written by
Joe Uddeme
How to Buy a Domain Name
How to Buy a Domain Name Owned by Someone Else
Negotiating a Domain Price
What is a Premium Domain Name & Why You Should Buy One
How to Choose a Domain Name
How to Value a Domain Name
Domain Names for Startups
How to Buy a .com Domain Name
Things to Watch Out for When Buying a Domain
Domain Name Investing
Buy & Selling Domains
Best Domains to Buy
Ever been tempted by an available domain name that seems too good to be true? Maybe it’s exactly that – with a hidden history that adversely affects its true value. In this post, domain name expert Joe Uddeme flags up the things to look out for when buying a domain name.
Researching domain history is important for businesses and website owners, especially when you wish to buy a premium domain. It’s like wanting to purchase a property and checking the record of its past owners, renovations, and sales history before signing the contract.
If you don’t do your due diligence, you might find your dream property was a crime scene six months ago. The same can (kinda) be true of a domain name.
You’ve arrived at the right place if you’re interested in digging deep into the history of any domain. This article will give you the relevant knowledge and tools to navigate a domain’s history – and help ensure there are no skeletons in your URL’s closet.
Key takeaways
Domain name history is important in several cases, mainly when someone wants to acquire a domain. For example, you come across a domain you want to buy but don’t know the owner. Investigating the domain registration history can help you find the owner so you can begin inquiring about purchasing the domain.
These are typical cases that warrant a domain history lookup:
You might find a domain that looks valuable for your business, but the existing website has no official information to contact the owner. In that case, researching the domain name history can help you find the owner’s email address, phone number, physical address, or other contact information.
Due diligence is critical if you’re buying any domain. Checking the domain name ownership history lets you know its reputation with search engines, which can affect your website’s discoverability and brand appeal. This due diligence lets you know if the domain was previously used for any malicious activity, and you can immediately back out if so.
Or, if it has certain questionable connotations you can live with and you feel your name/brand is strong enough to survive the domain’s hidden past, you can use its history to negotiate a lower price.
Checking a competitor’s domain name history can reveal valuable information. Who registered the domain? How long has the website existed? How much was the domain acquired for? Has the domain ever been sold? These questions give great insight into your competitors, letting you know how to stand out and win customers.
The WHOIS database is the first place to check a domain name’s history. This public database contains the information collected when someone registers a domain name. You can use it to find relevant information about a domain name’s owner and operational history.
You can query information from the WHOIS database using any WHOIS lookup tool. This database is publicly available, so many websites allow users to type in a domain name and see every information related to that domain in the WHOIS database. Examples of such tools include WHOIS.com, Who.IS, and WHOIS.DomainTools.com.
Type a domain into any of these tools, and you’ll see relevant information about it, including:
A WHOIS lookup always shows a domain’s initial registration date. This information gives you a clue of how long the website has existed. To illustrate, let’s perform a WHOIS lookup for NameExperts.com. We typed this domain into the Who.IS lookup tool and got the following information:
Take note of the registration date in the above picture. You can infer that NameExperts.com was registered in 2000 and has existed for over two decades.
The same screenshot from our WHOIS lookup shows when NameExperts.com was recently updated, i.e., the last domain renewal date.
You can observe that this domain was last updated on the 11th of April, 2024.
A nameserver is the server that translates a domain name into an IP address. A WHOIS lookup shows the nameservers of any domain name.
Our WHOIS lookup shows that NameExperts.com uses Cloudflare nameservers.
A WHOIS lookup tells you when a domain name is set to expire. If you’re interested in buying a domain name, it’s advisable to make your offer near its expiration date, when the buyer will be more likely to sell it.
Our WHOIS domain history lookup shows the expiration date for NameExperts.com (April 11, 2025, as of writing).
DomainTools is a more expansive tool to check the history of a website. It provides detailed records about a domain name, including its hosting history, screenshot history, and other domains that share the same IP address or nameserver.
However, DomainTools is not free. It costs $99 per month or $995 annually for unlimited searches, which is pricey. Alternatively, users can pay a $49 one-time fee to download a single domain name’s history report. Free users only get a preview when they search for a domain name’s history.
A simple Google search can reveal a lot about a domain. If you query a specific domain on Google, you can see reviews or mentions of the website and judge how customers perceive it. If you notice overwhelmingly negative reviews, it’s a signal not to buy the domain because of potential harm to your reputation.
You can also check popular review sites like TrustPilot.com and TrustRadius.com to see reviews about a domain.
A WHOIS lookup usually gives information about the domain name’s owner. The WHOIS database contains the contact information for every domain, including phone number, email address, and physical address.
