DomainWeblog.com

How To Find Valuable Domains

If you believe in the "All the good domains are gone" hype that the majority of grossly outdated domain resource sites keep spewing, than you'll probably want to chalk this up as another domain rant coming from that domainer with the geeky looking kid pasted on his blogs logo.
All right, I'd be lying if I said prime one word billboards for dot com are in plentiful supply, but that's where stepping out of the TLD bubble begins.....Valuable domains are out there......you just have to know the "how" and the "what" to look for.
This obviously plays out differently between website start up owners looking to actually brand their fledgling sites and resellers hoping to cash in on secondary market sales, but the following guidlines apply to both.

Target Keywords.
What are you selling specifically? Is there a target based service your providing? What terms do you want your user base to find you with through juggernaughts SE's like Google and Yahoo?
If you can (still) find variations of keywords that reflect what your site signifies...you're already ahead of the game.
A domain tool that's helpful is the keyword suggestion module found on the right hand side of the blog. The actual variations that output from this word scrambler are taken from Yahoo, MSN and others of the bot crawling kind. The actual terms and numbers reflect the previous months type in searches by web users looking for sites that matched those specific words and phrases. It's similar to Overtures (recently rebranded) notorious keyword device, only your CP's I.P. address won't get banned by overuse; a little tidbit many "in the know" forget to mention.
Another great word spewer is helmed at WordTracker.com. Using both tools are a must have, even though the latter mentioned only gives out top ten selections, it also has the bonus of choosing similar based categories of words and terms users are searching for eg. input domain....Wordtracker outputs URL, registration, address and other similar themed offerings.

Find a niche.
This puts the bullseye closer on the reseller looking to catch the next wave of domain speculation.
An example of a niche domain type sector is a blog domain (fictionblog.com) or a podcast domain (podcastnews.com). Domain names which favor a particular market by a brand, service and section of sorts. Very hit and miss.
The pod and blog domains examples are two such categories that have both flourished under new registration and secondary market evaluations. For instance in 2003 blog domains registrations were hovering around the 10,000 mark. Novice and business journalists using these applications ended up branding their "online diaries" with the popularised blog, weblog, and blogger terms that have become synonomous with the blogosphere. Skip ahead to 2004 and over 8,000 blog domain names are scooped up in the first quarter of 2004....their popularity increases. BTW freeblogs.com and freeblog.com were just sold on one of the larger domain boards. Asking price was over $15,000.....personally, the buyer got them for a steal.
What's the next wave? Not telling, but no doubt a new mainstream focused hotbed will rear it's head and some will no doubt cash in.

Other extensions...besides the dot com.
Many have laid claim to the newer extensions as the promisland of riches, all while the secondary market dominance and pricing of the 20 year old dot com increases.
By the numbers, the new namespace featuring .biz,.info and cctld .us, (as well as the old timers .org and .net) do have a broader abundance of the keyword base.
The pro's are that you're more likely to find great word nest eggs with these extensions than you would with the 38 million registrant heavy .com.
The others collectively make up under 50% of that figure....now the con.
Can we say branding?!?!
The uphill battle is much more intense in terms of marketing any other TLD to the North Amercan dot com friendly populace.
To a webmaster and SEO guru this quagmire doesn't pose that much of a problem. To the other statistical 95% one man shows setting up online businesses...it can be.
But some are in a position to gamble...VOIP.us just sold for $25,000.
Providing some evidence that there'll always be someone willing to try to beat the odds and show that a domains value isn't always based on extension alone.

Happy hunting.





 

Expired Domains Edge

The following expired domains centric post focuses on some of the aspects, methods and tips that you might find useful when on the hunt for grabbing an expiring domain name. If you're new to this side of the dropped URL sector, a quick look at the expired domains section of the weblog would be warranted, as some basics are covered there that will help in understanding some of the aspects of this article. By overviewing the category you will find info on the domain deletion cycle and other various online expired domains resources (expired domains search providers, expired domains list services and software platforms) that will be beneficial in your expired domains acquisition process.
First things first....the following information is provided as is and to be used at your own discretion. I've said it before in many a post about the expired domains market, there is no sure fire guarantee that even with the best resources that you'll end up with the prize. There are simply too many variables. The competition for some of these expired domains is staggering, with domain players shelling out thousands of dollars frequently just to participate. Of course this doesn't happen in all instances, but it does in some. In a few cases, this arena relies more on the battle of bank accounts than domain smarts.
That being said here's the lowdown...

