In the world of online businesses, domains are the digital equivalent of real estate. Just like a prime location in the city, a great domain can make all the difference for your website’s success.
While registering a new domain is one option, buying an expired domain can offer unique advantages. Expired domains often come with a history, backlinks, and traffic that can provide a head start for your online presence.
If you’ve ever wondered how to find and buy expired domains, this guide will walk you through the process, highlight the benefits, and provide key considerations to ensure you make the right investment.
What are expired domains?
Expired domains are web addresses that were previously registered but have not been renewed by their owners. When the renewal deadline passes, these domains become available for purchase by others–either through direct registration or through placing bids on auctions. Expired domains can often be valuable due to their history, backlinks, or established traffic.
What are the benefits of buying expired domains?
SEO advantages
Expired domains often come with an existing backlink profile and domain authority. This can significantly improve search engine rankings for a new website, reducing the time and effort required to build online visibility from scratch. Domains with strong backlinks from trusted websites provide an added boost in credibility, which search engines value.
Established traffic
Some expired domains retain steady organic traffic from their previous use. This means you can benefit from visitors who already know the domain or who find it through existing search rankings. Such traffic can be an invaluable resource for launching a new project or driving leads to your business right away.
Brand credibility
A domain with history can lend immediate authority and trust to your brand, especially if it aligns well with your industry or niche. Customers are more likely to engage with a domain that feels established, giving your business an edge over competitors using newer, less familiar domains.
Cost-effectiveness
Building a website from scratch often requires significant investments in content creation, SEO, and marketing to gain traction. An expired domain with an existing foundation of backlinks and traffic can save you time and resources, allowing you to focus on scaling your business rather than starting from zero.
Resale value
Besides using them for your main website, expired domains can also be a worthwhile investment. Domains with high demand, desirable keywords, or strong metrics can appreciate in value over time. This makes them attractive for domain flipping—the practice of buying and selling domains for profit. By carefully selecting expired domains and selling them for a higher price, you can build a portfolio that generates substantial returns.
Competitive edge
By acquiring expired domains related to your industry, you can prevent competitors from using them to their advantage. This strategy can help you maintain market share and protect your brand’s online reputation.
Things to consider when buying an expired domain
Domain history
Research the domain’s past use thoroughly. Use tools like the Wayback Machine to examine previous versions of the website. Look for signs of spammy or unethical practices such as link farming, irrelevant content, or inappropriate material. Domains with a clean history are more likely to retain their value and avoid penalties from search engines.
Backlink quality
Not all backlinks are created equal. A domain with thousands of links might seem attractive, but if those links come from low-quality or irrelevant websites, they can harm your SEO efforts. Prioritize domains with backlinks from trusted, authoritative sources in your industry. Tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz can provide detailed insights into a domain’s backlink profile.
Traffic metrics
Analyze the domain’s traffic patterns using tools like Similarweb or Google Analytics if accessible. Check for steady, organic traffic rather than short-lived spikes. Traffic originating from relevant sources ensures that the domain aligns with your audience’s interests and behavior.
Trademark conflicts
Conduct a trademark search related to the domain name to avoid legal headaches. Use databases like the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or EUIPO to confirm that the domain doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks. Legal disputes can lead to costly fines or even the loss of the domain.
Domain age
While older domains often carry more authority, age alone isn’t enough. Verify that the domain’s age corresponds with consistent activity and relevance to its niche. A domain that has been dormant for years may require more effort to revive its authority.
Registration fees
Some expired domains may come with premium price tags, especially if they have high-value keywords, established traffic, or strong backlinks. Evaluate the purchase price against the domain’s potential return on investment (ROI). Consider auction fees, renewal costs, and any additional expenses for restoring the domain’s credibility.
SEO penalties
Check whether the domain has been penalized by search engines for previous misuse. Tools like Google Search Console can reveal penalties, while SEO analysis platforms can flag suspicious patterns. Buying a penalized domain can make recovery efforts time-consuming and costly.