To illustrate, let’s run a domain history lookup for “Dynadot.com” on Who.IS. We got the following information:
You can see the name, address, phone number, fax number, and email address of the company that owns this domain. Let’s say you’re interested in acquiring a domain – a WHOIS lookup gives you the owner’s contact details, and you can call or email them about your offer.
However, many domain owners use a privacy protection service that replaces their WHOIS contact information with that of an external company. For example, a WHOIS lookup for “Apple.com” gives the below information, wherein every contact detail is redacted for privacy:
Redacted information implies the owner doesn’t want to reveal their contact information to the public. However, don’t fret. You can enlist a domain broker to investigate further and find the owner’s contact information.
Domain name brokers are professionals who specialize in arranging domain deals. They handle all aspects of a domain acquisition, from identifying the owner to negotiating a fair market value and formally closing the acquisition.
You can enlist a domain broker like NameExperts to find a domain name’s owner even when their information is blocked from the WHOIS database. To find the owner’s information, brokers can check corporate records, incorporation databases, regulatory filings, and other sources. After getting the information, they can contact the owner on your behalf to negotiate a possible sale.
The Internet Archive (Wayback Machine) is one of the best tools for researching the history of a website. This tool gives website history snapshots of any domain you search for, letting you see how the domain has been used in the past.
It’s like being a time traveler but on the internet. After searching for a domain, you’ll see a calendar showing the years the domain has been active, and you can see how the website looked on specific days, months, and years.
For example, we searched for NameExperts.com and found snapshots from 2004 to 2005 and 2013 to 2024.
We picked a random date in 2019 to see how NameExperts.com looked at that point, and we got the image below. Notice how our website looked significantly different from its current design.
The Wayback Machine provides valuable information about a domain. It shows you if the domain was once used for spammy or malicious activities, and you can back out of acquiring the domain if so.
Norton Safeweb is a free tool for checking a domain’s safety. It shows whether the domain was or is connected to malware or security issues. Type in any domain, and Safeweb provides a simple report showing whether it’s safe or not. If a domain is marked unsafe, it’s a signal to think twice about acquiring it.
Here’s a sample Safeweb report for NameExperts.com:
Checking a domain name history isn’t always rosy. You might run into these common issues:
When checking for a domain name ownership history, you might find outdated information that’s of no use. This usually happens when a domain has not been active for a long time, making it difficult to research its history and find information about the owner.
We’ve mentioned how some individuals or businesses turn on privacy protection for their domains and hide their contact information. This issue is becoming more common because many domain registrars now offer privacy protection for free. (Check out our guide on what to do after buying a domain name).
Some domain name owners use third-party services to mask their ownership information. When checking the domain name history, you might see information about third parties who have little control over the domain and refuse to point you to the actual owner.
Don’t fret if you encounter the challenges mentioned above. A domain broker can help you circumvent these issues and find authentic information about a domain’s owner.
The WHOIS database isn’t the end of the domain name lookup. Domain brokers can check other sources, such as corporate registration records, real estate records, press releases, regulatory documents, government databases, tax databases, and more. You’ll be surprised at what a broker can find online or by leveraging their relationships.
Brokers don’t just help you find a domain’s owner. They’re also skilled at appraising a domain name and negotiating acquisition deals, ensuring buyers and sellers are satisfied with the outcome.
Name Experts offers brokerage services to help you buy premium domain names. We offer top-notch service, protecting your anonymity and negotiating the best possible deal. We’ll handle every part of acquiring a domain name; you’ll simply take ownership.
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]
Updated for 2026 | Securing the perfect domain is crucial for setting your business apart –and that’s where domain name brokers come in. In this comprehensive review, domain industry expert Joe Uddeme highlights 10 of the best domain name brokerage services and explains their pros and cons.
Working with an experienced domain name buyer can be one of the quickest and least stressful ways to secure the domain you need for your business. In this article, we’ll weigh up some of your best options. Before diving into our list, it’s essential to understand what domain buy services are. Domain name acquisition specialists (AKA domain buy services) are people (brokers) who act on your behalf to secure a domain name you wish to purchase. As well as being expert domain name negotiators, they are usually highly skilled at tracking down names that do not appear to be for sale. They have the expertise and experience to negotiate with domain owners – and can provide clear guidance on pricing, ensuring you don’t pay over the odds when purchasing a domain name. Our list contains many of the best-known domain buy services in the marketplace today and highlights some of their key points. The Role of a Domain Buyer Domain name buying services play a crucial role in bridging the gap between buyers and sellers. They are experts in the domain marketplace and usually bring long-established relationships and networks to the table. These networks can prove invaluable, especially when dealing with highly sought-after domains (also known as premium domain names). Moreover, buy-side brokers can often access exclusive listings that are not publicly available, giving you an edge when acquiring premium domains. The Negotiation Advantage One of the main advantages of using a domain broker is the negotiation skills they bring to the table. Domain buying experts are well worth having on your side if they are seasoned professionals or industry veterans who understand the nuances of domain value and market trends. They can communicate with domain owners to negotiate a fair price, often securing a deal that would be challenging – if not impossible – for someone without this expertise. This negotiation process shouldn’t be overlooked, especially when dealing with domains that have sentimental value or are held for speculative purposes. After all, domain names don’t have a ‘true’ value that is fixed: the prices they achieve reflect what somebody is prepared to pay at any given point in time. Streamlined Acquisition Process The domain acquisition process can be complex. It usually involves legal checks, valuation assessments, and secure payment transactions. Domain name buy services simplify this process by handling everything on your behalf. They ensure that all legal and financial aspects are managed correctly, which reduces the risk of potential pitfalls. Note: this process is often much more complex and drawn out than people sometimes realize. However, with skill and experience, seasoned domain buy service professionals will make each purchase as streamlined as possible.
