Got a domain name you’re not using? Maybe you chose a domain name a while ago intending to start a website, but those plans never materialised. Or maybe your domain name just isn’t relevant to your business anymore.
Whatever the reason is, it could be time to sell your domain if you’re no longer using it. Depending on the domain name value, you could be sitting on a fair bit of money – some domains have even sold for millions of pounds.
It’s unlikely that your domain will be worth that much, but it’s still worthwhile to sell a domain you don’t need. To help you get started with the domain selling process, here’s an in-depth, step-by-step breakdown of how to sell domain names effectively and avoid potential scams.
1. Park the domain
If you’re no longer using a domain name and are thinking of selling it in the future, it’s best to park it until you’re ready. A parked domain is a domain name that’s purchased and registered but currently not connected to an online service (such as web hosting or email hosting).
By parking your domain, you can reduce the risk of cybersquatting until you’re ready to either use the domain name again or sell it. Parked domains will typically point to a different web page, a basic ‘parked domain’ page or page at all. Sometimes, you can even make money from your parked domains by displaying advertisements on those pages.
2. Appraise the value of the domain name
To sell your domain name, you’ll need to set the right price to attract domain name buyers. But what's your domain name actually worth?
To appraise a domain, consider several factors that will affect its worth, including:
- The top-level domain (TLD): Domains with a .com TLD are generally more valuable because this is a more authoritative and sought-after TLD. If you have a new TLD like .xyz, this could make your domain name less valuable.
- The length of your domain name: Short, memorable names usually sell for more than long or complex ones.
- Hyphens and other symbols: Including these can make a name less valuable to buyers seeking simple, brand-friendly options.
- Traffic: Domains with steady traffic appeal to buyers and may fetch a higher price.
- Keywords: Keyword-rich domains can boost search visibility, increasing perceived value.
To get a clearer picture of your domain name value, try online domain appraisal tools such as Estibot, Daaz Valuation, or NameBio (sales database). These tools estimate value using SEO metrics like backlinks, domain authority, and keyword relevance. Remember though, a domain is ultimately worth only what a buyer is willing to pay.
You can also look at similar recent sales to gauge realistic pricing. For example, short single-word domains like travel.com or descriptive keyword domains such as buyflowers.co.uk have historically achieved high prices because they’re memorable and SEO-friendly.
3. Choose a pricing strategy
Once you have an estimated value, it’s time to decide on a pricing strategy. There are a few options:
- Fixed price: You set a specific amount, and the buyer either accepts or declines.
- Flexible price: You publish a guide price, but allow negotiation – helpful if your domain’s true worth is uncertain.
- Auction: You can auction a domain on trusted domain name auction platforms, setting a reserve price (the minimum you’ll accept) and letting buyers bid until the highest offer wins.
The best approach depends on your research and how much interest your domain might attract. If your domain is low-value, a fixed price may work best. Auctions usually suit high-value domains that generate competition.
If you own several related domains (for example, multiple TLDs for the same brand), consider bundling them together. Bulk offers can increase appeal and justify higher pricing.
4. Choose how to sell your domain name
Next, decide how and where you’ll sell your domain. The right choice depends on the domain’s value, your experience, and how hands-on you want to be.
Selling privately
Selling privately is often the cheapest route because you won’t pay commission to a third party. It can work well if you already have interested buyers or if you’re confident in handling enquiries yourself.
Set up a simple landing page for the domain, including a clear message that it’s for sale, your contact details, and an enquiry form. You can also share the listing on professional networks or domain-investor forums to reach potential domain name buyers.
Selling on a domain name marketplace
To reach a wider audience and get support with the sales process, consider a domain name marketplace. Popular options include Sedo, Daaz, Flippa, and Atom (formerly Squadhelp). These platforms connect sellers with verified buyers, provide escrow services, and make it easy to list a domain for sale securely.
Popular domain name marketplaces
Sites like BrandBucket focus on brandable or creative domains and often include logo design or marketing help alongside listings.
Keep in mind that most marketplaces charge a commission or small listing fee. Check rates before publishing your domain, especially if you’re managing multiple listings or reselling domains regularly.
Selling via a domain name broker
Alternatively, a professional domain name broker can help market and negotiate the sale for you. Brokers such as Sedo Broker Service or independent specialists offer expertise, secure payment options, and access to serious buyers. They usually work on commission, which is taken only after a successful sale.
Selling on auction sites
For premium domains likely to attract attention, selling domains via an online auction can work well. You’ll create a listing, set a starting price, and let bidders compete. Once the auction ends, the highest bidder completes payment through the platform’s escrow system.
