December 15, 2023

What To Do After Buying a Domain Name

written by

Joe Uddeme

Joe Uddeme

What To Do After Buying a Domain Name

Domain Buying Guides

Name Experts provides premium
domain service to:

MAX
MAX
MAX
Hope Channel
MAX
MAX

Congratulations! You bought a domain name. But now what? In this post, domain name expert Joe Uddeme explains what to do next to keep your domain name protected – and extract its full value.

 

“I have a domain name. Now what?” – this is a very common question people ask.

The fact is, a domain name is pointless if you don’t do anything with it! After buying a domain, many things will run through your mind, and choosing how to use it productively can be confusing. However, don’t fret. This article will guide you on what to do after purchasing a domain name.

Do it right, and you can leverage your domain name and build it into an attractive asset. Do it wrong, and you’ll waste 20 bucks on the temporary ownership of something you can’t even touch.

 

Key takeaways:

  • What is web hosting and why do you need it?
  • Building a website and a brand you can leverage
  • Attracting online customers to your new business
  • Planning your exit strategy

Before we proceed, let’s run through how to buy a domain in the first place.

 

Acquiring Your Domain

Buying a domain has become more simple than ever. In 2025, it’s just a few clicks and a swift online transaction. The first step is to choose a domain name you like that is relevant to your business. Afterwards, you can check if it’s available to buy immediately.

Find a domain registrar accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the organization overseeing all domain names on the Internet. If the domain name is available, you can purchase it immediately from an accredited registrar. The price depends on how high the demand for the domain name is.

If the domain name has already been claimed, you need a different approach. You can check domain marketplaces to see if the owner has possibly listed the domain for sale (see our list of the best domain marketplaces). Otherwise, you can possibly contact the owner to negotiate a deal.

If this is out of your comfort zone and you have a high-value premium domain name in your sights, check out an experienced domain name broker with a great track record.

For more details on securing a domain name, check our in-depth article about how to buy a domain name.

What To Do After Buying A Domain Name

You have acquired a domain name and have taken the first step in building your web presence. There are many other things to do after buying the domain, and we’ll outline them below.

1. Get Web Hosting Setup

After buying a domain name, the first thing to consider is hosting a website with it. You’ll need a web hosting package from a reliable company. The company will host your website on its servers for a fee, and your website will be accessible once someone types your domain name into their web browser.

Web hosting has become a walk in the park, at least in terms of getting started. You can get reliable web hosting for a few dollars monthly, and the price keeps going down as computing capacity increases around the globe.

Sometimes, a domain registrar also offers web hosting services, meaning you can buy a domain name and a hosting package from the same platform. Otherwise, you can buy them separately and point your domain name to your hosting company’s servers.

2. Connect Your Domain to Your Hosting

Connecting your domain to your hosting provider is relatively easy. You can do it via two methods:

  • Changing the nameservers to those of your web hosting provider.
  • Adding a DNS A record.

Either method involves changing the domain name system (DNS) configurations from your domain registrar. Your registrar allows you to directly change the nameservers from its default to the one provided by your hosting company. You can also point your domain to the hosting company’s nameservers by adding a DNS A record. It’s the same action but with two different approaches.

3. Create an Email Address with Your New Domain

Instead of using a common email address ending with “Gmail.com,” “Yahoo.com,” or “AOL.com,” you can use one ending with your custom domain name. It makes you look more professional and shows people you’re serious about your business.

Many domain registrars also offer email hosting, so you can pay for it and create custom emails directly. Otherwise, you can choose an external email provider and change your domain’s DNS MX records to point to its mail servers.

4. Build Your Website and Brand

The best way to put a domain to work is to create a website with it. It can be any type of website, such as a blog or online store. Creating a website is usually complex, but there are ready-made tools that make the process as easy as it can get. You can use a designated website builder like WordPress, Wix, Weebly, Squarespace, etc.

