How to evaluate domains (did I miss anything?)

[James Foster]

I'm new, so this isn't me telling you "This is how it's done"... It's me sharing what I've gathered through my searching/studying and checking back with everyone to see if you agree and if you have anything more to add.
Here's what I've got:

- Avoid typos and trademarks like the plague
- .com only (that's more my personal choice)
- Does the domain name make sense?
- Does the domain pass the radio test?
- Are there end users to buy the domain?

If the above comes back positive, then I move onto the next bit:

Check the page rank (if it's negative - avoid)
Screenshots.com and archive.org to see what other companies owned the domain in the past
Is it indexed by Google? "site:thedomain.com"
# of pages in exact match search
CPC of exact match
Estibot value (take with a grain of salt)
Hopefully the .net and .org are taken


.... What other criteria should I be looking at friends? What am I missing?

 

[Nazz]

You're on the right track.

As many say and have said, a domain is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

 

[80-20]

All your points are valid.
But, apart from the so-called "liquid domains" all else is a more or less an educated game.

There's a luck factor in domain investing.
Consequently, I try to do "my very best" and then feel easy about what happens next...

 

[Domain Lead Finder]

Follow a lot of sales. Follow auctions. This will give you a realistic idea on what domains really sell for. Read the boards, and do not register/buy a domain before thinking about it 24h :D its very easy to talk yourself in to thinking that you have a "winner" and you end up only with something you regret later. Avoid spur of the moment regs.

 

[aramyus]

What other criteria should I be looking at friends? What am I missing?

The number of people who advertise on adword, and the intensity of competition on adwords (not quite proportional to CPC)