Complete Guide to Domain Flipping – 2024

What is Domain Flipping?

Domain flipping is the practice of buying and selling domain names for a profit. The goal is to acquire a domain name that is likely to be in demand in the future and then sell it for a higher price. This is otherwise known as digital real estate. While it is a relatively simple concept, there is a lot of strategy and research that goes into successful domain flipping. This can be a newly registered domain or a re-registered expired domain which has been valued to be valuable

Recommended: what is a domain name

How Domain Flipping Works

To understand domain flipping, it’s important to first understand how domain names work. Domain names are essentially the online equivalent of a physical address. They allow users to find a website on the internet. Each domain name is unique, meaning that no two websites can have the same domain name. When someone wants to create a website, they need to purchase a domain name from a domain registrar, which is a company that manages domain names.

Domain flipping involves buying a domain name with the intention of reselling it for a profit. This is similar to real estate flipping, where someone buys a property with the intention of fixing it up and then selling it for a higher price. The idea is to purchase a domain name that is likely to be in demand in the future, hold onto it for a period of time, and then sell it for a profit.

There are a few different ways to go about domain flipping. One approach is to purchase expired domains. When someone does not renew their domain name, it becomes available for purchase. This can be an opportunity for domain flippers to purchase a domain name that already has some history and backlinks, which can increase its value.

Another approach is to purchase domain names that are likely to be in demand in the future. For example, a domain name that includes a popular keyword or phrase might be valuable to someone who wants to create a website in that niche. Domain flippers might also purchase domain names based on trends or current events, such as buying a domain name related to a new product or technology.

Once a domain name has been purchased, the goal is to hold onto it for a period of time and then sell it for a profit. This can involve promoting the domain name to potential buyers and negotiating a sale. The price that a domain name sells for can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars to millions of dollars for highly desirable domain names.

Also read: Expired Domain – The Domain Expiration Process

Domain Flipping Strategies

Domain flipping can be a lucrative business, but it requires a lot of research and strategy to be successful. Here are a few key strategies that domain flippers use to find and sell domain names:

1. Researching Domain Names

The first step in successful domain flipping is to research potential domain names. This involves looking for domain names that are likely to be in demand in the future. Some domain flippers use tools such as Google Trends or keyword research tools to identify popular search terms or niches. Others may look for expired domains with backlinks and traffic, as these domains can be easier to sell. Recommended: domain name generator

Also read: How to Find Domain Names   

2. Valuing Domain Names

Once a potential domain name has been identified, the next step is to determine its value. This can be difficult, as there are many factors that can influence the value of a domain name. Some of the key factors include the length and memorability of the domain name, the keywords included in the domain name, the age of the domain, and the amount of traffic or backlinks the domain has. Domain flippers may use online valuation tools or consult with other domain investors to determine a domain’s potential value. Other factors that contribute to a domain name’s potential worth include; length, brand-ability, relevance, and so on. You can also use Godadday’s Domain Evaluator to check the value of the domain. 

3. Register the Domain Name

Once all necessary confirmation has been done, you can proceed to purchase it and register it. Typically, this is a straightforward procedure that can be completed quickly. At the end of the article, you would see online platforms where you can buy a domain name. you can find our recommended domain hosting and name registrar here.

4. Marketing Domain Names

Once a domain name has been purchased, the goal is to find a buyer who is willing to pay a higher price for the domain. This can involve marketing the domain name through online marketplaces, social media, or email marketing. Some domain flippers may also reach out directly to potential buyers in their niche and try to negotiate a sale.

5. Negotiating Sales

Also read: 6 Reasons Why you Should buy a Custom Domain

What is Domain Name Evaluation?

Domain name evaluation is a means of using domain name evaluators that are based on machine learning to accurately predict the value of a domain name. The evaluation or appraisal is done base on some factors which may include;

• the keyword,
• memorability of the domain name,
• the domain extension e.g .com, .io, .net, and so on
• broad appeal
• comparable/ similar domains sold and so on

So it is recommended that you do a domain appraisal or evaluation before you buy the domain. Doing this will let you know the worth of the domain name and the potential of its selling. 

What Are the Best Domain Name Evaluator?

There are many ways to evaluate a domain;

• Evaluate Using Wayback Machine:  Archive.org is a wayback machine that keeps data of every domain across the internet and it allows you to determine the history of a domain, this way you can know whether the domain has been used for spamming in the past or not before you buy it. 
• Evaluate using Godaddy Domain Appraisals, this allows you to determine a potential selling price of the domain
• Evaluate Using Estibot Domain Evaluator
• Evaluate Using Alter Domain Appraisals
• Evaluate Using WapMastazone Website Evaluator

Where Can I Buy Domain Names?

