Most Important

[Normal Dad]

Good day,

I am interested in a poll from the experts. What is the most important aspect of a domain when considering purchasing.

Common ones on blogs, DNW, and Sherpas that I hear are:
Age
Radio test
Industry specific
Etc
I know all are important, but if you had to pick one what is your preference?

 

[biggie]

Hi

i'd pick a domain that makes sense.
a domain that doesn't have to be explained what it means, or what it can be used for
one that "speaks for itself"

age, has importance mostly to other domainers.
typically, it's not a question that's asked from buyers, who like the name as is

radio test has it's place, but on other hand...many names never get broadcast over it

and....industry specific domains may have more potential uses, but non specific domains can be applicable for branding.

imo....

 

[Normal Dad]

Thanks Biggie!

 

[NameAgency]

Age
Radio test
Industry specific
Etc

Regarding Age: generally good domains don't drop due to its inherent value, while mediocre or average domains may have dropped several times in the past. Not a rule of thumb though. I mean, most of the times, domain age is a consequence of the quality of the domain name.

 

[Normal Dad]

Thanks @NameAgency , that's a good point.

 

[lock]

Knowing why end user is buying it and who that end user is going to be if not still suitable to your own business.

 

[Normal Dad]

@lock I appreciate your comment, so your first thoughts when deciding to purchase are end-user based. If you have clarity on end user does that negate any of the other aspects mentioned above?

 

[lock]

@lock I appreciate your comment, so your first thoughts when deciding to purchase are end-user based. If you have clarity on end user does that negate any of the other aspects mentioned above?

If you find your self looking what would possibly be a 2-3rd choice how popular is that industry? Aged domains really mean nothing I have some @ 21 they require as much work as the next. Radio test is where brands can fail or make it. Find your niche market sell and repeat.

 

[Normal Dad]

@lock thank you, this year I plan to work selling a niche I have been working on. When you mention 2nd or 3rd choice, are you suggesting that you have names in mind already, or 2nd and 3rd choice of what is available and you are willing to spend on?

 

[lock]

@lock thank you, this year I plan to work selling a niche I have been working on. When you mention 2nd or 3rd choice, are you suggesting that you have names in mind already, or 2nd and 3rd choice of what is available and you are willing to spend on?

I am saying that first choice available for the seller should be your domain if it is second third choice there needs to be enough buyers in that niche to want it or it needs to have a high enough margin so you can sway them onto the second third choice domain but that has still has to have enough calibre to benefit them. Way more to it than this.

 

[briguy]

Generally speaking, I prefer "short and sweet", the shorter the better and maybe "brandable"!

For me, age is only a factor if it has a good online history in the same niche, sure wouldn't buy a LLLLLL name with a "adult" history to use as a baby clothing site.

Also extensions (again generally soeaking), (dot)com is probably the best extension to register (if available and within my budget) but a (dot)ca is ideal if I plan to just target the Canadian market (like for my turn-key igloo business..lol)

But no matter what, my budget is always the deciding factor!

 

[wurdd]

Relevancy, budget and extension first, then keyword popularity, CPC, age, length, radio test and history.

I'll pull the trigger quick when it's an aged, exact match dotcom I can acquire cheaply in a niche I've previously developed.

 

[Bob Hawkes]

OK I am not really an expert but I would answer that the following are most important:

1. Who would benefit from the domain name? (significant list of possible end users)
2. Is the name common enough to be memorable but unusual enough to feel fresh?
3. Is the name elegant aesthetically when written and spoken?
4. Does it elicit positive reactions mentally and emotionally?
5. How much competition is there in similar domain names? (i.e. how unique - are very similar names available at low cost)

I know you asked for one, but I am not good at following instructions!
While not every name will pass all 5 with flying colours, if you have serious concerns in one or more, think vary carefully about the acquisition (if only I always followed my own advice ).

Best wishes,

Bob

 

[Normal Dad]

Thanks @Bob Hawkes, what a trove of views so far in this thread... the community is what drew me to domain investing and certainly a big reason why I stay....as you put it, if only we follow our own advise!