Dropped domains

Dropped domains are valuable online assets that once had a home on the internet. Imagine a bustling online store or a popular blog that, for one reason or another, closed its doors. The domain name of that site, now unclaimed, is what we refer to as a dropped domain. These domains hold significant potential for businesses and entrepreneurs looking to start a business or begin creating a website.

What is a dropped domain?

A dropped domain is a web address that has been released back into the pool of available domains. This happens when the previous owner doesn't renew their registration.

Dropped domains vs expired domains

When talking about dropped domains, it's important to distinguish between dropped domains and expired domains. While an expired domain has reached the end of its registration period, it isn't immediately available for new registration. A dropped domain, on the other hand, has passed through the expiration phase and is now free for anyone to register.

What's the lifecyle of a domain name?

Every domain name goes through a series of stages:

Registration: This is when a person or business chooses a domain name and registers their domain name with a domain registrar, like Wix.
Active: The domain is in use and its owner maintains it by paying renewal fees — often yearly.
Expiration: If the owner decides not to renew the domain, it enters an expiration period where it may still be reclaimed by the original owner.
Redemption: Post-expiration, there's often a grace period known as redemption during which the owner can still recover the domain, usually at a higher cost.
Pending delete: If not reclaimed during redemption, the domain enters a pending delete phase where it cannot be recovered.
Drop: Finally, after passing through all these stages without renewal, the domain drops and becomes available for new registration.

What are some of the advantages of acquiring dropped domains?

Dropped domains can be a treasure trove for businesses looking for the perfect domain name for their website and business. Here are some of the key benefits:

SEO benefits: Many dropped domains have a history and backlinks that can contribute to search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. If a domain was previously associated with a reputable site, it might still carry some of that site's authority, which can help your website rank better in search engine results.
Established traffic: Some dropped domains continue to receive web traffic from users who are unaware that the original site is no longer active. By acquiring such a domain, you could potentially redirect this traffic to your current website, giving you an immediate audience boost.
Brand recognition: A domain name that is catchy, memorable, or has been around for a while can contribute significantly to brand recognition. If you manage to snag such a domain, it could make your marketing efforts more effective and help establish your brand's presence online.
Online marketing and sales strategies: Incorporating dropped domains into your digital strategy can provide competitive advantages. For example, you could use them to create satellite sites that funnel traffic back to your main website or protect your brand by preventing competitors from registering domains similar to yours.

How to find dropped domains

Finding dropped domains that are available for free or at a minimal cost can be a game-changer for your business. Here's how you can discover these hidden gems:

Use specialized websites: There are websites dedicated to listing dropped domains. These platforms update their lists regularly and can provide valuable information on the domain's history.
Join online forums: Online communities and forums for webmasters and SEO professionals often share insights about available dropped domains.
Monitor auction sites: Sometimes, dropped domains are put up for auction before they're released to the general public. Keeping an eye on these auctions can give you a head start.
Connect with a domain broker: For premium and very valuable domain names, a domain broker can be an asset in securing them.
Domain name search tools: There are various online tools designed to help you research domain names, check their availability and analyze their history.
Domain marketplaces: Online marketplaces where people buy and sell domain names often have sections specifically for dropped domains.
Backorder services: If you have your eye on a particular domain that's about to drop, backorder services can attempt to register it on your behalf the moment it becomes available.

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How do I buy a dropped domain?

Follow these steps to increase your chances of securing a valuable domain:

Research: Start by identifying potential dropped domains that align with your business goals. Use online tools to check their availability and history.
Evaluate: Assess the domain's value by looking at factors like traffic, backlink profile and any existing SEO rankings.
Choose a registrar: Select a reputable domain registrar or auction site where the dropped domain is listed — see these best domain registrars.
Place a bid or backorder: If the domain is up for auction, place your bid accordingly. For domains not yet dropped, you can place a backorder.
Complete the purchase: If you win the auction or your backorder is successful, follow through with the payment process to complete the purchase.

Dropped domains: legal considerations and best practices

Before finalizing your purchase of a dropped domain, it's crucial to consider any potential legal aspects:

Trademark checks: Make sure that the domain name does not infringe on any trademarks to avoid legal complications. If you're buying from a domain registrar, like Wix, this is handled for you.
Clean history: Verify that the domain has not been associated with spam or malicious activities in the past.
Transfer procedures: Familiarize yourself with the transfer process and any fees involved to ensure a smooth transition of ownership.

How to evaluate the quality of dropped domains

When considering using and registering a dropped domain for your business, it's essential to evaluate its quality thoroughly. Here are some tips to help you assess a domain's potential:

Check its domain authority (DA): Domain Authority is a metric that predicts how well a website will rank on search engines. A higher DA suggests that the domain has a strong backlink profile and is more likely to perform well in search rankings. However domain authority is a metric developed by the marketing software company Moz and while often used to gauge domain quality, it's not a hard and fast metric.
Analyze its page authority (PA): Similar to DA, Page Authority measures the ranking strength of a single page. High PA indicates that individual pages from the domain might rank well.
Review its backlink profile: The quality and quantity of backlinks are crucial. Look for domains with backlinks from reputable sources, as they can pass on more link equity.
Examine its traffic history: If possible, find out whether the domain has been receiving consistent traffic, which could be beneficial for your site.
Confirm it spam-free history: Use online tools to check if the domain has been penalized by search engines or used for spamming in the past.

Common pitfalls with dropped domains and how to avoid them

When exploring dropped domains, it's important to be aware of potential pitfalls that could negatively impact your business. Here's how to steer clear of common mistakes:

Beware of hidden costs: Some domains may come with outstanding fees or penalties. Always check for any additional costs before making a purchase.
Steer clear of trademark issues: Conduct thorough trademark searches to avoid legal trouble down the line.
Don't ignore domain relevance: Make sure the domain is relevant to your business and audience. A mismatch can confuse customers and dilute your brand message.

How to maximize the potential of your dropped domain

Once you've acquired a dropped domain, the next step is to maximize its potential to benefit your website and business. Here are some strategies to consider:

Develop a content strategy: Create high-quality, relevant content that resonates with your audience and makes the most of the domain's existing SEO value.
Optimize for SEO: Conduct keyword research and optimize your site's on-page elements to improve search engine rankings and attract organic traffic.
Use social media where relevant: Use social media platforms to promote your new domain and engage with your target audience, driving traffic and building brand awareness.