This was originally published on my forum. See that article for proof of income and for a list of useful sites.
Buying and selling domains is one of my side projects that I did in the past and had moderate success with.
My biggest profit came from a domain I bought for 980 dollars and sold for 5,500 dollars. You can make this kind of money, but it does not happen quickly or very often. You need to know what makes a domain valuable—things like the length, how easy it is to remember, and how well it relates to a specific industry. In this post, I help you get started in this business.
Above you can see some of my domain sales. Only a few of my transactions are done through escrow.com. You can see the 5,500 dollar sale above. It shows as 5,336.20 after fees. (image is on forum)
Domain investing, or “domaining,” is a well-liked way to earn money online. By buying domain names and selling them at a higher price, you can make a profit if you follow the right approach. Like real estate, domain names are digital assets that can become really valuable if you know how to choose the right ones. Here are some important steps to help you do well in buying and selling domain names.
Different Types of Domain Names: .com, .ai, .net, and More
When you start buying domain names for resale, you’ll find many different domain endings (also known as TLDs, or Top-Level Domains). The most common ones include:
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.com: This is by far the most popular and valuable ending. It’s known everywhere and trusted by most businesses. If you’re just starting, .com is the safest choice.
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.ai: This is becoming more popular, mainly among tech companies and startups focused on artificial intelligence. It can be profitable but is a more specific market.
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.net: Another common extension, but it usually does not hold as much value as .com. It can be a good choice for specific industries like tech or internet services.
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.org: Usually used for non-profit organizations, but it can also attract specific businesses or individuals who want to present themselves in a trustworthy way.
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.co: Commonly used by startups and tech companies as an alternative when .com is taken.
There are hundreds of TLDs available, but not all are worth investing in. As a beginner, it’s wise to focus on .com domains since they are the most established and in demand. Once you get more familiar with the market, you can check out other endings, but focusing on one type at first will help you better understand the buying and selling trends.
The Importance of Focusing on a Niche
While there are many domain endings to choose from, concentrating on one niche—especially .com domains—can speed up your expertise. The .com extension is not just the most valuable; it’s also the one that consumers recognize and trust the most. Businesses often pay more for a strong .com domain name, which is why it’s a favorite for domain investors.
By starting with .com domains, you can get a good sense of which types of names sell, the price ranges for certain industries, and how to present your domains for the best resale value. Over time, you’ll find it much easier to spot trends and chances compared to spreading yourself across many types of domain endings.
How to Make Good Money Buying and Reselling Domains
The secret to making money in the domain industry is to buy low and sell high. This seems easy, but it requires research and patience. Many successful domain investors look for undervalued domain names—these can be expired domains, common misspellings, or catchy names.
Final Thoughts
Buying and selling domain names can be a very profitable business if you approach it smartly. Start by focusing on one niche, like .com domains, and grow your expertise in that area. With enough patience and research, you can find undervalued domains and sell them for a nice profit. If you’re willing to put in the effort, you can genuinely make a good income from domaining.
Useful Resources
Namepros.com is a go-to forum for domaining. There you can find great guides to the industry, plus buy and sell domain names at wholesale prices. I’ve discovered some fantastic domains for sale there.
ExpiredDomains.net is the best place to find thorough lists of expired and deleted domains. This is ideal for doing your domain research.
Namebio.com lets you see the sold prices of most, but not all, domains. Use this to help you figure out what your domain could be worth.