and serious pros – Namecheap has something for everyone. 5. Atom.com (formerly Brand Bucket) Each premium domain is carefully reviewed by branding experts to ensure it meets high standards of originality, pronunciation, and memorability when selling domain names. This makes Atom.com a little different in the domain marketplace arena. Names often have five- or even six-figure asking prices. Visual Identity Package Every premium domain listing includes a professionally designed logo for your organization, providing a cohesive domain brand package that helps with your company identity. User-Friendly Search and Navigation Advanced filtering lets you search domains by industry, point, style, length, and other attributes to find the perfect match. Who it’s best for: anyone looking for a brandable premium name. They even mock up logos for available domains to give you a taster for what’s possible.   FAQ About the Domain Name Marketplace   Where can I sell my domain name fast? If you have a good name available and want to raise funds quickly, you can quickly sell it any of these marketplaces. A large platform such as SEDO, GoDaddy, Afternic or Namecheap offer great options for buying domains quickly – and also boast a fast transfer process.   How fast do domain names sell? Domain names take anywhere from hours to days, months, or years depending on the demand for them. The amount the domain is listed for also plays a role in how quickly it will sell. If the price is too high relative to its value, there may be no interest from buyers, especially for a premium domain. If a domain is listed on the wrong marketplace, it may not sell, too. We recommend using a large marketplace like GoDaddy. Check out our post about domain flipping for some extra tips.   Where do I buy expired domain names for sale? Many domain registrars host auctions for expiring domain names, including GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Network Solutions to buy domains. There are also websites specializing in auctioning expired domains, such as ExpiredDomains and DropCatch market services for other domain name sales on non-active domains. Domain brokers can help too. They can also help you buy names that are currently owned by someone else – even those already in use, if the price is right.   How can I build or develop my domain? Select a registrar, choose and pay a hosting company to host the domain, and sign up for a web builder interface to develop the site. WordPress or Wix are popular, though Wix is easiest to use if you have no experience. GoDaddy also offers a turnkey solution for your company’s development to make launching online worry free.   About the author Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]
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Stealth Acquisitions Domain Name

Some domain acquisitions are straightforward, but others are less so. Joe Uddeme, Director of NameExperts.com, explains what happens when a client wants a domain that seems out of reach – and they want to keep their name out of the picture, too.   As a buy-side broker specializing in stealth acquisitions, it’s our job to dig deep and find the rightful owner of a domain name while protecting the identity of the buyer. The problem is that some domain owners make it very difficult to reach them. What’s the psyche behind this rationale? For a start, not all domain name owners are equal; some just don’t want to be contacted or have zero interest in selling their domain name. Or perhaps it’s just a case that their whois information is out of date – making it difficult to decipher the current domain owner. GDPR is another major change. Many countries now adhere to stricter policies related to domain name owner privacy, with many whois entries now redacted for owners’ privacy rights. But all is not lost. Quietly tracking down “unreachable” domain owners and securing them for anonymous clients is what we do best. And we can do it for you. Key Takeaways What your broker needs to know to get started Buying a domain name – what you need to know How to choose a stealth acquisition broker Stealth acquisitions – what to do first Stealth acquisitions represent an opportunity for a buyer to be protected by complete anonymity. You should understand this before reaching out to a broker, as you need to have an idea of what will happen next. Try and answer these questions BEFORE making contact: Have you completed a relevant trademark search around the keyword in question? Have you established a budget to complete this potential acquisition? Have you established a timeline for this potential acquisition? Are you familiar with aftermarket domain name valuations? Have you thought about viable alternatives if your target might not be available? What type of barriers do you see in this potential acquisition? Buy-side brokers need to understand the full story about why you want this domain and anything you have done so far to try and get it, including previous acquisition attempts. They will then attempt to drill down into the fine details and identify – and contact – the rightful domain name owner. The buy-side broker should also be able to act as a buffer between buyer and seller and remove any emotion from a potential deal.   Buying a domain name – the steps involved Here are the basic steps to acquire a domain name: Identify ownership and research if the name is available Submit an offer to the owner Negotiate Agree on the price and complete paperwork (if applicable) Set up Escrow for payment Registrar transfer via push or authorization code Confirm control of the name Release funds Tools to try if you’re trying to track down an owner yourself: Check the DNS and see where the domain is pointing to. Is there a website, or is it undeveloped? Whois history is a valuable tool to understand the true history of the domain name. Check the Wayback Machine to see what other properties have been developed on the URL in the past. If working with a buy-side broker, they should offer the following upside for any stealth acquisitions: Negotiate with YOU in mind; no dual agency in this scenario. Provide contracts that protect ALL parties involved. Typically save you time and money. Allows for a third-party (non-biased) approach towards the acquisition. Coordinate necessary contractual paperwork between parties. Facilitate and handle smooth transfers of domain names. Offer transparency and full disclosure. Non-disclosure where applicable.   How to choose a broker for your stealth acquisition Start by researching suitable candidates to help with your domain name acquisition. Don’t identify the asset unless you are sure you have found the buy-side broker you’re certain you want to work with. Ask the broker for information about their service and a few names they recently acquired for clients. Find out how your broker can add value to your potential acquisition; always do a Google search to learn more about the broker you are working with. Take the time to find an expert that can properly assist you with all of your acquisition needs. Ask lots of questions and make sure you feel aligned with the broker. Hold the broker accountable and require status updates so you aren’t left in the dark as they progress. In most instances, your stealth acquisition needs to be completed right the first time. Most domain name acquisitions only have one chance to secure the domain name target without leaving extra money on the table. Stealth acquisitions should only be performed by a seasoned domain name buy-side broker, so choose your broker carefully. You should understand if the broker has certain strengths or weaknesses. Some buy-side brokers don’t have the tools or knowledge to find the rightful domain owner. Or they lack rich relationships with industry veterans. Other buy-side brokers are excellent at managing the acquisition but terrible at the details. Details are key when it comes to any domain name acquisition. Contracts and paperwork can take months to pass through the legal channels, so it’s important to find a representative that is fully vested and can assist you with all aspects of the buy-side domain name acquisition process. Finally, when selecting a buy-side broker, make sure you ask for referrals so you get a feel for how they work. Once you have faith in your broker you can instruct them to make contact with the rightful domain owner and secure the perfect domain name for your brand.   About the author Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Stealth acquisitions are his specialty. Contact us at: [email protected]
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How Much Do Domain Names Cost? Everything You Need To Know

