How To Sell A Domain Name

Apart from generating income via parking, considerable money can be made by selling domain names.

Selling a domain name may be your initial strategy… or may be a way to make money from a domain name that is no longer generating sufficient income from parking. Whatever the case, your first step in selling a domain is to offer it for sale. Many domainers list domains for sale on auction sites, however you can also post them on forums or quietly contact a professional buyer (for example, a professional domainer or a company that may wish to commercialize the domain).

If you plan to post a domain for sale on a forum such as DNForum you should, at least, include some basic information about the domain, such as:

• Full domain name (including its extension);

• Number of unique visitors over a period of time. This should be, at a minimum, the number of unique visitors for one month, and at best, the number of unique visitors over 3‐4 months; and

• Offer price.

I’ve found that if you provide more information, you’re more likely to get a higher price for the domain. By providing more information, people know you’re serious about selling the domain and are likely to take greater interest. So here are some of the extra items I suggest you include when offering your domain for sale:

1. The origin of the traffic by country. For example, 95% from the United States.

2. A breakdown of incoming links by search engine.

3. The actual links to any directories that list the domain name.

4. The age of the domain name – when was it registered?

5. A list of alternative uses of the domain name. For example: The domain name can be used as a movie title such as <insert title> The domain name is also an abbreviation for: <insert companies or things with the abbreviation>

6. If it’s a “typo domain” clearly explain what the typographical error is.

7. If the domain could possibly violate a trade mark, clearly state that. (This may protect you from possible legal action).

8. If the domain name is in a foreign language, explain what the word(s) mean.

9. If the domain name is parked, specify where it is parked and provide links to more information about the parking company.

10. If the domain name is parked and earning revenue, then post how much, what the currency is (e.g. USD or Euro) and over what time period.

11. The current registrar. If it’s one where you can push the domain name to someone else, then say so in the listing.

One final point – I don’t recommend including a “buy it now” price as this puts a ceiling on how much people will bid. After all, someone might come along and pay more. Earlier this year I planned to sell a domain name and invited expressions of interest on a forum. I thought I’d get two, maybe low 3 digits for this particular domain… but I actually got a 4‐figure offer!