April 20, 2020

Are You A Domain Buyer? Here’s How It Works

written by

Joe Uddeme

Joe Uddeme

Are You A Domain Buyer? Here’s How It Works

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Whether you want to buy names to sell straight away or hold them in your portfolio, there’s a lot to learn if you want to be a big-hitter in the domain buying and selling world. Domain name expert Joe Uddeme shares his top tips for domain buying success.

 

Both buying and selling domains can be an exciting adventure – and it can even be a profitable endeavor. If you’re trying to get into the domain-buying game, or are simply looking for someone to buy a domain you want to sell, you need a little more information about how it all works.

The actual odds of you cashing in big amounts of money from your domain aren’t high (unless you’re sitting on a desirable two- or three-letter domain name that isn’t currently in use). But if you have no idea what you’re doing, you might also be wasting time and money.

If you want to make it big, you need a tried and true process to help guide you. This post covers our top tips to help you find a domain buyer or to be a domain buyer – and insert yourself into the domain buying and selling game the right way.

Key Takeaways

  • The importance of research when buying and selling domains
  • Understand your audience
  • Promote your domains to attract the right buyer
  • How a domain broker can help

Domain Buyer Tips

Though the internet isn’t very old in real terms, there are already millions of domains already registered. And yet there’s still an endless amount of combinations available to register. That’s not even including the hundreds of new domain name extensions available (think .net, .club, .ai and so on).

Do A Little Research – Get Focused

The first thing we recommend is to do a little research before you get started. If you’re looking to buy a domain, start with what you already know. What are you already an expert in?

Buying the right domain is much easier when you have a knowledge of the industry so that you choose something that will 1) actually sell, or 2) be a great domain for your business.

If you know fishing, for example, you’ll know just the things your fellow marlin hunters will be searching for. Is there a domain name available that fits?

Start your domain name search based on keywords related to the things you’re familiar with. If you KNOW it’s going to be valuable, it will be much easier to sell. Check the strength of a keyword with tools like Google Trends or Keyword Planner or similar SEO tools.

We highly recommend working with a domain broker who knows the marketplace. They’ll be able to give helpful suggestions and help you avoid costly mistakes.

We do NOT recommend targeting a prospective domain buyer based on their potential economic status. Targeting a certain demographic that you don’t know anything about could be an expensive error.

You might also be missing specific rules associated with the industry you’re going after. The bottom line is, you won’t make any money if your buyers can’t use the domain you bought.

Know Your Audience

If you understand your audience, you’ll be able to really generate sales of domains you buy. If you’ve got a great domain, you can hold onto it for years and probably make a decent profit.

Maybe you’ve already monetized the domain with an active website and put in some great SEO efforts – things that can help make your domain worth a lot more to a potential domain buyer. These types of well researched domains can end up paying for themselves.

Talk to a domain broker. The industry’s big-hitters will have the knowledge you’re looking for and be able to steer you in the right direction for domains that will actually benefit the buyer.

Wealthy-looking young man sat on a deck typing into a computer. Next to him is a bottle of Champagne.

Domain Seller Tips

Evaluate Your Domain

It is so important that you actually have access to domains that would be a valuable asset to domain buyers. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. Would the domain name you’re selling actually be beneficial to a business or organization?

Similarly, if you’re the one buying, have a domain broker assess the value of the potential domain. Would having this domain make it easier for clients to find you?

Will having that particular domain make it easier to rank higher on search engines?

Would your profits increase based off of this particular domain name? Don’t buy anything without knowing its true value.

Get Your Domains Out There

There are many different avenues for getting your domains out to potential domain buyers. Again, we suggest doing a little research. If you’re using a respected source, you’ll have a much better chance of getting your domains sold.

The best suggestion we have is to work with a sell-side domain name broker who knows the market. You can also use a distribution network to make sure you’re getting the right domain in front of the right buyer.

Maybe you already know who might benefit from the domain name? Start a conversation and convey that you already understand what the domain is capable of achieving.

However, if you don’t already have a place to show off your domain, partnering with a domain buying and selling brokerage business will take the pain out of everything and increase your chances of a profitable sale.

Choosing the right broker

If you’ve purchased one or more premium domain names and want to sell them, why leave anything to chance? Working with a broker who spends every day in the market is the way to go.

Not only do they buy and sell millions of dollars worth of domains every year, they also have a network already established. They might have a long list of buyers and sellers lined up before you even set up a meeting.

Domain brokers are able to accurately assess the value of potential domains, and also help negotiate on your behalf. They also know all the paperwork and legal processes that come with buying and selling domains, which means that you don’t have to worry about any of it.

