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Buying an expired domain is a great way to start your own website or resell it. How to Find and Use expired domains I covered in this article. Also, take a look at my guide on how to monetize expired domains.
This is a guide on how to buy an expired domain, step by step including where to buy and the process of buying.
Step 1: Learn about Common Domain Registration Terms
Domain registration is the process of acquiring a domain name from a registrar. A domain name is an identification string that allows Internet users to reach your website. Domain names are unique and must be registered with a registrar before they can be used.
There are many registrars to choose from, but not all of them are created equal. Some registrars are better than others at providing quality customer service, offering competitive pricing, or having a user-friendly interface.
When you register a domain, you will need to provide the following information:
- The domain name you want to register
- Your personal information (name, address, email, etc.)
- Billing information (credit card number, expiration date, etc.)
Read more: How To Buy and Set a Domain?
Step 2: Find an expired domain
Expired domains are a great way to get started with a new website. You can get expired domains for a fraction of the price of a new domain, and they come with a pre-built backlink profile.
However, it’s important to know how to buy an expired domain before you make your purchase. Here are four steps to help you find and buy an expired domain:
1. Use a domain search tool: There are many domain search tools available online, such as ExpiredDomains.net and DomainTools.com. These tools will help you find expired domains that match your criteria.
2. Check the domain’s backlink profile: Once you’ve found an expired domain, check its backlink profile using a tool like MajesticSEO or Moz Open Site Explorer. This will give you an idea of the quality of the domain’s links.
3. Evaluate the domain’s traffic: Use a tool like Alexa or SimilarWeb to evaluate the expired domain’s traffic. This will give you an idea of how much traffic the domain is receiving and where it’s coming from.
Read more: How To Find and Use an Expired Domain?
Step 3: Contact the domain owner
If you’re interested in buying an expired domain, the first step is to contact the domain owner and try to negotiate a purchase price. If the owner is no longer using the domain, they may be willing to sell it for less than the going rate.
How to contact the domain owner?
This can be tricky, as many domain owners don’t make their contact information public. However, there are a few ways to track down the owner of an expired domain.
One method is to check the Whois record for the domain. Whois is a database that lists the contact information for registered domains. However, many domain owners use privacy services to keep their information hidden.
Another method is to use a web-based whois service like Whoisology.com or WhoisXML.com. These services will often have more up-to-date information than the Whois database.
Domain owner is unreachable
If the domain owner is unwilling to negotiate or you can’t reach them, there are a few other options.
There are a number of reasons why you may not be able to reach the domain owner of an expired domain. The most common reason is that the domain owner has simply allowed their registration to lapse and their contact information is no longer current. However, there are a number of other potential reasons why you may not be able to reach the domain owner, including:
- The domain owner has passed away.
- The domain owner has changed their contact information and has not updated whois.
- The domain owner is using privacy protection services that prevent their contact information from being displayed in whois.
If you are unable to reach the domain owner, you may still be able to purchase the expired domain through a backorder service or auction.
Contact the registrar
You can try to buy the domain directly from the registrar, although they may charge a premium. You can also try to auction the domain through a domain marketplace.
Step 4: Learn Domain Auctions
A domain auction is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell domains. There are many different domain auctions, but the most popular ones are GoDaddy Auctions and NameJet.
To buy a domain at auction, you’ll need to create an account with the auction house and deposit money into your account. Then, you’ll be able to bid on domains that are up for auction. If you’re the highest bidder when the auction ends, you’ll win the domain!
The domain auction market is highly competitive. There are always new domains being created, so there is always potential for someone to outbid you. The price of a domain can vary greatly depending on the popularity of the keywords it contains. A domain containing popular keywords could sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, while a less popular domain might only fetch a few hundred dollars.
You will usually have to pay a commission to the auction site, so be sure to factor that into your calculations. Remember that it may take some time and effort to find successful auctions to bid on.
Types of Domain Auctions
There are three types of domain auctions: public, private, and broker-led.
Public domain auctions
Public domain auctions are the most common and anyone can participate. Public domain auctions have the most competition but may also have lower prices.
Public domain auctions are a great way to snag an expired domain that’s already been registered by someone else. These auctions work just like any other auction – the highest bidder wins the domain.
The biggest advantage of public domain auctions is that they can be a great way to get a good deal on a domain. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, domains that are being auctioned off are often ones that have been previously used. This means that there may be some web history associated with the domain that you’ll need to take into account.
Second, because anyone can bid on these domains, the competition can be fierce. This means that you’ll need to do your research and make sure you’re bidding on a domain that’s worth your time and money.
Here are a few of the best public domain auction websites:
- expireddomains.net
- snapnames.com
- namejet.com
- pool.com
- domainsatauction.com
Private domain auctions
Private domain auctions are essentially online auction sites for expired domains. These auctions are usually run by domain registrars or brokers, and they offer expired domains that are set to expire soon.