5. Advertise your domain name
Once your domain name is for sale, it’s time to make sure people know about it. To sell your domain for the best price, you’ll need to attract enough potential domain name buyers to your listing.
If you’re using a domain name marketplace or broker, some advertising happens automatically. These platforms usually promote listings to their active audiences – and because they receive high visitor numbers, there’s a good chance your domain will be seen by interested buyers.
If you’re selling privately, you’ll need to handle the promotion yourself. Share your domain on social media, industry groups, or professional networks like LinkedIn. You can also post in domain-investing forums where buyers actively search for names to purchase.
To make your listing more appealing, include useful details such as traffic statistics, backlinks, or ad revenue. Highlighting this data helps buyers understand the domain name value and can lead to quicker sales.
You might also contact businesses directly if your domain matches their brand name, or if you believe it could help them expand their online presence.
6. Update your Whois information
Whois is a public directory showing who owns a domain name. When you buy or register a domain, your contact information appears in that database.
If you’re hoping to sell a domain name, check that your contact details are correct. Interested buyers often use the Whois directory to reach out before a listing even goes live. Having up-to-date information ensures you don’t miss any enquiries or offers to buy and sell domains.
If you prefer to keep your personal details private, you can still use Whois privacy protection but make sure the privacy service can forward legitimate offers to you securely.
7. Arrange a payment method
When money changes hands online, both sides need protection. You can arrange payment privately, but that carries a risk – the buyer might fail to pay, or the seller could disappear after receiving funds.
To stay safe, it’s best to use an escrow service when selling a domain. Escrow involves a licensed third party holding the buyer’s payment until you’ve successfully transferred the domain name. Once the domain name transfer is confirmed, the payment is released to you.
Most reputable domain name marketplaces include escrow automatically, but if you’re selling privately, you can use services such as Escrow.com for added peace of mind. Most domain name buyers also prefer this method because it keeps transactions transparent and secure.
8. Transfer your domain name
Once the payment has been confirmed, it’s time to transfer the domain name to its new owner. The process usually involves:
- Contacting your domain registrar to start the transfer.
- Unlocking the domain name to allow changes.
- Sending an authorisation (EPP) code to verify the transfer.
- Confirming the transfer within 60 days so it completes successfully.
Before you begin, check that your domain isn’t within a 60-day lock period. This can apply after registering a domain, changing key details, or completing another transfer.
For a full walkthrough, read our detailed guide on how to transfer a domain name.
Frequently asked questions about selling domain names
How can I sell domain names?
There are several ways to sell domain names depending on their value and how much time you want to invest. You can sell your domain name privately by setting up a landing page or contacting potential buyers directly.
If you’d prefer a simpler process, use a domain name marketplace or domain name broker – these handle advertising, escrow, and buyer contact for a commission.
To buy and sell domains safely, always confirm payments through a trusted platform and follow your registrar’s transfer procedures.
How can I speed up the process of selling a domain name?
To sell your domain quickly, use an active domain name marketplace like Sedo or Daaz, which draw consistent traffic from buyers. These sites often provide escrow and appraise a domain automatically, helping you list and complete sales faster.
Promoting your listing on social media or domain forums can also help attract interest more quickly.
How can I get more money for my domain name?
To improve your returns, add as much useful information as possible to your listing – such as traffic stats, backlinks, and niche relevance. Showing strong performance data helps justify a higher price and builds trust with domain name buyers.
What’s the best way to sell domain names?
The best selling method will depend on the domain’s value and your preferences. For a hands-off approach, use a domain name broker or reputable marketplace. For higher-value names, auctions may generate more bids. And if you want to avoid fees, selling privately is still an option, provided you handle enquiries and payments safely.
How much can you sell a domain name for?
That depends on the domain name value and what buyers are willing to pay. Short, memorable, keyword-rich domains with trusted extensions like .com or .co.uk often sell for higher prices. Even modest domains can still fetch a fair amount, so it’s always worth listing those you don’t use.
Why should you sell a domain name?
The main reason to sell domains you’re not using is financial. Unused domains can generate cash instead of renewal fees. It also helps streamline your portfolio if you manage multiple domain names.
Is it easy to sell a domain name?
Yes, if you follow the right steps. Use online tools to appraise a domain, research domain name buyers, and choose a secure platform for your sale. With preparation and good communication, selling domains is a straightforward process.
And remember, you can always contact us for help. As a trusted UK domain registrar, we know how to buy and sell domains safely. Get in touch with our friendly support team 24/7 for further guidance.
Hoping to sell your old domain and buy a better one? Fasthosts offers a wide range of TLDs, including .com, .net, .co.uk and .pro, so you can find the perfect fit for your next project.
Contact us today to find out more and take advantage of FREE .com domains for the first year.
