Selling a domain name: value, price & roadmap

Introduction

Entrepreneurs are often bursting with ideas. It makes sense to immediately register the domain name associated with such a plan, but it is also common that nothing is eventually done with it. A shame, because you have to pay for all those domain names every year. It is then better to sell a domain name. Moreover, this can sometimes yield a surprising amount of money.

Why sell a domain name?

You can sell a domain name for several reasons. For example, it could be that you have never done anything with a domain name and the plan that came with it has already been abandoned. Or you have changed your company or brand name, making the domain name unusable. Of course, quitting a business is another reason why a domain name is no longer needed. Finally, someone may want to buy the domain name you own.

Roadmap: selling domain name in 3 steps

1. Determine the value of your domain name

If you want to sell a domain name, it is important to assess its value. Therefore, start with a good online market research. What is being asked for similar domain names? What domain names similar to yours are still available? What are the strengths of your domain name that could be the deciding factor for a seller? For example, is your domain being linked to a lot by larger websites? Based on the results, determine your selling price. You can put your domain name on the market at a higher price, but don't overdo it. A competitive price can make you sell your domain name faster.

2. Offer your domain name for sale

Determine on which websites and other channels you want to offer your domain name and draft a clear sales ad. Make sure it contains the most important numerical information, such as link value and domain authority. This is how you substantiate the asking price in a convincing way.

3. Negotiate the selling price of your domain

Has a buyer been found? Then start negotiating the final sales price. Do not forget to check the identity of the buyer (for example, by asking for a passport copy), so that you know whether he or she is serious about a possible purchase. Put any agreements you make in black and white and agree on how you will arrange the transfer of the domain name. Record that the buyer pays first and that you then immediately transfer the domain transfer token. This way you avoid being scammed and you can complete the sale on your terms. Read more about transferring a domain name here.

How much is a domain name worth?

It happens that a domain name is sold for a lot of money. A well-known example is npo.nl. That earned the Dutch Pigeon Keepers Organization as much as €100,000. Most domain names are worth a few hundred euros. Asking a higher sales price is possible if:

• The domain name is short and easy to remember.
• The domain name refers to a specific product or service.
• You own the .nl, .com, .de, and .co.uk domain names. This covers the risks of someone else using the same domain name with a different extension.
• The domain name ranks well in search engines, has good domain authority and has accumulated many valuable backlinks from other websites.

Where can you sell a domain name?

You can offer your domain name for sale in several places. You can do so on sales websites, such as Sitedeals.co.uk, and there are also groups on Facebook that trade in domain names. An example is the Domain Names Trade group. Another option is to create your own sales page on the homepage of your domain, so that interested parties immediately know where to go. You can use this to advertise on social media, for example. You can also approach companies yourself that might be interested in your domain name. Do you have not only a domain name, but a complete website or webshop to sell? Then read these tips.