Backorder with the top Drop Catchers to cover all the bases and increase the odds!

They are what you need in order to get the deleted prize your after. In this competitive climate timing is everything and when it comes to the conversion from expired domain name to available domain name, the whole process can last less than a second, and this area  is known as the battle ground of the drop catcher.

A Drop Catcher (Domain Backorder Provider) is a service that tries to register expired domains on behalf of their clients the instant they  complete the deletion cycle to become available again for registration.
These expired domains dot grabbing specialists (click backorder domains for a comprehensive list of the top providers) use various domain aquisition software applications through a network of registrars in hopes of catching dropped domains from various registries (for .com and .net, the registry is Verisign).
This intricate expired domains snap procedure unfolds between 1-2 pm EST every day with an onslaught of registrar based registration prompts to the registry to wrestle as many coveted domains as they can.
It's believed that the more registrars at a drop catchers disposal to propagate the registrations, the higher the likely hood of actually getting the domain.

SnapNames, Pool, Club Drop, DomainAlert and NameWinner are arguably the best drop catching vehicles currently in use by domain pros active in the drop market. Using all of these services, while still not locking your chances at the 100 percentile range, will no doubt increase domain acquisition odds significantly.
The majority of these expired domain name snipers use a pay for performance model, so users really only pay the greenback unless they retrieve the domain. The initial 30-60 dollar fee in auction bid platforms of course increases if more than two participants have engaged in a bidding war on the same expired domain.

Here's a rundown of the top of the drop, giving a 2 cent view from this DN bloggers perspective. Some pro's and con's...and other insights.


DomainAlert Pro is the only first come first served model among the notorious five, where users pay an $18.95 fee upfront. No two users using this system can backorder the same expired domain, and unsuccessful domain backorders are re-assigned for free until expired domains of users choice are caught.
Pro - For first timers this is the most cost effective expiring domain catching platform available with some teeth behind it's bite. Target expired domains in the early stages of the deletion cycle by various registrar partners and with some luck you can walk away with a deleted gem for less than 20 bucks! This platform also seems to show great results in catching prime .orgs, .biz and .info's.
Con - It's been rather dismal from this domainers past experience when going after high end .com and .net expired domains with this drop catching unit..
DomainAlert has only three known registrars in it's repertoire to register domains on it's clients behalf. Pool has over 60...do the math. Their first come first served structure can also be a notch on the negative, with only one slot per user for one domain, there's not much else to do, but tlook for altenative means to acquire domain if the backorder domain slot is already filled.
Overall Rating: Hands down most cost effective of the dot grab lot and appear to do well for recently dropped low end traffic and new extension domains. 

Pool is a drop catching expired domains juggernaught that was a late starter out of the blocks (only two years online), but has proven to be the one to beat in the drop market when it comes to the expired domain name grabs of choice. This service offers a fee for performance based model, in a nutshell users only pay if their domain target is caught. A 60 dollar fee is enacted if no one else has backordered using their system, but if more than two Pool members are after the same expired domain, a 3 day auction ensues. This is where the 60 dollar initial cost can skyrocket to 3, 4 and even the 5 figure range for specific highly sought after TLD's.
Pro: Has one of the largest registrar bases under it's wing, reportedly over 60 in tow. A must when on the hunt for any URL that isn't under an exclusive guarantee arrangement.
Con: High cost factors rule out the bargain basement expired domains hunter. This is where the big boys swim, if your heading in for a dive make sure your credit cards at the platinum level.
Overall: A backorder domains slot with Pool is a must have if you're serious about acquiring any dropped domains, but be prepared to pay.

SnapNames is a former first come first served expired domains backorder pioneer, that has recently changed to a pay for performance auction bid format. This notorious catcher made headlines in expired domains circles last September when it forged an alliance with Network Solutions to become it's exclusive auction partner for all of it's expired domain names warchest. SnapNames users pay 60 dollars for domains caught that aren't backordered by other domain prospectors using this platform, but for domains that targeted by two/or more, end up in auction usually for a 72 hour period.
Pros: Their partnerships with notables Network Solutions and BulkRegister to name a few have catapulted them back into the expired domain names market significantly.
Cons: High end expired domains grabs equal high end prices for users.
Overall: Have to be used for highly targeted domains. Besides exclusive partnerships they have an impressive registrar base for snagging deleted domains.