Once you have done proper research and evaluation, then you can prepare to buy the domain name. Ready to buy your domain name? We recommend the following domain name registrars; buy

• through Godaddy
• through Namecheap
• through Namesilo
• through hostgator
• through bluehost
• through hostinger
• through OVHcloud US

How Much Does a Domain Name Cost?

The price for keeping a “.com” domain per year is between $8 – $20 as it varies from one domain registrar to the other. Below are the price from some top Domain Name registrars;

• GoDaddy: GoDaddy.com – $19.99/year
• Namecheap: NameCheap.com – $13.17/ year
• HostGator: HostGator.com – $17.99/year
• Domain: Domain.com – $8.99/year

Keep in mind that the above prices are recorded as of March 2023 and they might have changed a little by the time you are reading this article.

You will also get a discount reduction on prices if you buy your domain by going through our recommended domain registrars.

What is an Expired Domain Name?

An expired domain is a domain name that was previously registered by an individual or organization but is no longer in use, making it available for purchase by anyone. With this, you can purchase them and subsequently resell them at a higher value.

Suggested read: Expired Domain – The Domain Expiration Process

Why Should I buy Expired Domain Name for Flipping?

You can consider buying an expired domain name for flipping because most expired domain name comes with valuable backlinks and high domain authority which makes them valuable. So look out for the following when buying an expired domain;

• the domain age
• positive backlinks
• domain authority

How Can I Find Expired Domain Names?

There are several ways and platforms where you can hunt soon-to-expired domains;

1. Use domain Age Checkers: 

The domain age checker will let you know when the domain name will expire so that you can be on alert. Below are two recommended domain age checkers you can use;

Recommended: domain age checker 1

Recommended: domain age checker 2

2. Use Domain Name Generators:

You can also find a domain name by using a domain name generator to search for a new domain or use a domain name generator whois checker to find more details about a domain name. 

3. Use Domain Drop Catchers

There are several platforms that track and monitor domain name changes across the internet. These platforms will let you get more information about soon-to-expire domains and other details about the domain such as age, backlinks, and web authority. Some of the platforms include;

• ExpiredDomain
• Godaddy Auctions
• Domain Hunter Gatherer
• Spamzilla

4. Use Domain Backorder:

Domain backorder option is perhaps the best way to buy a soon-to-expire domain as it gives you a better opportunity of securing the domain name. We wrote a guide on Domain Monitoring and Backordering.

Where Can I Sell or Flip My Domain Names?

You can list and sell your domain name on the following platforms;

• through Godaddy
• Sell on Flippa
• Flip on Sedo
• Godaddy Auction
• Sell on Afternic

What is Domain Drop Catching?

Domain drop catching, also known as domain sniping, is a popular strategy in domain flipping. Domains are registered for a limited duration and eventually expire. If the current owner fails to renew the registration, other buyers may acquire it. The owner typically has an extra 30 to 90 days to renew the registration, during which time domain flippers may monitor the domain. When the registration lapses, they may seize the chance. Expired domains are often less expensive than those sold directly at auctions because the owner has lost interest in them.

Suggested read: Ultimate Guide to Domain Backorder

Is Domain Flipping a Profitable Business?

Yes, domain flipping is a profitable business for anyone that have patience because it is not a quick-get-rich business. Why domain flipping could make you thousands of dollars if you are patient enough, you should understand the drawbacks which include;

• it is not a quick get-rich business, it takes time
• you will have to renew the domain every year
• you may never make money from the domain you bought if you do not do sufficient research
• it is a competitive business
• Selling the domain name can be challenging and it takes time and effort

Also read: Digital Real Estate – The Case For Domain Name Profitability

Also read: Most Expensive Domain Names – Top 500+

What’s Next? Use Our Free SEO & Webtools

Free Web & Seotools	Categories	Websites
30+ Free SEOTools	Web/Seotools	https://www.my-seotools.com/
DomainTools	IP/Domaintools	https://www.domainlista.com/
Webtools	Webtools/Domaintools	https://webtools.domainlista.com/
DNS Checker	Webtools	https://dnschecker.me/
What is my IP Address?	Web tools/IP Address Checker	https://www.readmyip.com
SEO Analyzer	Seotools	https://seoanalyzer.wapmastazone.com/
50+ SEOTools	Web/Seotools	https://seotools.wapmastazone.com/
Site Worth Checker	Seotools	https://siteworth.wapmastazone.com/
SEO Checker	Web/Seotools	https://www.spysuggest.com/
Qr Code Generator	Webtools/Qr Generator	https://qr-codegenerator.me/
SEO Optimizer	Seotools	https://seooptimizer.me/