Eric Lyon
Scorpion Agency LLCTop Member
- Impact
- 19,345
Whether you are a veteran domain investor or just starting out, it can sometimes be handy to have a reference point with steps and ideas to help you get started or refresh your memory when it comes to navigating and managing a list of expiring/dropping domain names.
Because of that, I wanted to compile a basic guide or sorts that we could all use as a simple reference and refresher.
Let's dive right in...
Managing a list of expiring domain names and determining which ones are worth investing in is a multifaceted process that involves organization, research, analysis, and a keen sense of market trends.
Automate and Set Alerts: Take advantage of available software or scripts that can automatically update your list with relevant metrics (e.g., domain authority or backlink count) and notify you when a domain is nearing expiration. Automation tools can help reduce manual oversight and ensure you don’t miss out on time-sensitive opportunities.
Domain Extension (TLD): The .com extension is usually the most desirable due to its global recognition and trust. However, don’t completely dismiss .net or country-specific TLDs if the domain has a strong relevance to a particular region or industry. Evaluate the extension in the context of your target market.
Length, Memorability, and Brandability: Shorter domains or those that are easy to spell and remember tend to have a higher resale or development value. Think about whether the domain name could work as a brand—it should be appealing, marketable, and preferably free of complex punctuation or confusing word combinations.
Domain History and Authority: Investigate the domain’s history using tools like the Wayback Machine, WHOIS lookup, and SEO analysis platforms (Moz, Ahrefs, or SEMrush). A clean record without past penalties, spammy backlinks, or trademark conflicts adds significant value. Additionally, if a domain already has established backlinks and historical traffic, it might offer an SEO advantage right out of the gate.
Market Trends and Niche Relevance: Consider the domain within the context of current and emerging markets. Domains that are tied to booming industries or niche markets with passionate communities can yield higher returns. Look for domains that not only have intrinsic keyword value but also align with industries poised for growth.
Spam Scores and eMail Block Lists: Be sure to check on a domain names spam score and whether it's on email block lists. A high spam score and block list can be leveraged by a new start up to devalue the domain names since they may need to clean it up prior to launching a trusted and authoritative brand on it. Learn more about spam scores and their effects on a domain.
Check Comparable Sales: Investigate recent sales of similar domains using sites like NameBio. Historical sales data acts as a reality check, ensuring that your valuation aligns with market perceptions. Domains with a proven record of sales at competitive prices are more likely to be safe investments.
Due Diligence on Past Usage and Legal Matters: A promising domain could be undermined by trademark issues or a negative historical reputation. Ensure you perform comprehensive due diligence: verify domain age, check for any trademark infringements, and ensure that the domain hasn’t been associated with spam or unethical practices.
Investment Strategy and Capital: Determine whether you’re looking for a quick flip or a long-term asset. For quick flips, invest in domains with strong immediate appeal and relatively low acquisition cost. For long-term investment, focus on those that might benefit from future industry trends or brand building. This strategic differentiation may also influence how much capital you’re prepared to risk on each domain.
Tip: When it comes to reselling the domains you caught on the drop, it can be helpful using tools to make marketing, selling, and lead generation 10x easier on yourself.
Tip: BULK domains dropping/expiring in the same niche may be an indication of a bad investment.
Remember, at the end of the day, a domain name is truly only worth what a buyer and seller agree on.
What works for one may not work for another and vice versa.
Happy domaining!
Because of that, I wanted to compile a basic guide or sorts that we could all use as a simple reference and refresher.
Let's dive right in...
Managing a list of expiring domain names and determining which ones are worth investing in is a multifaceted process that involves organization, research, analysis, and a keen sense of market trends.
1. Organizing and Managing Your List
Centralize Your Data: Begin by compiling a master list of expiring domains using trusted tools and platforms like ExpiredDomains.net, DomCop, or other domain auction sites. Maintaining your list in a structured format, such as a well-designed spreadsheet or a dedicated database, is crucial. Your tracking table might include columns for the domain name, expiration date, registrar, current bid, historical traffic data, backlink metrics, and any notes on previous usage. This organization not only helps you monitor upcoming deadlines but also allows you to filter and sort domains based on value indicators.Automate and Set Alerts: Take advantage of available software or scripts that can automatically update your list with relevant metrics (e.g., domain authority or backlink count) and notify you when a domain is nearing expiration. Automation tools can help reduce manual oversight and ensure you don’t miss out on time-sensitive opportunities.