Look for one with a strong track record, ideally one that can demonstrate experience in high-level transactions. Global experience can be helpful, too, especially if you want to secure the international TLDs for a specific name.

 

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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Auction: Auctioning your domain name is another way to sell it. You’ll place the domain up for auction on a marketplace, and the intending buyer with the highest bid will buy it. Domain auctions usually last several days, so there’s ample time to find a willing buyer and profit from domain name flipping.   Step 10: Use An Escrow Service It’s advisable to use a third-party escrow service when selling your domain name. The escrow service holds the money paid by the seller and releases it after confirming that you’ve transferred the domain. It prevents you from falling victim to fraud, e.g., a buyer refusing to pay after you’ve transferred your domain.   Step 11: Transfer the Domain The last step – all you have to do now is transfer the domain as agreed to the buyer. You’ll need to request an authorization code from your registrar and transfer the domain to the buyer’s registrar account. Note that most registrars require a domain to be at least 60 days old to be eligible for a transfer.   Domain Flipping Tips Building Your Domain Portfolio You can become an expert investor specializing in domain names if you’re willing to learn about the marketplace and create long-term value. Domain names are like any other asset to invest in, but you must do it carefully. Follow these tips to build a good portfolio and make money flipping domains: Understand your strategy: Domain name investors either follow the “quick flip” or “buy and hold” strategy, and these phrases are pretty explanatory. Choose which strategy you want to follow, or use a mix of both. Diversify your portfolio: The portfolio’s value should not be tied up in a single or few domain names because of concentrated risk. If possible, acquire more domain names to balance your risks. Never overpay for an asset: Don’t be the inexperienced investor who overvalues and pays excessively for an asset. Ensure you get third-party evaluations before paying for a domain. This will help you to maximize your profit when you sell the domain. Study and gain knowledge: The domain name investment scene is flexible and dynamic. New events occur every day that affect the value of domain names, so ensure you stay up to date with industry news to avoid getting left behind. Domain Flipping Risks Domain name flipping doesn’t guarantee profits. It carries risks, just like any other type of investment. The main risks include: Low Liquidity: Domain names don’t have as much demand as other assets like stocks, bonds, and commodities. You’ll likely need to wait a while after listing a domain before you find a willing buyer. It’s not something to invest in if you want short-term liquidity. Unexpected Valuations: Domain name valuations can swing high or low on a whim. You might buy a domain, wait a while and list it for sale – only to find the offers are significantly less than you paid for it. Domain name valuation is not as technically grounded as in other assets like stocks and bonds; the value depends significantly on a buyer’s intuition, so be aware of the risks. Other Ways to Make Money with Domains Buying domain names to resell isn’t the only way to profit from them. You can make money in other ways, such as: Domain Leasing: Rent your domain name to another party for an extended period. You’ll be paid at specific intervals such as monthly, quarterly or annually, giving you steady income for as long as the lease lasts. Parked domains: You can keep a domain and make money by placing ads on the homepage with a strategy called “domain parking.” You might also redirect the parked domain to an existing website you operate that generates revenue.   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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How to Choose a Domain Name

