A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Aftermarket Domains

Introduction

Buying a domain name is an important step in creating an online presence for your business. While there are many domain names available for purchase from domain registrars, sometimes you may not be able to find the perfect name for your business. This is where aftermarket domains come in. In this guide, we will explain what aftermarket domains are, and how you can buy them.

What are aftermarket domains?

Aftermarket domains are domain names that have already been registered, but are now available for purchase by a third party. These domains are often considered premium because they may have already been “aged”, have established traffic and backlinks, or be a shorter more memorable name than what is available for registration.

Aftermarket domains are primarily sold through online auctions or domain marketplaces like Sedo, GoDaddy Auctions, or Afternic. These websites allow domain sellers to list their domains for sale, and allow buyers to place bids on them.

How can you buy aftermarket domains?

Buying aftermarket domains can be a bit daunting, but it can also be an exciting opportunity to get a great domain name for your business. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Determine your budget. Aftermarket domains can range from a few hundred dollars to millions of dollars, so it’s essential to set a budget before you start looking.
Step 2: Research your market to determine which niche you want to purchase a domain in. Once you have a better idea of what niche you want to purchase a domain for, you can use keywords to search aftermarket domain sites for available names relevant to your niche.
Step 3: Perform due diligence on any domain names you are interested in purchasing. This includes reviewing the domain’s previous use and ranking, running the domain through Google’s PageRank to see its value, and checking for trademarks or legal issues related to the domain name.
Step 4: Make an offer. You can either make a direct offer to the seller, or participate in an auction to purchase the domain. Make sure you’ve taken the above steps, and have the budget in place, to ensure a competitive and fair offer to the domain owner or auction seller.
Step 5: Transfer ownership after purchase. After you have agreed with the seller or auction house, make sure to discuss and complete the transfer of ownership of the domain.

Conclusion

Buying an aftermarket domain can be a great investment for your business. By following the above steps, you can ensure that you are making an informed, competitive offer that benefits your business’s online presence. Take your time, research properly, have some fun and enjoy the process!

“A good domain name is the foundation of a successful online business. It is worthwhile to invest your time researching, networking and finding the right name, whether it is an aftermarket domain or a domain name that has recently been released to the general public for purchase.”