I am writing this article to ensure that when someone is searching for a domain name for their web site that they get the best possible domain for their buck. In this case I would highly recommend a previously owned domain or otherwise known as a deleted/expired domain. A lot of times these were just niche sites that existed before and are just ready to be activated again. I would consider these types of names to be of value but at the same time one would have to dig a little deeper to verify that this is true.
“A WORD OF CAUTION: By taking action on the following steps in this article, be prepared to possibly have higher rankings, have the opportunity to start your own premium blog network and make money by selling expired domains.”
Also a brief WARNING: Google might frown on the following tactics. Is this considered Black hat or White hat? I would consider this somewhere in between, Gray hat anyone? I will leave that for you to decide. The big G especially doesn’t like any type of manipulation of trying to rank, so do so with your own diligence. So if you’re OK with that then let us precede, here are the 5 reasons on how you can benefit:
Tools to use:
OpenSiteExplorer.org – From SEO Moz
WaybackMachine via archive.org
Also very important! Take a look at the top links (pointing to this domain) and make sure they are not spammy. For example; casino sites, porn sites, Viagra sites, etc. If they are then don’t buy this expired domain. At the same time if it meets the above criteria and you can find a PR3 and above then you know you have a great domain on your hands.
I usually buy expired domain names from the following extensions:
Deleted .com domains, deleted .UK domains, and deleted .Co, along with other popular domain extensions. Finding expired domains is a bit easier when they are long tail keywords.
Now that these domains are available for registration you are now ready to buy your domain (usually you can get them for about $10.99 / 1 yr). Another thing to check for is the current status of the domain. Is the domain available right now or is it in the status of “pending delete”, if it is then you will need to wait a little bit longer before you can buy this domain. Selecting the right domain registrar is also important, I often go with Namecheap, just like the name say’s they are very reasonable priced and I am very happy to use them for most of my domains. If you look around you might find a coupon and bring the price down a little as every little bit helps. Next question, is there a place or site that allows you to check for huge lists of expired domains in “all in one swoop”? Read on and you will soon find out.
There is a huge database of expired domains that are in the millions. The checker tool is free and is updated with fresh new domains everyday. You will find that this list is a great place to do a domain name search. You also are able to register with either Godaddy expired domains or Namecheap, it’s your choice. ->>Go here to search for recently deleted and quality domains.
Hopefully the above tips will help you select a great expired domain. Upcoming articles will include “on how to select a great host”, “competitive research” along with using research tools such as “using Scrapebox and Xenu Link Sleuth”, “types of link building” strategies and much more. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me here.