When it comes to building a website, one of the first steps is to secure a domain name. However, what if you missed the opportunity to purchase your desired domain name and it has become a dropped domain? A dropped domain is a domain name that was previously owned but has not been renewed by the previous owner, making it available for purchase again.
Purchasing a dropped domain can be a great opportunity to acquire an already established domain name with a potentially valuable history. However, it's important to determine the value of the domain before making an informed bid. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Check the Domain's History
Before making a bid, it's important to check the domain's history. This includes any previous owners, how long they owned the domain, and how they used it. You can use tools like the Wayback Machine to view past versions of the website and see how it was used. This can give you valuable insight into the domain's potential value and whether or not it's worth pursuing.
2. Check the Domain's Metrics
Domain metrics, such as domain authority and backlinks, can give you an idea of how valuable the domain is. Use tools like Moz and Ahrefs to check these metrics and see how they compare to other domains in the same niche. A domain with a high domain authority and a significant number of quality backlinks can be a valuable asset that can help your website's SEO efforts.
3. Check for Trademarks or Legal Issues
It's important to check if the domain has any trademarks or legal issues associated with it. Use the USPTO database to search for any trademarks related to the domain name, and consult with a legal professional if you have any concerns. Failing to do so can result in legal issues down the road that can be costly and time-consuming.
4. Determine the Domain's Market Value
Once you've checked the domain's history, metrics, and legal issues, you can determine its market value. Use resources like GoDaddy's Domain Value Appraisal or NameBio to see what similar domains have sold for in the past. This can give you an idea of what the domain is worth and what an informed bid might look like.
5. Make an Informed Bid
Based on the domain's history, metrics, and market value, you can make an informed bid. It's important to remember that bidding too high could result in overpaying for the domain, while bidding too low could result in losing the domain to a higher bidder. Take all the factors into consideration and make a bid that is in line with the domain's potential value.
By following these steps, you can determine the value of a dropped domain and make an informed bid. It's important to approach the process with caution and patience, as it can take time to find the right opportunity. Good luck!
