Choosing the style, the font, and the colour palette for a website is the fun part of setting up a site. The less fun part is trying to figure out which domain to buy, purchasing it and setting it all up.
Very often, the domains we want are too expensive or already taken. While one can stretch their budget for a bit, it is easier to negotiate with the owner and buy a domain that is already taken.
In the process, it is crucial to avoid common mishaps and traps. Our team created a list of expert tips that will help you make the right moves.
Research the Domain Value and Possible Alternatives
We all want the best domain for our brand or project. Yet, before you buy org domain with Spaceship, you have to know what domain you want and consider alternatives.
Keep in mind that many domains cost a lot of money, but that doesn’t promise great revenue. Oftentimes, alternatives can be more than welcome:
- They are cheaper, and therefore, can help you allocate the funds to other aspects of your project.
- They enable you to personalize or localize your site or service. Adding your location or fun game with words can make your brand presence stronger.
- If you can’t afford the “.com” domain, there are alternatives that won’t make you break the bank.
- Using keywords in the domain name may improve your SEO rankings.
This is the most creative part of the domain-related tasks. We also suggest using special domain-generating tools to get ideas and explore options that may not pop into your head.
Check for any Legal Issues
Imagine you have found a domain you want, and it is taken. The intuitive thing to do is to start looking for ways to purchase it.
Still, hold your horses and make sure you know what you are getting. Any registered domain can be a real deal or a curse in disguise.
Check the company behind the domain and see if it had any trademark or other legal issues in the past. Another thing to check is the domain’s history. If it was frequently under attack or changed hands more frequently than usual, perhaps it is better to opt for something else.
All this can be overwhelming for an average domain seeker. Don’t hesitate to ask for legal advice before purchasing. It will be money well invested.
Contact the Owner and Check Their Pulse
When you are sure that is the domain you want and there are no tails that may stress you out in the future, it is time to see how you can purchase the domain. The most logical thing to do is to locate the owner.
Here are some tips on how to find the domain owner:
- Look for contact details directly on the website. Avoid sending an email, as that may take ages. A quick call is a much faster option as you can get the info much faster.
- Social media is also an option. Nowadays, many brands are more active on their social media, than they are on their websites. A simple DM may provide you with an answer on the very same day.
- Official business registries, although not available in all markets, may provide you with contact details.
- Hosting companies may also help you reach out. Keep in mind that if you decide to use this way, in case of purchase, you may have to pay a small fee.
Be Aware of Your Budget
Once the adrenaline kicks in, it is easy to forget about the budget one has for purchasing a domain. Meanwhile, the seller may overestimate how much their domain is worth.
While it is completely normal to cut some ends here and stretch the dollar there, never forget that buying a domain is only a small part of the process. Keep your budget under control, and know alternative domains can be successful as well.
This is also a good time to put negotiating skills to good use. If the domain changed hands more than usual or isn’t performing well, use those facts as your leverage.
Use an Intermediary
Buying a domain can be as easy as possible, or as complicated as it gets. Considering you don’t know what to expect, it is worth considering hiring a specialist, especially if this is your first rodeo.
Lawyers specialized in the online industry, consulting companies, or simply a friend who has done it before can provide valuable insight. On top of that, they can easily detect common traps or certain aspects of the purchase that may affect your business in the future.
Even though there are no guarantees in life, sometimes letting the experts do their thing is the best call one can make.
Double-Check Everything Before Sealing the Deal
No matter how eager you might be to get your site going and finish the domain purchase already, don’t rush. Take your time before reading the contract and make sure you understand every aspect thereof.
One more thing to focus on is the technical aspect of the domain switching hands. The current owner will have to do their part in retrieving the transfer code and giving up on the ownership, so you can do what is needed to confirm the ownership.
Are Taken Domain Names Worth the Hassle?
There is no way to tell if getting a domain that is taken is worth the hassle. Most industry insiders agree that it is sometimes the easiest way to find a domain that will perform well and rank high.
Still, anyone interested in such a domain must do their research, consider their budget and ultimately, settle for a deal that works for them and their project. When buying a domain, know that alternative domains are also an option, as well as hiring a service that will do all the boring work for you.