2. What to Look For When Evaluating Drop-List Domain Value
Keyword Relevance and Search Demand: A domain that contains high-value or trending keywords can provide immediate SEO advantages or immediate branding resonance if someone searching for that term stumbles upon it. Tools like Google Trends or Keyword Planner can help you assess the current interest and forecast future demand.Domain Extension (TLD): The .com extension is usually the most desirable due to its global recognition and trust. However, don’t completely dismiss .net or country-specific TLDs if the domain has a strong relevance to a particular region or industry. Evaluate the extension in the context of your target market.
Length, Memorability, and Brandability: Shorter domains or those that are easy to spell and remember tend to have a higher resale or development value. Think about whether the domain name could work as a brand—it should be appealing, marketable, and preferably free of complex punctuation or confusing word combinations.
Domain History and Authority: Investigate the domain’s history using tools like the Wayback Machine, WHOIS lookup, and SEO analysis platforms (Moz, Ahrefs, or SEMrush). A clean record without past penalties, spammy backlinks, or trademark conflicts adds significant value. Additionally, if a domain already has established backlinks and historical traffic, it might offer an SEO advantage right out of the gate.
Market Trends and Niche Relevance: Consider the domain within the context of current and emerging markets. Domains that are tied to booming industries or niche markets with passionate communities can yield higher returns. Look for domains that not only have intrinsic keyword value but also align with industries poised for growth.
Spam Scores and eMail Block Lists: Be sure to check on a domain names spam score and whether it's on email block lists. A high spam score and block list can be leveraged by a new start up to devalue the domain names since they may need to clean it up prior to launching a trusted and authoritative brand on it. Learn more about spam scores and their effects on a domain.
3. Selecting the Best Domains to Invest In
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: From your list, narrow down the domains by establishing a set of criteria—such as a clean history, strong keyword presence, brandability, and favorable extension. Build a shortlist that strictly adheres to these metrics rather than trying to invest in everything that appears remotely interesting.Check Comparable Sales: Investigate recent sales of similar domains using sites like NameBio. Historical sales data acts as a reality check, ensuring that your valuation aligns with market perceptions. Domains with a proven record of sales at competitive prices are more likely to be safe investments.
Due Diligence on Past Usage and Legal Matters: A promising domain could be undermined by trademark issues or a negative historical reputation. Ensure you perform comprehensive due diligence: verify domain age, check for any trademark infringements, and ensure that the domain hasn’t been associated with spam or unethical practices.
Investment Strategy and Capital: Determine whether you’re looking for a quick flip or a long-term asset. For quick flips, invest in domains with strong immediate appeal and relatively low acquisition cost. For long-term investment, focus on those that might benefit from future industry trends or brand building. This strategic differentiation may also influence how much capital you’re prepared to risk on each domain.
Practical Steps and Tools
- Create a Detailed Spreadsheet:
- Columns Suggested:
- Use this to prioritize which domains to monitor more closely or bid on.
- Leverage Domain Appraisal services: Use online appraisal services to get a ballpark figure for the domain’s value. Remember that these are estimates, you should only use them as a starting point for deeper research and not pay too much attention to the value they give you. Most (If not all) automated appraisal tools are no where close to being accurate when it comes to value.
- Monitor Using Alerts and Automation: Tools that integrate with your spreadsheet or management system can alert you to sudden changes in metrics or approaching expiry dates, ensuring that you’re always one step ahead.
- Engage with Domain Marketplaces and Auctions Continuously: Being active on a platform like NamePros keeps you informed of the current market trends and offers real-time insights into what types of domains are selling and for how much.
In Conclusion
Managing a dynamic list of expiring domains is about balancing structured organization with agile market research. By focusing on keyword relevance, domain history, and market trends, you can sift through your list to uncover hidden gems that have high investment potential. Your success in drop catching domains will largely depend on your ability to combine methodical research with timely decision-making.Tip: When it comes to reselling the domains you caught on the drop, it can be helpful using tools to make marketing, selling, and lead generation 10x easier on yourself.
Tip: BULK domains dropping/expiring in the same niche may be an indication of a bad investment.
Remember, at the end of the day, a domain name is truly only worth what a buyer and seller agree on.
What works for one may not work for another and vice versa.
Happy domaining!