Club Drop, eNoms expired domains snatching subsidiary and auction  house boast an over 25 registrar compliment. Club Drop changed it's reseller only policy to incorporate retail clients as well in 2004. Have noticibaly done well in major catches by aftermarket domain sales measures and are favored by many domain name industry pros that are active in the expired domains drop sector.
Pros: Consistantly appear to do well at scoring some big domain acquisitions which have seen the expired domain names unit gain some hefty 5 figure sales in recent months.
Cons: More money for better performance measures have been implemeted and bid restrictions for non verified bidders limits bid incrimints.
Overall: A favorite among domainers with above satisfactory results and very efficient in the drop.

NameWinner, the deleted domain names pit stop for registrar heavyweight Dotster, was one of the first drop catching services online to incorporate the bid auction model which has become the norm for the lucrative expired domains market. This TLD wrestler announced in late 2004 that Dotster expired domains would be exclusively auctioned by them.
Pros: NameWinner has reportedly partnered with over 20 registrars in it's quest to reign supreme in the drop game.
Cons: Very volatile pricing structure in this domain authors opinion. Where presumed mid level domains fetch sky high bids.
Overall: Having a NameWinnner backorder domains slot (encompassed with the rest as mentioned) will likely increase expired domain acquisition by leaps and bounds if utilized effectively.

It's D (Drop) Day.....let the games begin!

That prized URL has gone through the hurdles of the deletion processand it's now officially a deleted domain, which (hopefully) has been scooped up by one of the previously mentioned expired domain grabbing institutions, lying in wait at your beck and call. But if another domain prospector(s) has had their sites set on that same virtual web address.....it becomes a battle of who wants it the most and who's willing to pay to get it.
This is where frustration, excitement, anger, stress and about ten other emotions break out in a 72 hour roller coaster ride, which just happens to be the same amount of time for most expired domain name auctions. These humanistic traits tend increase significantly if your one of the close to 25% of expired domains backorder users that have waited patiently for only one name to snag!
In all honesty, this process has to be experienced to be believed, but if you're in contention at auction, here are some tips that will hopefully help:

Frequently check your expired domains auction - While some feel secure in setting a Proxy limit for bids (A proxy bid enables an auction user to set their maximum amount of payment they would make without actually being in auction. The drop catcher in this case raises the bid on their behalf to counter other bids for the expired domain at hand. That is until the maximum is reached), keeping an eye on auction happenings would be considered prudent advice at best. In some instances the maximum you've set may not be enough. While this doesn't happen in the majority of cases due to the vast amount of domains becoming available daily (avg 20,000), there are some high caliber URL's that will fetch a high dollar figure. If your in an auction for such a domain, be prepared for a fight. This domainers been in a few tussles of this ilk and have seen domains leave auction at above secondary market prices.

Make sure you've got the funds - No money, no domain. Might seem "common sensical" to most, but "in the heat of the moment" bids without the proper capital backing, can leave one with out prized deleted domain, and in some cases blacklisted by domain backorder auction house.
Keep your cash flow in order and don't go overboard (best piece of advice in whole post)

The last minutes of the auction are the most volatile - Never leave the auction until the fat lady sings, never! The final minutes/seconds are the most crucial. When this domainer was but a newb in this very unforgiving marketplace, I'd lost a few high enders in the final minutes because I thought I'd actually won...only to realize I had been out bid (sniped rather) in the final stages...I'll use the word frustrating rather than the expletitive I'd like to.
You snooze, you lose. Every second counts.

Other than suggesting a blessing from preffered religious figurehead of choice to help in your endeavour, I don't know if there's much more I can add to this expired domains rant other than a heartfelt .....good luck!

Expired Domains Directory

The Expired Domains Directory is an overview of the best expired domains resources currently online. Expired domains list providers, expired domain search tools, expired domain software and domain drop script applications are featured in the index. More will be added shortly.

Expired Domains Search and Expired Domain List Providers


ExpiredDomainNames.com : A multi-functional expired domains search provider for .com, .net, .org, .info, .biz and .us extensions. This expiration retrieval site also features link popularity and search rank tools for indepth expired domain traffic info. No software for users to download. To search for expired domains click here.

Expired Traffic : An expired domains list provider featuring tools and tutorials on link popularity generated expired domains. The service also outputs Yahoo and Dmoz directory listed expired domain names and provides daily expired, soon to expire, on-hold and available domain names. For more information on expired domains services offered by this provider click here.