Open the dictionary and pick a word – the .com of that word will almost certainly be gone. So, where do you begin when choosing a domain name that will help your business grow? NameExperts.com Director Joe Uddeme walks you through the whole process.   One of the most important decisions you’ll make about your business is the domain name you choose to acquire. The domain name you give your business is crucial because it becomes your identity on the web. You want it to reflect your brand and fit your business, but you also need it to be easy to find and promote. Acquiring a premium domain name is definitely the way to go, but choosing one can be difficult. What criteria should you be following to make sure you end up with the very best when you buy a domain name? This post is a little different to the others on the NameExperts blog – it’s a list of six key pointers to consider when choosing a domain name.   1. Pick a Short Name When You Choose a Domain What You Want to Avoid: When you’re just starting out playing with domain names to choose it can be tempting to combine all your ideas into one long domain name – like UsedCadillacsInTexas.com. However, while that may make it unique and descriptive, it may hurt your branding. What to Do Instead: A short name is easy to remember, easier to spell, and thus, has a better chance of becoming a household name. It also makes it easier when you want to branch out into branded items, or you want to create a logo, etc. Unfortunately, all the very easy 3-letter names were all taken as early as 1997, but there are plenty of others available that are appropriate. The shorter your domain name is, the easier it is to share through word of mouth. It’s also easier to type into your search bar, especially if you’re using a phone.   2. Pick Something Easy to Spell, Pronounce, and Remember What You Want to Avoid: A name that is difficult to spell can negatively impact your traffic because it can mean that users don’t land on your page. They might even end up with a competitor instead. You’ll also want to avoid using multiple spellings and the use of hyphens, numbers, or special characters. Your customers will often misunderstand numbers or misplace hyphens. People who hear your web address might not know whether you’re using a numeral or if it’s spelled out. What to Do Instead: This name needs to be easy to remember. Your customers need to be able to spell it correctly and pronounce it easily, so that they can easily share it with others (check out our guide to choosing a strong brand name for your business). Imagine you’re naming a child – you want something unique for your site, but you also don’t want a name that will create difficulties because of spelling or pronunciation. Every ‘Steve’ whose parents opted for ‘Steeyve’ or ‘Stëeve’ will tell you that being ‘clever’ with a name rarely works. If you absolutely need to include special characters or terms that are more difficult to spell in your domain name, make sure you register different variations of it to be safe. Some of the most famous and brandable names out there are extremely simple: Google. Facebook. Amazon. Apple. These are giants who created an excellent product or service, but who also knew how to brand themselves by acquiring premium domain names.   3. Use Relevant Keywords What You Want to Avoid: A word of caution here – if your domain is entirely made up of keywords, you run the risk of creating a brand that sounds too generic or unrecognizable. Especially if you’re starting a blog or a personal page, you need something with a bit of personality. What to Do Instead: You’ll notice that a lot of the heavy players have names that are composed of two words, and one of them is usually a keyword. That is a very clever choice, because a) it’s descriptive of your business, b) it majorly contributes to SEO, and c) it makes your name easy to remember. So, if you’ve got an interior design business, for example, you’ll want a premium domain that ideally includes a relevant keyword, like “design”, “interior”, “decorator”, “home”, “style”, etc. That will tell your potential customers all they need to know about your business. Your name is also likely to pop up in whatever Google search they try for “interior design” or similar keywords. If your business is local, you might consider including your city or state in your domain. That way, customers in your area can find your name and remember it easier. Often, when doing keyword research for your business, you’ll find that city and state will most likely be included.   4. Avoid Anything Confusing or Inappropriate What You Want to Avoid: You want to pay attention to not pick a name that is confusing (either because of spelling or sheer peculiarity), awkward, or inappropriate. If the initials of your business make up an inappropriate word, scrap the name immediately. What to Do Instead: Pay attention to what a domain looks like when you spell it out, if it’s made of multiple words. You’ll be surprised at how many other words you may inadvertently spell. Example: your name is Marc and you’re a rapper. www.marcraps.com isn’t great, is it? The other thing to look out for is picking a name that has no relation to your line of business. That can be very confusing.   5. Avoid Names that Already Exist or Are Trademarked What You Want to Avoid: Don’t go ahead with a name that is extremely similar to an existing one or that is trademarked, because a) that is confusing for your customers and you risk losing traffic, and b) you may, someday, be served with a legal notice that may create problems. What to Do Instead: However, there is a caveat here. If the name is already trademark-protected, that’s a bit of a dead-end. There can’t be another Burger King, for example. If, however, the domain name you want is just taken by someone else, there are ways around that, and you are still able to buy a domain name that is already owned.   6. Choose a .com TLD, but Purchase All Available Extensions What You Want to Avoid: If you only acquire the domain name you want and no other similar ones, you run the risk of having someone else purchase other variations of your domain. They will get the traffic that should have been directed towards your page. What to Do Instead: The most popular domains are .com ones and they are the most widely used, so it’s the ideal premium domain to acquire. But your work doesn’t stop here. Once you’ve bought that, you also want to purchase every other available variation of your domain name. For example, let’s say your domain name is www.carsforsale.com. You should try to buy www.carsforsale.net, www.carsforsale.org, www.carsforsale.biz, etc. That way, no one else can take these domains and possibly steal traffic that was meant to go your way. Once you have these domains, you can make sure the traffic redirects to your main .com domain. Check out our guide to TLDs (top level domains). The Bottom Line When Deciding How to Choose a Domain Name Choosing a domain name can be a delicate process. Pick the wrong one, and your business may suffer. Pick the right one, and it can catapult you into quick notoriety, or at least it can help make branding easier. The most important things to remember when choosing what domain to acquire is that it should be something easy to spell and remember, it should be non-trademarked, and it should ideally include a keyword. If you manage to find the perfect one, purchase every variation to make sure that you can take advantage of 100% of the traffic going to these domains. Buying premium domain names for a business can be pretty complex, which is why many people turn to an expert domain broker for help. Brokers know all the ins and outs of securing a great name and are adept at negotiating the best price for the buyer. Check out our guide to the best domain brokers of 2025 for more details.   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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