Private domain auctions are invite-only and usually involve high-value domains. Private domain auctions may have less competition but may also be more expensive.
Be prepared to bid high. If there are multiple bidders interested in the domain, you’ll need to outbid them to win. There’s always a chance that the domain you’re interested in could be reclaimed by the original owner or go back into the public domain pool.
The advantage of a private auction is that you can negotiate a lower price for the domain. However, the disadvantage is that there is less competition for the domain, so you may end up paying more than you would at a public auction.
Broker-led domain auctions
Broker-led domain auctions are similar to private auctions but use a professional broker to facilitate the sale. Broker-led domain auctions offer the benefit of professional help but may be more costly as well.
In this type of auction, a professional broker manages the sale and handles all the details related to the transaction. The advantage of using a broker is that they typically have access to a wider selection of domains than you would find on your own. They also have experience managing the auction process and can help ensure that the transaction goes smoothly.
The downside of using a broker is that they will usually charge a commission for their services. This can add up, especially if you’re buying multiple domains.
Be awared: the broker could suggest you random expired domains, presenting them like a gold mine. Why? Because, the broker needs to sell!
Remember that in a broker-led auction, the winning bid is typically binding. This means that if you win, you’re committed to purchasing the domain. So be sure you’re 100% sure you want it before placing your bid.
How to Participate in a Domain Auction
Auctions are a great way to get a premium domain name at a fraction of the cost of purchasing one outright. But auctions can also be confusing and intimidating for first-time buyers.
When you participate in a domain auction, you are essentially bidding on the right to register a domain name. The person who makes the highest bid will win the auction and be able to register the domain name.
Most domain auctions take place online, and they are usually open to anyone who wishes to participate. However, some domain auctions may be private, meaning that only certain people are allowed to bid.
To participate in a domain auction, you will need to create an account with the auction site. Once you have done this, you will be able to browse through the available domains and place bids on the ones that you are interested in.
What is the Auction Process Like?
The auction process works like this:
1. Domain names are listed for auction by the company managing the registration.
2. Interested parties can place bids on the domain name.
3. The highest bidder wins the auction and pays for the domain name.
4. The new owner of the domain name can then use it for their own website or business.
How much can you make off of a domain auction?
It really depends on the domain name itself. A popular, short, and easily memorable domain name will obviously fetch a higher price than a long, difficult-to-pronounce one. Additionally, domains that are related to popular keywords or trends will also sell for more.
The final selling price also depends on how many people are bidding on the domain and how badly they want it. If there’s only one bidder, it’s better for you.
Bidding on an Expired Domain
Place your bid accordingly. If you’re the only bidder, you may be able to get the domain for its estimated value or less. If there are multiple bidders, be prepared to pay more.
If there is no reserve price, start bidding!
The general rule of thumb is to bid at least 10-20% more than the last bid. So, if the last bid was $100, you would start your bid at $110-$120.
Start your bid at a reasonable price. If you start too high, you may discourage other bidders from participating but also could overpay.
Don’t reach your total budget on the first bidding iteration!
Keep it calm.
Step 5: Marketplaces for Expired Domains
How to buy an expired domain name on NameJet
If you’re interested in purchasing an expired domain name, NameJet is a great resource. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Search for the domain name you’re interested in on NameJet.
- If the domain is available, you’ll see a “Buy Now” button next to it.
- Click on the “Buy Now” button and enter your bid amount.
- If you’re the highest bidder when the auction ends, you’ll be able to purchase the domain name.
Step One: Register On NameJet
This is the world’s largest auction platform for domains, and it’s where most people go to buy and sell expired domains. NameJet has a partnership with GoDaddy, so if you have a GoDaddy account, you can use that to log in. If not, you’ll just need to create a new account.
Once you’re logged in, do a search for the domain you want to buy. You can search by keyword or by category.
Step Two: Find an Expired Domain For Sale
Simply search for the domain you’re interested in and then filter the results by auction type. If you see an auction that looks promising, you can then place a bid. Keep in mind that there may be other bidders, so it’s important to stay competitive.
I recommend you to harvest expired domains on Namejet and then to make a research on them.
Step Three: Place Your Offer On the Domain
Place your offer on the domain and wait for the seller to respond. If they are interested in selling, they will provide you with further instructions.
Bidding starts at $69 and goes up in $69 increments. If you’re the only bidder, you’ll pay the reserve price (set by the domain owner) plus a 10% buyer’s premium. If there are other bidders, the domain will be auctioned off and the highest bidder will pay the reserve price plus the 10% buyer’s premium.
Conclusion
So there you have it — a complete guide on how to buy an expired domain. By following these steps, you can find domains that have the potential to rank well in search engines and bring traffic (and customers!) to your website. Just remember to do your due diligence before making any purchase, and you’ll be well on your way to building a successful online business.
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