Niche relevance
The domain should align with your business or project goals. A relevant domain name supports your branding efforts and improves audience recognition. Avoid domains that might confuse your audience or misrepresent your brand.
Where can you buy expired domains?
Expired domains are available through a variety of domain aftermarket platforms. Popular platforms include Sedo, Afternic, Flippa, GoDaddy auctions, and Namecheap Marketplace.
There are three primary methods of acquiring an expired domain on the aftermarket–plus the possibility of placing a backorder:
- Registration at a fixed price: This is the simplest way to acquire an expired domain. You can browse through the available domains at the aftermarket platform of your choice, select one that suits your needs, and complete the purchase directly. This method is ideal for those who prefer a hassle-free transaction without the pressure of bidding wars or negotiations. However, high-value domains are often not available for registration at a fixed price.
- Bidding on an auction: Expired domains that are considered high in value are often sold through auction platforms. These platforms allow multiple buyers to bid on a domain, driving up its price based on demand. Auctions often feature highly sought-after domains, making it a competitive process. To succeed, set a budget, monitor the auction closely, and be prepared to act quickly when bidding.
- Through a broker: For premium or highly specific expired domains, working with a domain broker can be an effective option. Brokers specialize in negotiating domain sales and can help you find exclusive opportunities not listed on public platforms. While this method often comes with higher fees, it’s beneficial for acquiring unique domains that align closely with your brand’s needs.
- Placing a backorder: Backordering allows you to reserve a domain that is currently registered but expected to expire soon. If the current owner fails to renew the domain, the backorder service attempts to secure it on your behalf. You can do this yourself by monitoring expiration dates and setting up alerts for domains you’re interested in acquiring, but it’s also possible to use specialized backordering services that snag the domain for you as soon as it expires. However, be aware that, in case an expired domain ends up going to auction, backordering will not work.
How to buy an expired domain? (step-by-step guide)
- Understanding the domain expiration process: Before diving into the search, familiarize yourself with how domain expiration works. Domains typically go through a grace period and a redemption phase before becoming available to the public. Understanding this timeline can help you anticipate when a domain you are interested in might become accessible. You can learn more about how the domain expiration process works in our domain lifecycle guide.
- Search for expired domains: Begin by identifying where to look. Platforms like GoDaddy Auctions, Namecheap Marketplace, Sedo, or specialized services like ExpiredDomains.net are excellent starting points. Use filters to explore domains based on your preferences, such as keywords, domain length, or specific industries. Regularly monitor these platforms for fresh opportunities.
- Analyze the domain: Refine your selection of domains by digging deeper into their background. Use tools like Wayback Machine to see its previous content and themes. Examine SEO metrics with tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush, assessing authority, backlinks, and keyword rankings. Avoid domains linked to spam or unethical practices.
- Check availability: Determine whether the domain is available for direct purchase or auction. For auctioned domains, be prepared to set a budget and monitor bidding activity closely. Research the auction platform’s terms and conditions to avoid surprises during the process.
- Secure the domain: After successfully acquiring the domain, transfer it to a trusted registrar to consolidate your portfolio. This ensures you retain control of the domain, with reminders for renewals to prevent accidental expiration. Registrars like Openprovider offer user-friendly tools to streamline this process.
Conclusion
Buying expired domains can be a strategic move for businesses looking to gain a competitive edge. Whether you’re acquiring a domain for its SEO value, existing traffic, or brand potential, doing your homework ensures you make the right investment.
Do you have a portfolio of multiple (expired) domains? With Openprovider, managing your domain portfolio is straightforward, thanks to our simple, transparent pricing and reseller-focused tools. What’s more, you can directly buy domains that are listed for a fixed price on Sedo or Afternic through our platform, meaning that you don’t have to deal with cumbersome transfers.
Want to learn more about how Openprovider can make your domain business more successful and profitable?