WordPress is the most common tool for building websites because of its versatility. You can use it to create virtually any type of website you want. Follow these steps:

  • Install WordPress on your web hosting account (many hosting providers offer one-click WordPress installation). Afterwards, log into your WordPress dashboard to begin customizing your website.
Installing a new website via EasyWP, a WordPress hosting solution from Namecheap.
  • Choose a theme for your website. The theme is critical because it dictates the look and feel of your website. Just like a great brand name, colors and fonts will play a part in the ‘feel’ of your business. Every WordPress version has a default theme, but you can change it to anyone that suits you best. You can choose a free theme from the WordPress theme directory or buy a custom theme from marketplaces like ThemeForest. You’ll install the theme directly from your dashboard or manually upload the theme file.
WordPress theme library
  • WP plugins. Install WordPress plugins to add features to your website. The best part of WordPress is its ecosystem of plugins built by external developers. You can find any plugin you think of to add custom features to your site. Examples of popular plugins include WooCommerce for selling products, WPForms for creating forms, Akismet for anti-spam protection, etc.
WordPress plugins screengrab

If WordPress is unsuitable for you, you’re free to choose any other website builder to create your site. Some people prefer ‘drag-and-drop’ visual editors, like Wix, for example.

5. Register and Trademark Your Name

If your domain name is part of a new business or startup, it’s advisable to register the business with the relevant government agency and file a trademark for your domain name. Formal registration makes your business look more legitimate to customers and fellow businesses.

You can register your business under various legal structures, including a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability protection (LLC). An LLC means the business has a separate legal identity, and the shareholders (including you) won’t be personally responsible for corporate debts and judgments, i.e., limited liability.

You can file for a trademark with your relevant government agency, e.g., the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) for U.S. residents. A trademark gives you legal protection against another business using your name. Domain consulting services may be able to help you here.

6. Market Your Website

It’s not enough to just create a website. You must promote your website to ensure your relevant target audience finds and interacts with it. The best ways to promote your website include:

Submit Your Website To Search Engines

You want your website to be indexed by popular search engines like Google, and by submitting your website through a tool called Google Search Console you can get it indexed effectively.

Backlinks

Find a way for other websites to link back to your website. These ‘backlinks’ improve your site’s reputation with search engines, and they’ll suggest your website more when people search for relevant queries.

You can write informative content that other websites will gladly link back to. You can also exchange backlinks with relevant websites to boost your rankings. Note – this is a long-game strategy that can take months or years to pay off!

Social Media

Promote your website on popular social media platforms like Facebook, X (Twitter), Reddit, Quora, and others. It’ll help you spread the word about your brand and get customers.

7. Create A Google Search Console (GSC) Account

Google is the world’s most popular search engine, with an 83% market share. It’s practically the gateway to the web, and you’ll be doing your website a disservice if Google does not index it.

Google Search Console (GSC) is a platform that allows website owners to check their indexing status, detect errors, and optimize their visibility on the Google search engine. Anyone can create a GSC account and add their website to it.

You must verify ownership of any domain you want to add to GSC, and it works in different ways, including

  • Uploading a specific HTML file to your domain’s root directory.
  • Adding a custom HTML tag to your website.
  • Adding a TXT record to your domain’s DNS configuration.

After verifying ownership, generate an XML sitemap of your website and submit it to Google Search Console. This sitemap defines the relationship between all your website’s menus and pages, helping Google index it effectively.

A Google Search Console account allows you to monitor which website pages have been indexed by Google and which have not. You can detect and fix indexing issues to improve your visibility and search engine rankings. Google also provides a tool to evaluate and enhance your website’s speed and performance, which plays a significant role in its search engine rankings.

8. Sell Your Domain

After putting a lot of effort into building and maintaining a website on your domain name, it’s understandable to want to sell the domain and enjoy the fruits of your labor. The good news is that domain names become more valuable when you use them to create websites and follow the other steps mentioned in this article; here are some tips on buying and selling domain names for profit.

