There are many sources where you can find domain names to add to your web real estate empire. Domain forums, drop auction providers, and aftermarket selling services offer you a never-ending supply of domains to purchase. Then the key is to find the bargains. I came across a tip from DomainerPro and DomainersGazette for another great source for a good deal on a domain… DMOZ.org.
Find neglected websites
You have surfed to websites that have decent domain names, but that have not been updated since 2004. Many site owners have the best intentions to make money online and then let their website die on the vine when they realize it is not easy money. DMOZ.org is such a comprehensive directory that it contains thousands of links to now abandoned websites.
Simply drill down into a niche or category that interests you. Then surf to sites that have domain names that have potential. Within 30 minutes, you are bound to find 5-10 neglected websites that have decent traffic (check their Alexa statistics).
For example, I searched video game fan sites and came across Atomic Warrior. The home page displayed the latest gaming news… from July 2005. I did find a forum on the site that had traffic as recently as June 2007. So there is potential to pick up traffic again quickly if I come to the rescue.
Getting a bargain
Next you have to locate the owner of the site and make them an offer. DomainTools offers a great WHOIS service that gives you standard domain information and a nice indicator of availability for that domain name and related domains.
Contact the owner and make them an offer. Again, many of these owners have been out of the online business for awhile. So they may not be in tune with current domain name values. You can usually offer a low price to take the domain off their hands and they will be happy to sell it to you at a below market rate.
A negotiating tip
I also have an extra tip to help you avoid making a bad, non-starter bid. When evaluating the abandoned website, I like to identify other elements of the site that may factor into the negotiation.
- Did the owner spend money on software licenses like vBulletin or are they using free blogging software?
- Is there premium content which may have been purchased?
- Are they monetizing their trickle of traffic with Google AdSense?
In many cases, you will find a bare bones website. But if there is something of perceived value, then it is likely that you will need to offer more for the domain.
Hmmmmm. Now what should I offer for Atomic Warrior?
