Steps you take in order to buy a name

[synapsis]

I'm interested in hearing responses from veteran and pro domain investors in the steps they take in selecting how to nail down a domain name they want to later develop on.

Obviously some research would be involved before hand, so please give a step by step guide as how you do this. Also, include the tools that you use in your process.

Let this thread be specifically for the veteran and pro's. Questions regarding clarification are fine, but for the most part - keep this open for the experienced domainers to provide a guide for those who are learning

 

[andreyknure]

Try to have domains with reliable registrars only to avoid transfer in the future, don't trust unknown registrars. Also, it is very good when you domain names include key phrases!

 

[Deathstarr]

Research is your First tool to buying a domain name from someone else.

http://Estibot.com - Tells you stats on the domain, the Price listed may not be true to fact.

http://DomainTools.com - a Simple whois will give you a name and email for who owns the domains.

http://Alexa.com will give you true facts about the domain.

http://Google.com - Will show you x out of xxxxxx it is used on the net.

https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal - will show you How much it is searched for.


All of this can determine the price of the domain.

http://www.dnunderground.com/?p=204 - How to write them an email.

You will want to email the owner and first find out if he is selling the domain, when he replys. If he is, Offer a price that you think would be a good price that he might sell at. If its to low for the seller, he will email you back with a price. This is called a "Counter offer" meaning that this or more is what he is looking for.

Depending on how back you want the domain and the price is depending on how much you will pay. Don't get mad if the price it two high, Try to bargin with him and see if he will drop the price to what you can pay.


When you do finally get to the buying and money part you can use escrow.com or sedo.com to make the transaction so you are safe with your money and make sure he doesn't take your money and run.

Once you have the domain and they has the money, You can send them a thank you email or send them an email inquiring about more domains he has to sell. This can build a great foundation with they if they have a domain that you would like to purchase in the future.


Anymore questions?

 

[andreyknure]

Actually, it is very easy. Just check what domains are available and select the most suitable one for your site.

 

[Sara Vanessa]

wow, excellent guide! Very helpful

 

[DubDubDubDot]

First rule of thumb is that your initial offer is pretty much irrelevant to sellers of non-premium domains. The domain industry operates by a "turn 'em upside down and empty their pockets!" philosophy. So if you offer $500, expect a $5,000 counter offer just to make sure you aren't playing stupid and you don't have $10 Million in the bank.

 

[synapsis]

Any others?

 

[jdenwar]

Any others?

my steps:

1. Make a list of keyword or niche i am looking for:
2. Choose extension and budget.
3. Search for unregistered names with those keyword. (using registrar search engine)
4. Scan the expired domain list.
5.Choose one wisely considering Google Search, Google Adword tool, Related extension, History, past sales, Trademarks and popularity.
5. Register the name!

THATS iT!!

-jd

 

[henniemeijer]

if you plan to develop the names with minisites a guide from Esa(Estibot):
http://estibot.com/blog/2009/04/11/...art-ii-choosing-the-domain-name-and-keywords/