Super-popular since the launch of chatGPT, .ai domain names are an attractive option for tech and machine learning businesses. Domain name expert Joe Uddeme explains the pros and cons. The .ai domain extension is a top-level domain (TLD – check out our comprehensive guide to domain levels) that originated as the country code domain for Anguilla, a picturesque Caribbean island. Initially designated for local use, the .ai domain has since evolved far beyond its geographic roots. Today, it is recognized as a specialized domain extension tailored for companies involved in artificial intelligence and related technologies. The .ai domain stands as a beacon of innovation and technological prowess, particularly in the realms of artificial intelligence and technology. The .ai domain extension has become synonymous with cutting-edge advancements, making it a sought-after choice for businesses and organizations aiming to showcase their expertise in AI and related fields. In this post, we’ll look at the originals of the .ai TLD and discuss why it might be right for your business when you want to buy a premium domain name. Key Takeaways Origins of the .ai TLD What are the benefits of a sector-specific domain name? Popular .ai brands thriving today Is the .ai TLD safe? Brief History of AI Domain The .ai domain has a fascinating history that dates back to 1995, when it was introduced as the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the island of Anguilla. Initially, the domain was restricted to businesses based in or tied to Anguilla, but in 2009, it was made available worldwide without restrictions. Since then, the .ai domain has gained popularity among tech companies and organizations globally, representing artificial intelligence and innovation. Today, the .ai domain is a sought-after domain extension, with many to establish a strong online presence. AI Domain Names: Significance and Purpose AI domain names, which end with the .ai extension, are more than just web addresses—they are powerful tools for brand recognition and online presence. For tech companies and organizations, a .ai domain name signals a commitment to innovation and technological excellence. These domain names are particularly valuable for businesses in the AI sector, as they instantly convey a focus on artificial intelligence. By choosing a .ai domain, companies can create a unique and memorable web address that reflects their dedication to advancing technology and AI. This not only helps in establishing a strong online identity but also in attracting a tech-savvy audience. The concept of ‘ai domain growth’ is closely tied to the adoption and future prospects of .ai domains, driven by factors such as innovation in AI technologies, the number of AI-focused startups, and the consumer perception of .ai branding. Benefits of .AI Domains SEO Benefits for AI-Related Topics One of the standout benefits of .ai domains is their potential to enhance search engine optimization (SEO) for AI-related content. Google treats certain country code top-level domains (ccTLDs), including .ai, similarly to generic top-level domains (gTLDs) like .com, .net, and .org. This means that a .ai domain can be just as effective in reaching users who are searching for AI-related information. By leveraging a .ai domain, businesses can improve their visibility in search engine results, thereby attracting more visitors interested in artificial intelligence. This SEO advantage, combined with the inherent brand recognition of the .ai extension, makes this kind of domain name branding a powerful asset for companies in the AI sector. Anyone involved in domain portfolio management today is quite likely to have one or more .ai domain names in their collection – if only for future-proofing reasons. Popular AI Domain Examples The .ai domain extension has been embraced by numerous influential companies and organizations within the tech industry. Here are some notable examples that showcase the versatility and appeal of this domain extension: Open.ai Open.ai is a pioneering research organization dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence to benefit humanity. Their website, open.ai, serves as a hub for their groundbreaking work and mission in the AI field. By using the .ai domain extension, Open.ai underscores its commitment to innovation and leadership in artificial intelligence. Facebook.ai Facebook.ai is the dedicated platform for Facebook’s extensive research and development in artificial intelligence. The website provides a comprehensive overview of Facebook’s AI initiatives, including their cutting-edge AI-powered tools and technologies. The .ai domain extension helps Facebook highlight its focus on AI advancements and its role in shaping the future of technology. AI.google AI.google is Google’s showcase for its artificial intelligence research and development efforts. The website offers detailed information on Google’s AI projects, tools, and technologies, reflecting the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve. The .ai domain extension reinforces Google’s position as a leader in the AI industry. AI Domain vs Other Domain Extensions When it comes to choosing a domain extension, tech companies and organizations have several options, each with its unique advantages. The .ai domain stands out as a niche domain extension specifically associated with artificial intelligence and machine learning. While .com remains the most popular and widely recognized domain extension, .ai is rapidly gaining traction among businesses focused on cutting-edge technology. On the other hand, .io is another popular choice for tech companies, but it doesn’t carry the same strong association with AI as the .ai domain does. For businesses aiming to highlight their expertise in artificial intelligence, the .ai domain offers a distinct and memorable