WebExplode : Offers custom expired domain name lists to it's membership base. The dropped domains specialty site also features expired domains software applications and free recently expired domains lists. Registry statistics and paid domain parking tutorials are also provided. To search for expired domains click here.






Fallen Domains : Provides expired domains list services and various expired domain tools for it's member base. It features search engine ranked expired domains lists, as well as soon to expire, recently deleted and link popularity domains. For a complete rundown of expired domain services offered click here.



Biz Mint :  A custom expired domains list provider and expired domain search service. Offers members domain tools and tutorials on the expired domains market, as well as domain industry perspectives on buying, selling and profiting with expired domain names. To learn more about this expired domains provider click here.





Expired Domain Software

Expired Domain Express : An expired domains desk top application with multi functional programs in one package. The software suite features Yahoo/Google expired domains search, an expired domains browser, custom word lists, a domain name manager and a domain name creator application for all available recently deleted domains.
There's a demo version of the expired domains software app available on site. For more information on this program click here.


On Snap : This technology provider has two expired domains software products. A Yahoo/DMOZ directory expired domains finder and a bulk link popularity analyzer for users wishing to target expired domains with traffic. Similar domain related apps include the "profitable keywords finder" and the "search engine rank analyzer". For more info on this expired domains software service click here.


Domain Inspect v1.5 : This desktop application is a multi-purpose expired domains utility featuring link popularity, search engine rank, domain generator and WHOIS functions. The program allows users to obtain domain availability and registrar information along with built in expired domain traffic tools from the likes of Overture and Alexa. A domain backorder and registration browser has also been integrated. For more on this expired domains finder click here.



Expired Domains Dropt Script Applications

Desktop API : An expired domains dropt script application that tracks expired domain names and registers them the instant they become available. The drop application registers domains through eNom for .com. net, .org, .biz, .info and .us extensions. For more information on this expired domains drop program click here.



Drop Scripts : A desktop expired domains technology provider. This drop script application uses eNoms API to monitor custom expired domains lists and tries to register them the instant they are released from the registry. This drop software service also offers a demo version of the application. For more information on this expired domains product click here.

Deleted Domains Defined

Deleted Domains : Previously registered domain names that have completed the full course of the domain deletion cycle. These domains are no longer held by the registry and are available for registration by anyone.

Current deleted domains figures for .com, net and org extensions average a 15-25 thousand rate of re-availability. Statistically, over 25 million domain names (.com, .net and org) have been through the deletion process. The .com extension leading with over 20 million deleted domains for that TLD alone.

The pending delete status of the domain deletion cycle is the "safe zone" indicator for establishing a domains time frame for re-release. Unlike the volatile (Registrar hold and Redemption period) phases which still empower the previous registrant to renew their expired domain, this status field doesn't. For .com and .net domain TLDS this period lasts 5 days, with the domain deleting on the sixth day at 14:00 EST US.   
To search for pending delete status domains click here.

To search for available deleted domains, the standard version of the Expire Search Engine module features a deleted domains search feature for recently released domain names beteween a 24 hour to sixty day time frame. The free online application envelops all main TLD's. To search for deleted domains click here.





Expired domains and deleted domains - The Differences

One of the main variances between expired domains and deleted domains in reference to the deletion cycle as covered in “Expired Domain Names Revealed” Categories : Expired Domains is that expired domain names are still locked in the expiration process, and are held by the domain registrar of said domain. Only the previous domain registrant has rights to the domain in question (unless otherwise specified in the Terms of Service Agreement by the domain registrar).
In contrast, a deleted domain is the end result of a domain that has completed the deletion cycle. When released, it is then allowed to come under new ownership by any individual. Depending on the caliber of  the deleted domains involved however, the whole convergence from deleted – to available – to registration ….can literally take milliseconds! For the aftermarket domain names of traffic or brand value…this last example is the norm.

Not all deleted domains of value are registered the instant they're available!

Only a few are capitalizing on this information (and exploiting it to cash generating degrees) but, while the eyes of the industry tend to focus on the tussles for deleted domains touted by custom expired domain list providers….there are still high numbers of treasured deleted domains that are often overlooked due to the sheer volume of the daily drop numbers! This little known fact is taken advantage of by those with access to resources like the above mentioned deleted domains modules... where finding high end URL’s is common place.
Here’s just a sample of  deleted domains that were recently released and available (some still not registered as of this post...even though being dropped weeks earlier!)
Unfaithful.us, HazardPay.com, ClassicAuctions.org, SuperEnhancer.com, BlankTapes.net, EmailsOnline.com etc.

