4 Tips for Buying a Taken Domain Name

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Getting the right domain name is essential when creating a website. Without one, you may not be able to secure many views. Unfortunately, this process isn’t always easy. This is particularly true when a domain name is already taken. If this is the case, you’ll need to take decisive action. So, here are four tips for buying a taken domain name.

1. Assess the Name

Before you do anything else, it’s essential to determine how valuable your intended name is. While you may be attached to the title, or need it for business purposes, you could be fighting a battle that isn’t truly worth it. First, consider how much it relates to your intended website. The name may not be as concise or descriptive as it could be. It might also lack keywords. On the other hand, the domain name may be the actual title of your organization, in which case it would be hard to change.

Consider what would happen if you adjusted a word or two. If people would be more likely to search the initial domain name, this may not be a good idea. However, a change with few foreseeable effects could be worth it. It’s also important to determine how generically valuable your intended domain name is. You may want to get a domain name valuation in order to be sure.

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2. Don’t Use a Different Extension

While it may be tempting, try to avoid using a different extension for your domain name. Sure, it would give you the name easily. However, you need to think about this issue in terms of internet users. When customers search online, most are likely to use .com instead of another extension.

So, unless you heavily emphasize your extension in advertisements, your potential viewers may be consistently led to the wrong site. Even if you can’t secure your intended domain name, you may be better off changing it than using .net or .org.

3. Look at the Site

An important step to take in this process is scoping out the current site. What exactly shows up when you search the domain name? Essentially, this investigation can tell you how easy the entire process will be. For instance, you may search your intended domain name and find a wasteland. The site might be barely maintained, containing few updates and little to no content. If this is the case, it may not be hard to acquire the domain name. The current owner clearly doesn’t care about it.

On the other hand, you may find a highly detailed website. It could have consistent updates and dedicated viewers. In this instance, it would be wise to reconsider how badly you want the name. If the site connected to it is that well-maintained, it’s unlikely that the owner will give it up easily.

4. Contact the Owner

The next step in this process is contacting the current owner. In order to do this, you’ll need to find this person. There are several websites made for this reason, many of which can provide you with contact information. Once you’re able to get in touch, broach the subject of buying the domain.

It’s important to know how valuable the name is at this juncture. If the owner provides you with an overblown figure, you’ll know not to take the deal. Remember that keywords, length, and age factor into the value. It’s also important to remember the other aspects that need negotiating. Region laws and methods of transfer should be discussed as well.

During this process, it’s essential to stay safe. You may want to use an advisor and an attorney to ensure a successful transaction, especially if you’ll be spending a lot of money.

While this process may seem complicated, it could be highly beneficial for your website. Be thorough and get the best deal possible.