web address that sets them apart from the competition. (Need help securing a domain name that seems out of reach? Check out our guide to the top domain brokers for 2025). Comparison to .com Domain The .com domain is the most widely recognized and popular domain extension, with over 160 million registered domains. In contrast, the .ai domain has around 533,000 registered domains as of October 2024. While .com is a more established and traditional domain extension, .ai is gaining popularity as a niche domain extension for tech companies and organizations focused on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Google treats some ccTLDs, including .ai, .me, and .biz, the same way as .com, .net, and .org, making .ai a viable option for businesses looking to establish a strong online presence. Comparison to .io Domain The .io domain is a popular domain extension for tech companies, but it is not as closely associated with artificial intelligence as .ai. While .io is a more established domain extension, .ai is gaining traction as a niche domain extension for tech companies and organizations focused on artificial intelligence and machine learning. The .io domain has around 1.5 million registered domains, compared to the .ai domain’s 550,000. Why not check out our guide to choosing a domain name? It’s full of helpful tips and advice. Acquiring and Configuring an AI Domain Acquiring and configuring a .ai domain is a straightforward process. To register a .ai domain, you can search for available domain names on a domain registrar’s website and proceed to check out. The registration process typically involves verifying the availability of the domain name, choosing your registration term, and paying the registration fee. Once the registration is complete, the domain name will be registered and available for use. To configure your .ai domain, you can set up website hosting, email hosting, and other services to establish a strong online presence. By securing a .ai domain, businesses can effectively signal their commitment to innovation and technological advancement in the AI industry. AI Domain Safety and Security Features When it comes to online security, the .ai domain extension offers robust features to ensure a safe and reliable web presence. Here are some key safety and security measures associated with .ai domains: Overview of Safety Features Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy: The .ai domain extension adheres to the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP), providing a structured process for resolving disputes related to domain name registrations. This policy helps protect domain owners from potential conflicts and ensures fair resolution. Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC): The .ai domain extension supports DNSSEC, which adds an extra layer of security to domain name lookups. DNSSEC helps prevent certain types of cyber attacks, such as cache poisoning, by ensuring the authenticity of the DNS responses. Two-Factor Authentication: Many registrars offering .ai domain registrations provide two-factor authentication (2FA). This security feature requires users to verify their identity through an additional method, such as a mobile device, adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access. Domain Locking: Some registrars offer domain locking services, which prevent unauthorized changes to the domain name registration. This feature ensures that only authorized individuals can modify domain settings, reducing the risk of domain hijacking. WHOIS Protection: WHOIS protection services are available through some registrars, which hide the registrant’s contact information from public view. This feature helps protect domain owners’ privacy and reduces the risk of spam and identity theft. Overall, the .ai domain extension is a secure and reliable choice for businesses and organizations aiming to establish a strong online presence in the tech industry. With these comprehensive safety features, .ai domains provide peace of mind and robust protection against various online threats. Who Uses .AI Domains? .ai domains are embraced by a diverse array of businesses and organizations within the AI and technology sectors. Here are some of the key users: Tech Companies: Many tech companies opt for .ai domains to establish a robust online presence and enhance brand recognition. The .ai extension underscores their commitment to technological innovation. AI Startups: For AI startups, a .ai domain is a perfect fit. It conveys a sense of cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking, which is crucial for attracting investors and customers. Research Institutions: Universities and research institutions often use .ai domains to highlight their work in artificial intelligence. This helps in building a strong online presence and gaining recognition in the academic and research communities. Businesses with AI-Related Products or Services: Companies offering AI-driven products or services find .ai domains particularly beneficial. It helps them stand out in a crowded market and signals their expertise in AI. Domain consultants advise businesses on the best strategy when planning a domain name portfolio. Overall, .ai domains are a strategic choice for anyone looking to make a mark in the AI industry, providing a blend of SEO benefits, brand recognition, and a clear association with technological innovation. 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 – be they .com, .ai or something else from the vast domain name network. Contact us at: [email protected]
Name Experts offers personalized domain brokerage services, assisting clients in buying or selling premium domain names with expert appraisal, negotiation, and complete transaction management while ensuring confidentiality.
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