The .info on what could be he largest deleted domains release of 2005

Current numbers for .info registrations have climbed above the 3 million mark for this viable extension that has shown to do very well in after market sales and development branding for content oriented websites. One of the reasons for the large .info figure stems from a late 2004 free promotion giveaway supplied by the extensions registry Affilias. This prominant free .info bonanza saw one year registrations rocket over 1.5 million, with one registrar alone reportedly scooping up close to 1 million .info's on behalf of it's clients with in a one week period!
Some insiders predict that most might not be renewed, forseeing what could be a deleted domains drop like no other, around November 2005!

Expired Domains Revealed

Finding expired domains the easy way and for free!

The majority of online expired domain list providers currently use a fee based model for users wishing to search for an expired domain gem, this cost can vary anywhere from 8 dollars a month to over 100 dollars a year for membership plans (or more) for access to valuable expired domain information.
However, ExpiredDomainNames.com provides free access to it's expired domains and deleted domains lists. The site includes multiple domain tools which hone in on domain names currently in the expiration cycle through easy to use expired domain centric modules.

The expired domain search site features the Expire Search Engine. A powerful online expired and deleted domain name search utility providing lists for domains in Registrar Hold, Redemption Period and Pending Delete status. Specific keyword and extension prefrences for .com, .net, .org, .biz, .info and .us are also provided with integrated WhoIs and instant domain backorder functions.
To find expired domains using the Expire Search Engine click here.

Other expired domain utilities include:
- link popularity analysis for targetting expired domains with traffic.
- Page Rank data from top search engines.
- domain lenghth, numbered and hyphen preferences.
- instant deleted domains registration options.


Expired Domain Names - An Overview

Expired Domains : Domain names which have not been renewed by their previous owners/registrants. The actual process/and or cycle pertaining to expired domain names is a bit more convoluted (depending on the Registrar of the specific domain in question). Since domain names can only be registered for a period between 1-10 years, many are not renewed and do become available again for re-registration if the previous owner forfeits their domain.

example:
mydomain.com is registered July 5/04 for one year. It will be up for renewal around (registrars discretion) July 5/05. If registrant of mydomain.com does not renew...the domain will enter the expiration cycle, thus becoming an expired domain.

The generalized norm for expired domains in the phases of the expiration cycle (Registrar Hold, Redemption Period, and Pending delete) can last up to 80 days in total (this can vary drastically):

Registrar Hold: This initial portion of the expired domains life cycle lasts for a period of 45 days.  During this period, the original domain registrant is able to re-register the domain with no financial penalty.
Note: This part of the cycle can be accelerated at the domain registrars discretion. Recently expired domains can even be deleted outright anytime within the 45 day outline if the registrar so chooses.

Redemption Grace Period: Time 30 days. At this point the owner of the expired domain in question can still renew but....at a cost. The average price to renew expired domains in this portion of the cycle averages $150.00 and above depending on the registrar.
Domainer Perspective: due to the cost perameters to renew, expired domains in redemption are generally expected to fully complete the process to deletion. Many domain investors backorder expired domains at this point, arguably due to the competitive nature of the expired domain names market.

Pending Delete: The domain now becomes "locked" in a 5 day journey to deletion with no chance for the previous owner to renew. On the 6th day at 14:00 Eastern US time the domain is deleted (dropped) and made available for anyone to register.
Note: Recent developments by domain registrars regarding expired domains have changed significantly. Some registrars actually pay the renewal fees for domains once held by their registrants, that is of course if they (registrants) allow their domains to expire. These domains are (at times) auctioned , and never actually enter into the percieved expired domains cycle as stated.


Expired domain names - the hits and the money they make

So whats the big deal about these expired domain throw aways anyway? PLENTY! A little known fact is that many of these daily deleted domain names have an abundance of link popularity and ingrained backlinks from other websites.....in a nutshell expired domains generate traffic!
The very traffic that has been the catalyst for URL investors who've been zeroing in on expired domains since the dawn of the new millenium and have monetized expired domain names as a cash generating source by using various online vehicles like paid domain parking and Pay Per Click content pages (Google Adsense). It should also be stated that keyword and brandable domains frequently become available and add to the revenue stream of domain prospectors active in the domain aftermarket. Expired domain names scooped up for small sums, have been resold for thousands!

