Buying a Registered Domain Name – Helpful Tips Not to be Neglected

You can spend a lot of time and effort finding a great domain for your web project. However, chances are you’ll be disappointed to find out that the perfect one has already been taken by someone else.

So, it’s not surprising that you might have a question: how to buy a domain name that is taken? Unlike registering a new domain name, buying an existing one is likely to be a bit tricky.

We have written this article to outline the key aspects you should consider when buying a registered name. From finding the owner and researching the domain’s history to negotiating, buying a name that has already been taken requires you to be careful and aware of the nuances.

Reasons Why a Taken Domain May Still Be a Worthwhile Option

Having trouble coming up with a new name for your website? You are not alone in this, as there are many domains in the world in different domain zones.

However, an existing name can offer you benefits that a new one does not:

• Leverage the strength of an already well-established brand. A previously used domain may have built up a good reputation and high volumes of traffic, which will be to your advantage especially if you are just starting out on your journey as an online entrepreneur.
• Good SEO history. Thanks to the large number of backlinks from reputable sources some old domains have, you can immediately gain the trust of search engines.
• This is the only option to get a short and memorable name. Because there are so many websites on the Internet, the likelihood that you will come up with a short, memorable – and yet relevant to your niche – name is quite low. In many cases, buying a ready-made name is the best solution.

Found a good domain name already in use by someone? Check out the cost of domain name by using a handy search tool from one of the best registrars in the world.

Important Things to Consider Before Buying a Domain

So, you’ve decided to go with a domain already in use by another brand. Then you will have to find the answer to the question: how to buy a domain from someone?

Keep in mind that no one can actually own a domain as any kind of property. You can only get the right to use a name from domain registries for a certain period.

There are several reasons why a domain name is occupied, including being actively used by another brand, being parked, being on sale, and being protected by expiration policies.

Check Domain History

Already come up with a unique idea for your online business and picked up an existing domain? Start by checking the history as it determines the effectiveness of your SEO as well as the reputation of your brand.

Perform an SEO analysis to find out what resources link to your chosen online address. Also, use Whois and other services to find out who the current owner is and how often the domain has changed hands.

Checking the history of the domain is probably the most important step because you do not want to get a name that has a bad reputation among your potential customers or is blocked by search engines.

Analyse Traffic

Although the domain is no longer in use, it can continue to generate quite a bit of traffic. If you want to use this as an advantage for your business, check the following things first:

• Does the domain receive organic traffic from search engines?
• What sites are linking to the name you’re considering?
• Does the domain’s audience match your target market?

You can easily analyse traffic using tools like Google Analytics or SimilarWeb. In the end, you will be able to answer yourself whether or not this option is worth your investment.

Check Legal Aspects

History knows many cases where the use of registered trademarks has resulted in litigation and serious financial losses. Therefore, first, check the USPTO or EUIPO databases to ensure that the option you are considering is not related to registered brands.

To avoid risks, purchase an expensive name only with the support of experienced lawyers. For example, if you buy a name similar to a well-known brand, you risk being accused of cybersquatting.

SEO Factors and Possible Sanctions

It is not enough to simply create and host your website to get customers and make sales. You have a long way to go to optimise your web project for search engines.

However, a negative SEO history of your chosen domain can be a significant challenge. For example, you are unlikely to get your website to the top of the search results in your niche if it is using a domain excluded from the index or penalised for spamming.

Reinstating a previously penalised domain usually requires significant effort, time and investment. So use Google Penalties service to check the domain history and also study the content of the previous website.

Check Domain Seller

Eminent domain names can be worth huge sums of money. For example, according to Marketer UX, the most expensive domain in history is Cars.com purchased in 2014 for nearly $900 million.

Therefore, buying a domain name already in use is an important transaction requiring transparency and trust. Before shaking hands, check the following:

• The seller’s reputation. If you decide to buy a name on a specialised exchange, study the seller’s rating and also read what other users say about it.
• Ensure the security of the transaction. Use services like escrow.com to protect both parties.
• Insist on legal documentation. Concluding a well-drafted contract will allow you to avoid disputes in the future.

In addition, find out the seller’s intentions to find the right approach to him. By using a specialised platform, you will ensure a simpler and smoother negotiation as many processes are pre-set.

How to Obtain A Domain Name That Works Best For You

Don’t be sad if the wonderful name you came up with is already taken, as you can buy an already registered domain. However, approach the selection and purchase of a domain as responsibly as possible, paying attention to the history, existing traffic, SEO indicators and legal aspects to not only save money but also get a good boost for the further development of your brand on the Internet.