The easiest way to sell a domain is to list it on a marketplace to see if you’ll find willing buyers. However, the best option is to hire a domain name broker like Name Experts to help you. Domain brokers are experienced in judging the value of a domain and negotiating the best deal for you. On your own, you may significantly undervalue your domain and sell it for less than it’s worth or overvalue it and find no buyers.

A domain broker helps you strike the right balance and sell your domain for an optimal price.

Computer keyboard with a green shopping cart button to denote selling a business with an attractive domain 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. Need help? Contact us at: [email protected]

Subscribe for More Domain Buying & Selling Advice

Related posts

Two busy investors or traders looking at computer as if discussing domain name trends
Biggest Trends That Will Help You Buy Premium Domain Names In 2025

Looking to buy domain names in 2025? Here’s Name Experts Director Joe Uddeme with a roundup of emerging trends and things to look for when adding a name or two to your portfolio.   Buying the right domain is crucial for a successful business, which is why our professional team at NameExperts.com makes sure to stay on top of emerging trends. What was right for your business a decade ago – probably your brand name + .com – might still be relevant today, but there are newer alternatives and domain name combinations that consumers are comfortable with, too. Purchasing premium domain names is a great idea for any emerging business that wants to scale their brand. Top companies around the world are teaming up with domain brokers to help them buy premium domain names at the best prices – and with their anonymity preserved if necessary, too. Save money, add credibility, and give your company equity value when you work with experts like us. Key Takeaways GDPR has changed the rulebook There are now more TLDs (.com, .ai, .io, etc.) than ever – but not all are popular Catchy ‘meaningless’ names can become very valuable   Trend #1: Easier Identity Protection Have you heard of GDPR? When it comes to identity and privacy online, it can be very difficult to identify actual ownership of domains – which is why we recommend working with a top domain broker who has the skills to properly identify owners and help you navigate the domain world. The General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, is a new and strict set of rules and regulations that mandate how businesses that gather customer data and also how they must protect that data. It also outlines severe penalties for companies that violate the GDPR. This can make it that much more challenging to identify who owns what. No matter the size of your company, if you’re doing business in Europe, you should be thinking about how you’re protecting your employees’ and clients’ information online.   Trend #2: Reduction In GTLD Registrations TLDs are the letters found at the end of an internet address, such as .com, .net or .org. Any TLD that isn’t representing a country or territory is known as a generic top-level domain. The New gTLD Program was an initiative coordinated by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which has increased the domain name system. With the introduction of new top-level domains, it was meant to enhance competition and consumer choice when it comes to domain names. It also brought many new safeguards to help support a secure, stable and resilient internet. Though there is a rise in new generic top-level domains or gTLD registrations, the trend is that many registrations are not being renewed – meaning there is limited value in this type of asset. There are so many different domain identifiers, like .law, .brand, .legal that it is easy to get carried away. We believe these new registrations will continue to decline and buyers will focus much more on sensible and dependable options such as .com, .co, .net, and .org. However, there are several newer options that can be worth investigating. These include .ai domain names and also .io, which are beloved of tech brands.   Trend #3: Interesting Combinations and Lateral Thinking Verbs and action phrases at the start of a domain name are in vogue. Things like ‘get’ or ‘try’ – resulting in www.getselfhelp.co.uk, for example. Thinking laterally also leads to the likes of Zyro and Figma, which have become highly-prized brands based around words that didn’t exist. We regularly help clients to align themselves with strong and/or catchy names that appear to be unavailable. It’s one of the many reasons that people turn to a domain broker. As well as helping you to choose a strong brand name that has long-term value, we bring expert negotiation skills to the table. We also take care of every element of the transaction – from soup to nuts. Our team offers a full-service domain name brokerage experience for each one of our clients. It’s our mission to protect our clients’ anonymity and deliver great results. From domain name acquisition to the divestment process, we have the knowledge you need to help you grow your business and protect your assets.   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]
A busy office desk seen from above to illustrate a blog article about top-level domains
Domain Levels: A Comprehensive Guide to Top-Level Domains (TLDs) and Domain Names