Ready to start a business? Then get set to enter the world of domain name buying. In this post, NameExperts.com Director Joe Uddeme covers all the pricing information a newcomer to domain names needs to know.   When it’s time to start your business online, securing a domain name is the first step. Regardless of whether or not your business is established, you can’t create a website without a domain name. If you’re like most business owners, you’re probably wondering how much do domain names cost? You might also have questions about how much time you should spend looking for the right URL or even how to buy a domain name. We’ve got the inside scoop on what you need to know. Your domain name essentially functions as your website’s address, so you want to make sure you have one that is simple and relevant. You’ll also want to make sure it’s easy to remember so that people can easily find you and your business online. With all of that in mind, it’s easy to see why some people are willing to break the bank to get the domain name they want. If your domain name is just right, it can greatly increase website traffic. Discover everything you need to know about domain names and how much they cost right here. Key Takeaways A beginner’s guide to domain names Pricing details for domain name buyers How a domain broker can secure a better price and streamline the process   Pricing for Domain Names – the Inside Guide Ready to delve into domain names and what they cost? Let’s start with the basics: What Is A Domain Name You don’t want to shell out a ton of money on a domain name without first understanding what you’re paying for. We mentioned it earlier, but a domain name is the web address you type into a browser to bring up your specific website. It typically will start with https or www and will end with something common like .com. You’ll recognize some of the higher profile (read: high traffic volume) domain names like www.google.com or www.irs.com. Why Do You Need To Purchase One If you want to have a website, then registering your domain is absolutely necessary. There are three main reasons why you might need to buy a domain. 1. You’re building a website. You’ll most likely use a domain name that ties in with your business name or utilizes keywords that are related to your company. This is a non-negotiable part of the business world – you need a domain name. 2. Another reason you might register a domain name is when you’re considering starting a business or website. If you have a great idea for a business or a website, then you might want to jump on registering the domain you want. Stake your claim before anyone else comes along and takes it before you’re ready to execute. Check out our guide to finding a great brand name for your business. 3. The third reason that people start to wonder how much domain names cost and start registering domain names is when they are investing. Domain name investing was really popular at the start of the internet age, when popular keywords were still available. Nowadays, a lot of domain names are already taken (read: what to do if the domain you want is taken), but domain investing can still be a great way to earn money. If you’re working with a broker who is managing your domain portfolio, you can find domains that have the potential for significant value and buy them now so that you can sell them for a profit later. How Much Do Domain Names Cost In general, you can purchase a domain name for $2-$20 a year, depending on discounts available and who you’re purchasing it from. Newer domain extensions, the part at the end of your address, like .app or .info might cost more, as they are newer on the market. We can break down how much domain names cost based on a couple of factors. Like we just said, the domain extension can increase the price – for example, using .com might be more expensive than .shop. Where you purchase your domain name is another factor. A reputable registrar might be less expensive than an aftermarket service or private seller. Additionally, if you choose to register for multiple years and elect to include domain privacy it can also increase or decrease the price of your domain name. You’ll find that the most expensive domain names will be the ones you’ll find on auction houses, through private sellers, or aftermarket services. Unfortunately, there are no hard or definitive prices for domain names, regardless of the avenue you choose to purchase from. The domain name industry varies, just like real estate. Sometimes it’s a seller’s market, sometimes it’s a buyer’s market – as our guide to domain name valuation illustrates. Scarcity, though, is what drives domain name prices to eye-watering levels. Add in desirabilty, and you have a recipe for domain name costs that can shoot through the roof. The most expensive domain name ever sold – cars.com – went for just a little short of a billion dollars. Make sure you consult a domain broker if you’re looking to buy from a private seller, or are looking to purchase a domain that is already owned. Brokers are experienced and can handle all of the ins and outs of the acquisition and negotiation process so that you get the domain you deserve at a fair price. Why You Should Consider Hiring A Broker As mentioned above, hiring an experienced domain broker might be the best idea to make sure you get the domain you want. However, for a readily-available name, such as parkmylimo.com, there’s no need – it’s yours from any of the registration companies for just a few dollars. If you can be flexible when the domain you want isn’t available, that’s another great way to snap up a bargain, too. Sometimes, though, you can’t proceed without a certain domain name. Even the mighty Tesla struggled to do what they wanted with the brand because they didn’t own tesla.com. They eventually bought it – after many years of negotiations and a price tag thought to be in the many millions. A broker with experience will know the market inside out. He or she will have a thick contact book, and their years of experience provide leverage when negotiating the best price for you. If going it alone, look out for hidden fees, discount scams, and even hidden costs in your written agreements. This is where having a domain broker on your side comes in handy. They know the lingo, they’ve negotiated before, and they aren’t emotionally invested, which means they just want to get you the best deal. Let a broker help you navigate this industry and help you determine what might be too good to be true. Sometimes, when a great domain seems really cheap, it might be because there are hidden fees when registering. A domain broker can help you choose a reputable registrar and find the right price.   About the author Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]

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