Can you buy a domain that was used before?
Purchasing a previously owned domain can be risky, but columnist Stephanie LeVonne has some tips to help you vet the domain and ensure a smooth site migration. Acquiring a pre-owned domain can have a drastic impact on your SEO efforts, so it is important to approach such a purchase with caution.
How do I get my domain name back from a squatter?
To reclaim ownership of a domain name, you can file through the court of the state or country where the plaintiff resides. Once you file through the courts to take back ownership of a domain, it signals to the domain squatter that the domain name is, in fact, worth ample money to you.
What do I do if my brand name is taken?
What To Do If Your Ideal Business Domain Name Is Already Taken
- Try an Abbreviated Variation.
- Use a Catchphrase, Slogan or Keyword.
- See If the Domain Is for Sale.
- Set Up Domain Monitoring.
What if the business name I want is taken?
In most states, the website of the state business filing agency includes an online entity name check tool. You can use the online tool to search business names and find out whether another business is already using the name you have chosen.
How do I buy a domain name that is already taken?
There are two main routes to buying domain names that are already taken: Privately approaching the domain name’s owner and agreeing on the sale Look for the name in domain marketplaces.
How do I contact the owner of a domain?
If your search is successful, there are two ways you can contact the owner: by reaching out directly, or by using a domain buying service. To reach out directly, simply use the information found in your WHOIS search to send a polite email offering to buy the domain.
How to sell a domain name without a third party?
The first method avoids involving a third-party into the sale, and you may be able to persuade the owner towards more favorable pricing. If the domain name already has a website with a contact form, then you can use that to reach out to the site owner.
Can you buy a domain name from a placeholder website?
If there’s a real website but it hasn’t been updated in several years, you’re more likely to get the domain, but there’s still a strong chance the owner will refuse to sell it. On the other hand, if the website you see is simply a placeholder, you can approach the domain owner with confidence.