The finer details of domain name architecture can be pretty overwhelming to the uninitiated. In this post, domain name expert Joe Uddeme unravels the secrets behind TLDs, second-level domains and more.   In today’s digital landscape, domain names serve as the cornerstone of online identity. They are not just web addresses; they encapsulate your brand, convey professionalism, and influence user trust. Understanding the actual domain is crucial, as it helps in structuring sub-domains effectively without confusing web visitors. One of the most critical aspects of domain names is their structure within the domain name system and their organization in the dns hierarchy, including top-level domains (TLDs) and second-level domain names as well as third-level domain names. This guide will explore the various types of TLDs, their implications for your online presence, and how to choose the right URL for your business when you want to buy a premium domain name.   Key takeaways .com TLDs remain a prized asset Up-and-coming TLDs such as .ai  have a place in the market A strong second-level domain is crucial for the success of your business Discover some tips for registering a domain name that works for you   What Are Top-Level Domains? Understanding TLDs A top-level domain (TLD) is the last segment of a domain name, appearing after the dot. Domain extensions, such as generic top-level domains (gTLDs) and country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs), play a crucial role in website visibility and branding. For example, in the domain name example.com, the TLD is .com. The second-level domain (SLD) is the component of a domain name located directly to the left of the TLD. This becomes essential for creating memorable and relevant domain names that enhance SEO by better describing website content. Third-level domains, or subdomains, exist to the left of second-level domains in a domain hierarchy and help in structuring website content, indicating different sections or language versions of a site. TLDs categorize domain levels and can significantly influence a website’s branding and marketing efforts. The Role of TLDs in the Domain Name System TLDs provide crucial information about the nature of the entity associated with a domain. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) regulate and allocate domain names, ensuring that assigned names adhere to specific regulations and maintain uniqueness within the domain name system for internet infrastructure purposes. They help users understand the purpose of a website, whether it’s commercial, organizational, or country-specific. Choosing the right domain extensions can enhance brand recognition and trust. Types of Top-Level Domains (TLDs) Second-level domain names refer to the target before the dot. Test.com is the second level domain with the keyword match–“test” in this example. Second level domain names can help consumers and individuals remember your brand. Top-level domain names are generally categorized into several groups: .com: Originally designed for commercial entities, it is now the most widely used TLD and is often the first choice for businesses and private agencies. .org: Primarily used by non-profit organizations, this TLD conveys trust and community focus. .net: Initially intended for network providers, it has become a versatile option for various types of websites. .info: Designed for informational sites, this TLD is often used by resource-based websites. Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs) Country-code top-level domain names are a specific type of domain extension designated for particular countries or regions, emphasizing their implications for search engine optimization and regional, country-specific targeting. Country code TLDs are the only top-level domain not governed by ICANN internet corporation for assigned names, differentiating them from other domain types and underscoring potential legal and usage restrictions based on geographic location. ccTLDs represent specific countries or territories. Examples include: .uk: United Kingdom .ca: Canada .de: Germany .au: Australia .ai: Anguilla .co: Columbia .io: Indian Ocean (British Indian Ocean Territory) .ai: Anguilla – though it has been appropriated by tech and AI companies and is rapidly growing in popularity. It is treated as a generic TLD for search ranking purposes. The .gov domain is a specific top-level domain (TLD) exclusively reserved for the American government and government agencies. There are similar restrictions applying to other domains like .EDU, which is limited to educational institutions in the U.S. Using a ccTLD can enhance local SEO, making your website more appealing to audiences in specific regions. SEO Consideration: If your business serves a local market, opting for a ccTLD can improve your search rankings and visibility within that area.   