Introduction
One strategy for acquiring a domain for a new website is to look for expired domains. However, not all expired domains are equal, and it can be difficult to determine whether a domain is worth investing in or not. In this guide, we’ll go over the key factors to consider when evaluating expired domains.
Domain Metrics to Consider
When evaluating an expired domain, the first factor to consider is the domain metrics. Two of the most important measures are the domain authority (DA) and the page authority (PA). These metrics were developed by Moz and are widely used. A high DA and PA typically indicate that the domain has a good backlink profile and a strong reputation.
Backlinks
The backlink profile of an expired domain is a crucial factor to consider. The quality and number of backlinks can significantly affect the domain authority and the organic traffic potential. However, not all backlinks are created equal. You should analyze the backlink profile to ensure that the links are relevant, authoritative, and not spammy. There are many tools available to help you analyze the backlink profile, such as Ahrefs, Majestic, and SEMrush.
PageRank
PageRank used to be the primary metric used to evaluate domains. It was developed by Google and measured the authority of a domain based on the number and quality of links pointing to it. However, it’s no longer publicly available, so you’ll need to rely on other metrics to evaluate domains.
Relevance
Another important factor to consider is the relevance of the domain. The domain should be related to the niche or industry that you’re targeting. For example, if you’re starting a blog about gardening, you wouldn’t want to use an expired domain that was previously used for a finance blog. Google’s algorithm looks for relevancy, and if your domain isn’t relevant, you’ll have a harder time ranking.
Content History
The content history of an expired domain is the final factor to consider. You should research the previous content and whether it was relevant and high-quality. If the domain has a history of spammy or low-quality content, it could negatively affect your website’s ranking, and you may want to avoid it.
Conclusion
Evaluating expired domains can be a daunting task, but by considering the domain metrics, relevance, and content history, you can determine whether a domain is worth investing in or not. Remember to use tools to help you analyze the backlink profile and that relevancy is key. With this guide, you’ll be able to confidently evaluate expired domains and make informed decisions for your online business.