Are you thinking of purchasing a domain for your new eCommerce website or looking to start a domain resale business? If so, it’s crucial to do your homework before diving in. With millions of domains currently for sale, not all of them are worth the headaches or the price. However, armed with a little knowledge, you can easily buy domain names for personal use or profit in just a few minutes.
Where to Find Domains for Sale
The first step in buying a domain is knowing where to find domains for sale. While there are many sources available, it’s best to start with a reputable domain registering website. Look for one of the big names that is approved by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). This approval ensures that your domain can be easily transferred from you to another owner.
Keep in mind that each domain registering website will have its own cost structure depending on the services you choose. If you’re on a budget, you can even utilize discount vouchers at OZCodes to further reduce your costs.
If you’re purchasing an existing domain for your business, make sure to research its history. Look out for any problems or sanctions imposed by Google. Buying a domain without knowing its history could leave you with a banned domain, which is not ideal.
When buying a domain for resale, focus on finding a potentially lucrative domain that will provide a good return on investment (ROI). Consider the perspective of the buyer and ask yourself the following questions:
- How would owning this domain help my business?
- Will it be easy for my customers to remember?
- Is it reflective of my business or service?
If you’re targeting a specific market, industry, or niche, it’s important to understand what would make a particular domain attractive to potential buyers. Avoid buying a domain solely based on its cheap price or personal preference if there is no market demand for it.
How to Buy a Domain
Buying a domain from a registrar is a straightforward process. Start by checking if the domain you want is available and find out its price. The prices set on these websites are usually not negotiable. If you’re interested in participating in domain auctions, there are dedicated auction sites and dealers who specialize in auctioning web domains. Keep in mind that popular domains can become highly competitive at auction, so make sure the domain you’re bidding on is one you truly want. If auctioning doesn’t work out, a last resort would be to make an offer on an existing, active domain. However, this approach rarely results in a good price.
Problems to Avoid
Before settling on a specific domain, it’s crucial to check its history. Start your investigation by searching for the domain on Google, as it sets the bar for search engine standards. If the domain doesn’t show up in search results, it may be banned. If it does appear in search results, pay attention to any negative commentary or complaints. Avoid domains that have been flagged as problematic by previous users.
In addition to Google, there are other resources you can use to check a domain’s history. WhoIs.com provides information about all domains, including their owners and whether they are active, available, or retired. Another resource is Archive.org, which is a database of search histories for virtually all known domains on the internet, regardless of their status. This site allows you to view previous content associated with a domain.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to buy domains with confidence. Remember, thorough research and careful consideration are key to finding a domain that aligns with your goals and offers a good return on investment.