New Generic Top-Level Domains (New gTLDs) New generic top-level domain names (generic tlds) have emerged to provide more specific options for niche markets. Some examples include: .tech: Ideal for technology companies and startups. .shop: Great for e-commerce businesses. .blog: Perfect for bloggers and content creators. .design: Suitable for design-focused websites. Additional examples of GTLD’s include: .LAW, .GO, .XYZ, .ART, .CLUB are some of the most recognized. These new generic top-level domain names can provide unique branding opportunities but should align closely with your business’s mission and audience and be target generic top-level domains. Ensure they reflect the content and purpose of your site, as this can influence user engage specific for your generic top-level domain. SEO Consideration: While .com domains are the most popular, various gTLDs can also rank well if the site’s content is relevant and high-quality Domains not controlled by DNS System Web3 domains are a new class of domain names designed for the decentralized web, often built on blockchain technology. Unlike traditional domains, which rely on centralized registrars and the DNS (Domain Name System). These are typically tied to the Blockchain system and not associated with standard ip addresses. Web3 domains offer unique features and benefits including, Decentralization, NFT Integration and Smart Contracts. Popular Web3 Domain Providers Ethereum Name Service (ENS) A decentralized naming system built on the Ethereum blockchain, allowing users to register human-readable domain names (e.g., example.eth). Unstoppable Domains Offers blockchain-based domains that can be used for websites, cryptocurrency payments, and decentralized identities. Handshake A decentralized, permission-less naming protocol that enables users to own their top-level domains. The Importance of Choosing the Right TLD Brand Identity and Trust The top-level domain you choose can significantly impact your brand identity. Having your own domain is crucial as it allows you to create subdomains for various purposes and highlights the domain name as a vital element for website navigation and URL formation. A recognizable and trusted top-level domain can boost your credibility among users. For example, a second-level domain keyword-match URL ending in .com is often perceived as more legitimate than lesser-known extensions. SEO Impact While a top-level domain is not a direct ranking factor, they can influence click-through rates and user engagement. Familiar top-level domain names ending in .com or .org can improve trust, leading to higher conversion rates with these domain extensions. Local vs. Global Reach If your business targets a specific country or region, a ccTLD can enhance local SEO and attract a more relevant audience. Conversely, global businesses might opt for a top level domain to appeal to a broader market for widespread use. Best Practices for Selecting a TLD 1. Know Your Audience Understanding your target audience is crucial in selecting the right top-level domain. If your primary customers are local, a ccTLD may be the best choice. If you aim for an international market, consider a popular gTLD or only top-level domains. 2. Keep it Short and Memorable A shorter domain name is easier to remember and type. Avoid overly complex names and choose a TLD that complements your brand. Find the perfect domain name for your organization. 3. Avoid Hyphens and Numbers While it may be tempting to add hyphens or numbers to secure a domain, these can confuse users and reduce memorability. Stick to simple, clear names. The second level domain is critical for customer recall. 4. Check Availability Before settling on a domain name and TLD, check its availability. Many popular domain names may already be taken, so be prepared to explore variations. If you need help negotiating a name that appears to be off-market, it’s a good idea to partner up with an experienced domain broker. The Impact of TLDs on SEO User Perception Research indicates that users are more likely to trust and click on websites with a familiar top-level domain. A well-known second-level domain can enhance perceived credibility, leading to increased traffic for your company’s success in their respective country. Local SEO Advantages For businesses focused on local markets, ccTLDs can improve local search rankings. The root domain, represented by a dot (.), is at the top of the DNS hierarchy and contains all the top-level domains (TLDs), organizing domain names into different levels. Search engines often prioritize local relevance, making ccTLDs a valuable asset for local businesses. Content Alignment While TLDs themselves don’t directly impact SEO rankings, aligning your TLD with your content can improve user experience. A TLD that reflects your content’s focus can lead to better engagement. Common Misconceptions About TLDs Misconception 1: TLDs Are the Primary Factor for SEO Success While TLDs play a role in user trust and engagement, they are not the main determinant of SEO success. High-quality content, backlinks, and technical SEO are far more critical. Misconception 2: All TLDs Have Equal Value Not all TLDs are created equal. The second-level domain, which sits immediately to the left of the top-level domain, plays a critical role in defining the domain’s identity and is significant for branding and SEO purposes. An experienced domain name appraisal expert can help you find the true value of a name you’re interested in. Misconception 3: New gTLD’s are cheaper alternatives Familiar TLDs like .com and .org often carry more weight in terms of trust and user recognition than obscure or new gTLDs. While new gTLD’s are typically cheaper, they do tend to hold a larger renewal cost and lack credibility and equity that .com domain names add to any brand. How to Register a Domain Name with Your Chosen TLD Step 1: Choose a Domain Name Brainstorm a potential web address that align with your brand and audience. Ideally, it should match your brand name – which should be strong brand name that is representative of your business.  