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Step 1
To find how much a domain name is worth, look at the current market value. This is the price at which the domain is currently selling, or if you own the domain, the price you are paying to register the domain each year. If you are considering purchasing the domain, go to a domain registration website. GoDaddy.com is the most commonly known registration website and it has a fair price. There is a link to GoDaddy.com at the bottom of this article. Type in the name of the domain in the search box at the top of the page. It will tell you the current cost, or market value, of the domain.
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Step 2
The current market value is an important factor, but it isn't the only factor. In general, .com domains are worth more than .net domains. Those are the two most valuable. The remaining domain names (.org, .edu, etc.) decrease in value with the decrease in popularity or familiarity.
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Step 3
It is possible to take a domain name worth pennies and turn it into a very profitable domain. It just takes a little creativity and a knowledge of current events. For example, one of my hobbies is gardening. I happen to know that xeriscape is a gardening word that is growing in popularity recently. I could purchase the domain and market it toward gardening centers, nurseries, etc. that specialize in xeriscape gardening. Many domain names increase in worth, or value, over time.
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Step 4
A similar idea, would be to find terms synonymous to buzz words and invest in those domain names. For example, the word xeriscape has many synonyms that could be explored as potential profitable domains.
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Step 5
When estimating how much a domain name is worth, make sure that the domain is commonly spelled. It is a mistake to purchase a domain that nobody will remember. For example, gardening.com is worth much more than gardenning.com. Make sure that the domain you are shopping for is spelled correctly. (A disclaimer to that point is there is a market for misspelled domains for popular brands or stores. These markets count on the fact that eventually the brand/store will want to purchase the misspelled domain to reroute traffic to their website.)
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Step 6
There are many forums dedicated to helping people value their domains. Join a forum and ask others how they estimate the value of your domain. This is a great way to spark new marketing ideas and turn the domain for a profit. It is also a great way to find domain buyers. ;)
Comments
CanningPreserve said
on 2/13/2009 Handy ideas for finding out the value of a domain. I didn't know you could make a profit selling domain names.
mom2manyboyz said
on 2/13/2009 I've always wondered how to find out how much a domain name is worth. Thanks for the info!
jcampah said
on 8/2/2008 Great article! I found a great cheap place to appraise at www.wevaluer.com
vikki9 said
on 7/6/2008 This is a great article. I recently heard a story on the radio about a college student who, years ago, purchased 'beer.com'. Yes - the suds left him rolling in dough! *****
purrfect1969 said
on 7/5/2008 Interesting.