Earlier this year the expired domains facilitator known as Ultimate Search (Name Development), who were very active in the dropped domain market and viewed by many domain experts as the pioneers of expired domain monetization through PPC landing pages, revealed a monthly revenue take of over one million dollars for 2004! This money bombshell came about after the company had announced (November of 2004) a buyout of its accumulated 100,000 expired domain name warchest to Marchex, Inc...... for over 164 million dollars! The largest recorded domain sale of all time!....Proof that if utilized correctly, expired domains can make you money! As shown in the previous example.... they've even made some domain entrepreneurs into multi-millionaires!


Expired Domains FAQ: Insights from a Domainer

How can you profit from expired domain names?
There are many different methods for procuring an income from traffic charged expired domains. The following examples of domain revenue generation are currently used by URL investors, but results vary depending on domain, income source and user input.



Paid Domain Parking: A simple method of generating cash flow from an expired domains traffic ...and a website isn't even needed.
The process: Domain owners forward their domain names to Pay Per Click pages provided by a Parked Domain provider and recieve an income from advertisers via click throughs and/or page impressions based on the unique visitors the domains traffic generates. The ad revenue is usually splt 50/50 between PPC search provider and domain owner, with each click generating anywhere from a fraction of a cent, to high a high dollar figure...some niche targetted advertisers pay up top 5-10 dollars or more..... per click! No selling, no credit card transactions, no overhead....just money in the bank for the domain owner.

Content pages using Google Adsense: One of the highest payouts in online advertising. Domainers create their own parked pages for their expired domain traffic vehicles. If content and traffic is targeted properly using Google Adsense display on pre-built site. Higher payouts can ensue as revenue isn't shared with another party.

Affiliate Marketing: Utilizing the expired domains traffic flow to sites with affiliate programs. Domain owners end up being the "middle man" for established online properties and collect a commision from each sale.

Domain Reselling: Many high quality brandable and keyword expired domain treasures are snapped up and bought for low capital, only to be resold for high profit with in the domain aftermarket. Domains in these arenas sell from the low hundreds to the high 5-6 figure range....quite a mark up considering the average yearly registration fee is 15 dollars!

If expired domains are so valuable then why aren't they renewed?
There are a variety of reasons, some examples can include:
- registrant forgets to renew
- doesn't want to renew
- doesn't have the funds to re-register
- went bankrupt
- failed to keep contact and/or credit card information up to date
- died
- domain registrant simply doesn't know the value of their domain name.

How do you register an expired domain?
You can't, that is until/if it completes the deletion cycle to become a deleted domain.There are however "Drop Catching" services that backorder expired domains for clients wishing to register them the millisecond they are deleted from the registry. For more information on this area of the expired domains market click here.

What is an expiring domain name?
The term often used to describe an expired domain name in the deletion cycle.

How can you check an expired domains history?
The Wayback Machine provides an online resource base for tracking an expired domains history. It acts as virtual calendar archive for websites. Users can find useful information such as:
- type of website associated with domain.
- previous company/registrant information.
To research an expired domains history click here.

Is there a tool to measure an expired domains traffic?
Yahoo's mainstay the Overture Suggestion Tool has been frequently  used by domain prospectors as a traffic indicator for expired domains. Overture outputs monthly figures for keyword search terms used by millions of internet users frequenting Yahoo, AltaVista, as well as MSN. While the tools main purpose is to give Yahoo network advertisers word combination suggestions targeting online campaigns, some have used it to measure the number stats for domains that were specifically searched on SE's. Hence the term coined in the domain industry as "Overture with extension". The belief is the higher the numeric figure for searched domain, the greater the traffic.
However, Overture figures can be manipulated with various search script applications and a cautionary approach is recommended. It's believed many speculators on the hunt for expired domains with traffic, actually end up inadvertantly/intentionally inflating figures using this app, especially for domains nearing the end of the deletion cycle.
For Overture results use the Keyword Suggestion under the Domain Tools typelist when researching expired domains.

Domain Backorder Directory

Domain Backorder: The process in which a registrant uses the services of a Drop Catcher (Domain backorder service provider) to acquire an expired domain name(s). The mechanics to backorder domains varies greatly from each service provider, in both technical (drop script software/registrar base/bandwidth/batch pool connections) and price variation.