The second level-domain and dns hierarchy are good examples of properly choosing a domain name. A well-chosen web address can significantly impact user perception and SEO, making it crucial to select one that is effective and resonates with your target audience. Make sure to keep it short, memorable, and relevant, especially the second-level domain. Step 2: Select Your TLD Decide on the most appropriate TLD based on your target audience and business goals. Second-level domains are critical to top-of-mind awareness for your customer when finding the perfect domain. A third-level domain, also known as a sub-domain, can be used to organize different topics or language versions within your website while keeping the core domain name intact. Historically, third-level domains were significant for structuring website content, though they are less common in modern usage. Consider whether a gTLD or ccTLD best serves your needs. Fourth level domain levels involve rerouting the sub domains with a more specific field. Example: create.sub.agent.com. Step 3: Check Availability Use a domain registrar to check the availability of your chosen domain name with the desired TLD. Many registrars offer search tools to assist with this. Internet corporation for assigned names and numbers also offers a search tool to check Whois information. Second-level domains also become synonymous with your brand image and perception. Step 4: Register Your Domain Once you’ve found an available domain name, proceed with registration through a reputable domain registrar. Be prepared to provide necessary contact information and payment details. Step 5: Set Up Domain Privacy Consider enabling domain privacy protection to safeguard your personal information from public databases. Top Registrars for Domain Names and TLDs Choosing a reliable domain registrar is crucial for managing your domain name effectively. Here are some top registrars to consider: GoDaddy: One of the largest and most popular registrars, offering a wide variety of TLDs and excellent customer service. Namecheap: Known for its affordability and user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for new domain owners. Bluehost: Offers free domain registration with hosting plans, ideal for beginners. Google Domains: A straightforward option that integrates seamlessly with Google services. Conclusion Understanding top-level domains (TLDs) and their significance in domain names is vital for establishing a strong online presence. By selecting the right TLD that aligns with your brand and audience, you can enhance your credibility, improve SEO, and attract more visitors to your site. Whether you choose a traditional TLD, a country code TLD, or a new tlds, ensure it reflects your business’s identity and goals. By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions about your domain names and TLDs, setting the stage for online success in search results.   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]
Two execs – one male, one female – face an open laptop to illustrate blog post about domain names
Domain Name History – How to Check and How to Stay Safe

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 history is important – ignore it at your peril A hidden past can help you negotiate a lower price (if you still want it) Discover all the top tips and tools that will help you unearth a domain name’s past   Why Would Someone Want To Know A Domain’s History 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: Finding A Domain Name’s Owner 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. Conducting Research Before Buying A Domain 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. Competitive Research 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.   Checking A Domain’s History 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. WHOIS Lookup 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: When the domain was first purchased 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:

Why Work with Name Experts

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.

Free Consultation

Some of our most
successful stealth acquisition and sales

Aid.com

Fit.com

Mine.com

GLD.com

Jeff.com

Fora.com

Nori.com

Secure.com

Guitar.com

F*ck.com

Radian.com

MetaData.com

Prize.com

Link.com

Loop.com

Programs.com

Claim.com

Quince.com

Hook.com

QXO.com

NQ.com

Rest.com

Humani.com

Max.com

Need help buying or selling premium domains?