Like many other aspiring business owners, you've spent a lot of time and effort coming up with the perfect domain name, but you've run into a problem - it's already taken. It turns out that an existing domain doesn't always mean it's unavailable.

Many domain owners are willing to sell their digital names. Moreover, in most cases, such a purchase will be cheaper than simply registering a new domain name.

Taken domain can have already generated search engine rankings, traffic, brand history and inbound links and thus accelerate the development of your online project (provided you have chosen a quality option). We are here to tell you how to find, verify and safely buy an already-registered domain without making common mistakes.

How to Check if Domain is for Sale?

So, you've found a great domain that matches your brand and online project as a whole. To make sure you can actually buy it, follow a few steps below:

Go to the site by typing the domain name into the URL bar of your browser. Some domain owners post an advert for sale and their contact details on the relevant website.
Use WHOIS service. If the domain owner has not hidden their contact details in the interest of privacy, you will be able to get the information you need to contact them.
Browse popular domain marketplaces. For example, you can buy domain name with Spaceship at an affordable price. Here you have all the tools you need to thoroughly check the domain's history.

If you are unable to contact the owner yourself, then consider working with a broker. This way you can get an experienced intermediary able to reach the owner of the desired domain and make a favourable deal.

Checking Taken Domain History Before Buying

You don't want to pay money for a domain with links to an illegal business or anything else that could tarnish your reputation, do you? So, before buying a taken domain, you should carefully check its history - here are a few things you should pay close attention to:

Website history. Use the Wayback Machine to see what the site looked like before. If it has been used for spam, betting or suspicious schemes, that's a red flag.
SEO metrics. You can use Ahrefs or Moz to analyse the authority of the domain name and spammy links. If the domain is referenced by bad resources, it will be extremely difficult for you to achieve high positions in the search engine for your web project.
Traffic. Some domains continue to generate large volumes of quality organic traffic. Getting such a domain is a real success for a webmaster.

In addition, you need to check some legal aspects to make sure that the option you have chosen does not infringe on registered trademarks. Here you should not spare money on the services of an experienced lawyer, as problems with the domain can wipe out all your investments in the development of your online business.

How to Negotiate the Price of a Domain

So, you have found a domain whose owner is willing to sell it, and now it's all about the price. Below, we have provided you with some useful tips on how to negotiate with the owner of a taken domain:

Try to speak in a way to not demonstrate that this particular domain is vital to you. Once realise that you are willing to shell out any amount of money for such an attractive digital showcase, the owner is sure to drive the price sky-high.
Start with an underbid. Let's say you're willing to spend $1,000 for a domain you've found. Offer $600-700 at first to leave room for bargaining.
Use tools that allow you to estimate the real value of the domain. This way you can get an approximate market value for the option you are considering.
Request the option to pay in advance if the amount requested by the owner is too high. There are also specialised online services that allow you to split the payment for the domain into several parts.

If you do not have experience buying domains, it is better to contact an intermediary in the form of a broker. Although the broker's services are paid, he will help you to get the best conditions.

Paying for the Domain Purchase in a Safe Way

If you have any doubts about the seller's reliability, don't rush to transfer funds through an electronic payment service or bank transfer method. Here are a few safe payment options worthy of your consideration:

Use Escrow service. Acting as a guarantor, it holds your money until the transaction is complete.
Buy through a trusted marketplace to process your purchase through.
Consider buying from verified registrars. In some cases, you can get the domain directly through the service where it was registered.

Do not neglect the above tips to avoid the risk of losing control over the newly purchased domains in case you have fallen on a dishonest seller.

How to Transfer a Domain to Yourself After Purchase

So, you have struck hands with the seller and transferred funds to his account. The domain transfer process takes place in several steps.

First, the seller must disable the domain lock to transfer it to you. Then he must give you an EPP (registration code) so you can transfer the domain to another registrar if necessary.

Simply enter the EPP in your registrar's account and confirm the transfer. Finally, you need to change your contact details in WHOIS and set up domain theft protection.

Is it Worth Acquiring a Taken Domain - Benefits and Risks

Able to increase your brand awareness as well as bring you SEO benefits and substantial traffic, a busy domain can be a really great option. However, you need to carefully check the history of the domain and assess all the risks involved.

So, let's take a look at the possible benefits of buying a taken domain:

A quick start in the search engine rankings for your web project. If the domain is already of age and has quality backlinks, the promotion of your website will go much faster than if you start from scratch.
Established brand. Choosing a domain previously used for a successful project will immediately gain your audience's trust.
Potential traffic. As mentioned above, the domain can continue to receive visitors even if the site tied to it is no longer working.
Competitive advantage. If you manage to get a domain relevant to your niche, you can easily bypass the budding competitors.

However, don't forget about the risks of buying a busy domain - check them out below:

Poor reputation in search engines. Some domains get sanctioned by Google and other search engines due to publishing illegal content.
Overpricing. Owners of popular domains often ask for a huge amount.
Difficulties with domain transfer. Some owners may delay the domain transfer process for one reason or another. Moreover, you may fall for scammers who will disappear immediately after getting your money.

So, before you buy a domain, weigh the pros and cons and assess its real value. If the domain meets your goals and costs a reasonable amount of money, it can be a powerful asset for your business.

How to Buy a Taken Domain Name Without Regrets

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