Regardless of backorder provider, no domain backorder comes with a 100% guarantee. This arguably stems from the fierce competition in the expired domain market for particular domains that are seen as highly valuable commodities which can (and are) resold in the highly lucrative domain aftermarket and/or used as revenue generators in the realm of paid domain parking. The high deleting domain demand ratio currently festers an estimated 90 million dollar annual capital take.

The use of more than one domain backordering service has been suggested by some industry insiders as a way of increasing the odds of domain acquisition for specific domain names of speculated worth. While this method is by no means foolproof, some domain pros active within the drop market have reported favorable results in doing so.


The DomainAlert Pro domain backorder platform is a first come, first served model. No two registrants can backorder the exact same domain name. Each backorder domain slot costs $18.95 and TLD extensions available for domain name backorder include .com, .net, .org, .info, .us and .biz.
If the domain backorder is unsuccessful, users can backorder another domain until one is captured.
To backorder domains using DomainAlert (ExpireCatcher) click here.


Pool offers a free domain backorder vehicle that services all TLD's as well as country extensions such as .ca, .co.uk and more. While the there is no initial cost to backorder domains for users, a fee of $60 dollars is instituted for a successful capture that isn't backordered by another Pool user. If more than one member backorders the same deleted domain name, a 2 phase auction is initiated.
To backorder domains with Pool click here.


Unpicked utilizes a first come, first served domain backordering system for .com, .net, .org, .biz, .info and .us extensions. The cost for domain backorders from this provider is $19.95 per slot.
To backorder domain names with Unpicked click here.






4Domains is an alternative extension domain backorder unit that features backorder domain slots via a first come first served model. Domain backorders are for .us, .info and .biz, with a $60 dollar fee for each desired dropped domain. 
To backorder domains with 4Domains click here.





Canadian drop catcher DropWizard uses an auction model format for .com, .net, and org tlds, and expired domain cctlds .ca (Canada) and .co.uk (United Kingdom). Domain name backorders through this provider are Paypal exclusive at a cost of $120.00.
To backorder domains using DropWizard click here.




Expiring domain service NameWinner is the backorder wing for Dotster. Users backorder domains through a bid auction format which entails .com, net, .org and .info. Initial bids are $40.00.
Note: Dotster expired domains are exclusively auctioned through this provider.
To backorder domains with NameWinner click here.




DotRegistrars backorder domain system DomWish is a first come first served model servicing tld extensions .com, .net and .org. Recent changes in this registrars terms of service have made DomWish the exclusive backorder provider for all expired domain names that have been registered through DotRegistrar.
Cost for domain name backorders using this platform, approximately $100.00 per slot.
To backorder domains using DomWish click here.


eNoms drop catching division Club Drop is a bid auction backorder service for .com, .net, .us and .biz extensions. The former eNom reseller exclusive backorder wing relaunched in late 2004 and now provides its services to public users as well. Initial bids for domain backorders start at $10.00.
To backorder domains via Club Drop click here.





DomainCatcher is an alternative extension domain backordering service focusing on .biz and .info dropped domains and country code extensions as well featuring .de, .tv, .ws, .at, .co.uk, and .ch. Registrants using this german drop catcher can create an account free of charge through the provided interface.
To backorder domains with DomainCatcher click here.



SnapNames uses a bid auction model where users can backorder domain extensions from .com, .net, .org and .info. The initial domain acquisition cost is $60.00 if no other SnapNames user has backordered the domain, however an auction does ensue if more than one member backorders the same expired domain.
Note: SnapNames is the exclusive auction service for Network Solution / BulkRegistrar domains.
To backorder domains with SnapNames click here.

Domain Sales heat up with a Huge seller on eBay!

WhatIsMyIp.com has just been picked up for a hefty 6 figures at auction house juggernaught eBay for a price tag of $386,100. The website domain sales combo had a high traffic 60 k uniques/day ratio going for it, which is no doubt a reason for the high end auction result.
Sales at Afternic are in an upswing after two high end domain sales branch out to 5 figures each! Marble.com rolled out of the domain sellers warehouse for $43,000 on Monday and PetSupplies.com fetched $75,000 US on March 2nd.

