Purchasing expired domains can be one of the smartest moves for growing your online presence. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking for a domain to kickstart your business or an SEO enthusiast seeking to boost your rankings, expired domains offer unique opportunities that can take you a step ahead of the competition. You might be wondering, “How to purchase expired domain?” Well, let’s dive into it together.
I know it sounds a little like navigating a maze at first, but trust me, it’s simpler than it seems once you get the hang of it. There’s a whole world out there of expired domains just waiting to be grabbed, and with a little bit of knowledge and strategy, you could land one that gives your website a significant advantage. Let me walk you through the process and everything you need to know about how to purchase expired domain names effectively.
Key Points to Remember:
- Expired domains can improve your SEO.
- They’re available via backorders or auctions.
- Checking the history of the domain is essential before purchasing.
What Is an Expired Domain?
Okay, first thing’s first. What exactly is an expired domain? It’s simply a domain that was previously registered, but the owner didn’t renew it. Maybe they forgot, maybe they just let it go, or maybe they didn’t need it anymore. Once it expires, it becomes available for anyone to purchase again. So, don’t think of it as “dead”; think of it as a second chance for that domain to have new life and purpose.
The key benefit here is that expired domains often come with an established history. This could mean built-in traffic, backlinks, or even some SEO authority. But here’s the catch: expired domains come with some level of risk. You can’t just buy any expired domain and expect it to deliver results. You need to make sure it’s the right fit for your needs.
Why Purchase an Expired Domain?
There are several reasons why purchasing an expired domain is a great idea, especially for those who are building an online business or trying to increase their SEO rankings.
- Improved SEO: Expired domains with a solid backlink profile can significantly boost your website’s authority and rankings.
- Instant Traffic: Some expired domains still get organic traffic. If the domain has been around for a while, it may have visitors who will keep coming back.
- Credibility: Older domains are often seen as more trustworthy by search engines, giving you a leg up in the rankings.
Personally, I’ve used expired domains in the past, and let me tell you, they’ve worked wonders. Not only did they save me time building authority from scratch, but they also helped me bypass the tedious process of link-building.
How to Purchase Expired Domain: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Find Expired Domains
The first step in purchasing an expired domain is finding the right one. You can start by using tools like WHOIS lookups or specialized websites for expired domains. These platforms list domains that are about to expire or have already expired.
There are many marketplaces and services like ExpiredDomains.net and DomCop that make this process a lot easier. You simply enter your search criteria, and they will display available expired domains. I personally recommend using these sites, as they have filters that help you zero in on domains with high SEO potential.
Step 2: Use Backorders or Domain Auctions
Now that you’ve found an expired domain that catches your eye, how do you secure it? There are two primary methods for purchasing expired domains:
- Backorders: A backorder is like setting a reminder for the domain registrar to grab the domain as soon as it becomes available. Think of it like placing a “reservation” for a domain. If no one else claims it, you get it.
- Auctions: If there’s interest in the domain, it might go to auction. You’ll need to bid on the domain, and if you have the highest bid, you win. Auctions usually take place on platforms like GoDaddy Auctions, NameJet, or DropCatch.
Note: Backordering gives you a shot at grabbing a domain before others, while auctions are competitive, so be prepared for some bidding wars.
Step 3: Check Domain History
Before making a purchase, always check the domain’s history. This is one of the most crucial steps in the process. Why? Because if the domain was previously used for spam or illegal activities, it might have been blacklisted or penalized by Google.
I’ve learned this the hard way. Once, I rushed into buying an expired domain that seemed perfect. However, after a quick check using tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush, I realized it had a poor backlink profile and a history of spamming. It was a costly lesson.
You can use tools like the Wayback Machine to see what the site looked like before it expired. This will give you a good idea of its previous usage and if it fits with your brand.
Step 4: Place Your Bid or Backorder
Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to place your bid or backorder. Be mindful of the cost—sometimes, premium expired domains can get a little pricey, especially if they come with high domain authority or backlinks.
I always set a budget beforehand so I don’t get carried away in the excitement of the bidding process. Set your maximum price and stick to it.
Key Considerations Before Buying an Expired Domain
Domain Authority and Backlink Profile
When buying an expired domain, you want to focus on the domain authority (DA) and the backlink profile. These factors play a huge role in how well the domain will perform once you start using it.
A domain with strong backlinks from reputable sites is a goldmine. You’ll get a boost in SEO because those backlinks will transfer to your new website. Tools like Moz and Ahrefs can help you evaluate these metrics.
Domain Age
Older domains are often more trusted by search engines. However, don’t just go for an old domain without looking at the quality of the content and backlinks. It’s better to have a newer domain with high-quality backlinks than an old domain with a history of spam.
Avoid Trademarks
A big mistake people make is purchasing expired domains that contain trademarked terms. To avoid potential legal issues, always check if the domain contains any trademarks using a tool like the Global Brand Database.
SEO Compatibility
Does the expired domain fit your business niche? This is something I’ve seen many people overlook. If the expired domain was previously used for a completely different niche, it may not help much with your SEO strategy.
I’ve made this mistake too. Once, I bought a domain that seemed like a good deal, only to find that it was previously used in a completely unrelated niche. It didn’t help with SEO, and I ended up losing time and money.
Pros and Cons of Purchasing Expired Domains
Pros:
- Potential for immediate SEO benefits.
- Established traffic and backlinks.
- Older domains are often seen as more credible by search engines.
Cons:
- Can be expensive.
- Risk of buying a domain with a bad history.
- Not all expired domains will offer SEO benefits.
FAQ’s
1. What is an expired domain? An expired domain is a domain that was once registered but not renewed by its owner, making it available for others to purchase.
2. How do I find expired domains? You can find expired domains using WHOIS lookups or specialized expired domain websites such as ExpiredDomains.net or DomCop.
3. What is a backorder? A backorder is a service that reserves a domain for you to purchase when it becomes available after its expiration.
4. How do auctions work for expired domains? Expired domains go to auction if there’s demand. You place a bid, and the highest bidder wins the domain once the auction ends.
5. Can I use expired domains for SEO? Yes, expired domains with strong backlink profiles and domain authority can give your website an SEO boost.
6. What tools should I use to check the domain history? Tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and the Wayback Machine can help you analyze the history and backlinks of an expired domain.
7. Is buying expired domains risky? Yes, if you don’t research the domain properly. Always check the domain’s history for issues like spam or blacklisting before making a purchase.
