Where to Buy Domain Names
Buying a domain is everyone’s first step to grabbing some internet real estate, but figuring out where to purchase one requires a different process for each domain owner. In some cases, the bottom line is price, and whichever service offers the best price may attract budget-conscious purchasers. On the other hand, some need additional services to take the next step, which often involves building a site. Most people don’t want just any domain; they need a premium domain in order to boost traffic and brand identity. Read on to learn where to buy domain names and how different needs necessitate different domain destinations in the URL universe.
Some web creators are more inclined to start looking for domains in the least expensive market possible. They often think, “I can think of a catchy domain name that hasn’t been taken yet.” In many cases, this can work out quite well, mainly because your domain name doesn’t necessarily have to closely match your business. For those creating a site just for fun, the possibilities are endless when it comes to which domain name you choose.
If this describes your situation, here are some good places to get cheap domains:
- Namecheap
- Google Domains
- Ghandi
- NameSilo
- Dan.com
- GoDaddy
- AlibabaCloud
- Domain
- Bluehost
- Siteground
It’s important to keep in mind that the advertised price may be significantly lower than what you end up paying. For example, you may see an ad saying, "Domain names for $4.99." While this may be true, it may also only be an introductory price. The price tag may jump up to around $20 per year after the first year.
Where to Buy Premium Domains
You can often find premium domains in the exact same places you would purchase expensive domains, but websites that specialize in premium domains may offer additional services that either enhance your experience or make it easier to get what you want.
For instance, at the time of writing, if you want to purchase the domain “copywriter.com,” and you search for it on GoDaddy, you get a message saying it isn't’ available, but they “might be able to help you get it.” You can then pay a brokerage service fee in the hopes GoDaddy can get the seller to give you a decent deal.
On the other hand, you can make your offer if you go to a premium domain name seller, such as Aftermarket.com. You then get notified via email as to whether your offer was accepted. For some users, sites like this can make purchasing a premium domain name easier.
Where to Buy Expiring Domains
Searching through expiring domains puts you in a position to grab a domain that the original registrant may not need anymore. As time goes by, a domain owner loses interest in their domain or the business or pursuit it's based on. Fortunately, their internet "trash" can be your treasure. Here are some good places to look for expiring domains:
- ExpiredDomains
- NameJet
- GoDaddy
- DomCop
- Domain Hunter Gatherer
Choosing a Domain Registrar Based on Additional Services
For many users, finding the domain name is merely the first step in the process of creating their own website or using the domain for other professional services. If you fit in this category, it may make sense to choose a domain name provider that also has additional services, such as:
- Web hosting
- e-commerce solutions
- Website builders
- WordPress hosting
- SSL certificates
- Professional email
- Microsoft 365 integration
Some popular choices that provide some or all of these services include several of the big-name sellers, including GoDaddy, BlueHost, SquareSpace, and HostGator.
The Advantages of Using a Premium Domain Brokerage
A premium domain brokerage serves as a bridge between you and the high-quality domain you want. Typically, the brokerage collects a fee for helping you find the right domain. In most cases, you get several advantages from using a premium domain brokerage, such as:
- The ability to name your own price
- The chance to bid on domain names and compete with other buyers to get a good price
- Pre-existing deals on high-quality domains you won’t see on other domain sites
Some domain purchasers essentially use premium domain brokerages to speculate on the future value of high-quality domains. This can be an effective way to earn income, especially because every domain is a commodity, and over time, if demand rises, so will the price of the URL.
If you’re searching for a high-value domain name, Aftermarket.com has a wide selection of premium URLs and a bidding feature that makes the purchasing process straightforward. Check out some of the names available today!