Domain Backorders becoming more "exclusive"

Keeping up with the inner workings of the competitive expired and deleted domains market is a daunting task. Jump back just two years and the scenario to backorder domains seemed simple enough:

Look over expired and deleted domains list. Check.
Login to account with favorite drop catcher. Check.
Backorder domains of choice. Check.
Pray to (add preffered higher entity) that you don't max out your credit card if your deleted number is caught and put up in auction. Check.

Note the if.
Securing a URL prize through a domain backorder service is never guaranteed. The estimated 90 million dollar (plus) revenues the deleted domains drop market brings in annually, makes this area of the industry one of the most heated.

Now let's jump forward to September 2004, when domain registration heavyweight Network Solutions and dropcatcher (recently turned auction model) SnapNames put one of the biggest kinks in the drop game ever......valuable Network Solution expiring domains wouldn't be deleted via the percieved norm of the expiration cycle anymore. Those backorder domain name slots (ones with a SN backorder) filled with Netsol domains would be handled exclusively in auctions at SnapNames.

Besides an uproar (and legal actions) from other dropcatchers and registrars....a snowball effect would quickly ensue. Registrar Dotster would propagate a similar relationship regarding it's warchest of TLD's with NameWinner (Dotster's backordering subsidiary). The Canadian expiring name grabber Pool would announce a first dib partnership vehicle with various registrars..... and now, industry rumors abound with yet another (Super Bowl sized) backorder domain gunner using resembling methods......Go Daddy... go!

The following is an excerpt from GD support when they were posed the question....

Are all back orders through DomainAlert for Godaddy domains that are expiring now "guaranteed" through this (DomainAlert) service?..

Support:

"...We still do not guarantee that the backorder will secure the domain, because it is still possible for the original owner to renew the domain while it is in the grace period, and also possible for the original owner to retrieve the domain from Redemption. However, if the original owner does not try to retrieve the domain during the grace or redemption period, then yes, you would be guaranteed to secure the domain with the Backorder as no other registrars would have access to the domain because it is still in our system..."

The initial question (not found in the excerpt) also referenced WildWestDomains.com domains.

Huge news that's very hush-hush considering this means a WWD and/or GD dropped domain would be guaranteed for under 20 bucks!....that is if your using a domain backorder service providing one of those first come first serve slots through DomainAlert. It should also be noted that the secretive deleted domains treasure trove supplied by the large registrar appears to effect recently registered GD and WWD domains. Conflicting rumours abound, but news worthy none the less.

  Perhaps the secrecy lies in a future change to auction model? It wouldn't be surprising....this is the drop market after all and as recent history has shown.....it changes all the time.

For more info drop catching services and domain backorders, check the backorder domains section.

Domain Name Generator Tool

Keyword rich domain names are a definite plus when actively promoting a website for search engine marketing campaigns. As a matter of fact, a prime URL can make or break where your online business ranks on SE mainstays like Google and Yahoo. As domain registrations continue to rise to record levels, finding a web address for this purpose becomes a daunting task at best.
The domain tool programmers behind the Domain Name Generator (from deleted domains provider ExpiredDomainNames.com) have made the search for keyword rich doman names an easy task by creating a user friendly SEO/branding randomizer tool that helps find targeted niche domains with one click.

The Domain Name Generator is a tool that endorses multiple keyword filters covering 7 extensions in total. Users can seamlessly perform multiple search queries to find available, expired or deleted domains that fit their specified criteria. One of the intriguing functions of this domain scrambler is that it can target business related niche names (the SEO factor), in turn brainstorming name ideas for registrants in waiting at blazing speed. During this process, users can retrieve data such as Whois/Registrar information and domain availability. Once the desired domain is found, it can be registered instantly through the module tool.

Other features include built in Link Popularity options users can input when narrowing down their domain search parameters.
The multifunctional tool comes in two versions:  Advanced Domain Name Generator which includes search engine info and the Standard Domain Name Generator for less evasive domain search queries.


Domain Name Generator Tips

Focus on keywords that reflect your websites product(s) or content base : Using the Keyword Suggestion tool (found on site) as a companion with the Domain Name Generator will return more focused results. The Keyword module compiles specific data from internet users that have surfed the web using major search engines like Yahoo and Alta Vista! Using this information will narrow your queries significantly to help secure the domain you're looking for!

Use different extensions : The dot com TLD is currently the most sought after extension covering close to a full half of the domain registration base. Nearly 40 million are taken. However, including search parameters for alternative extensions such as .info and .biz will bring forth a data return of available domain combinations to a degree of approximately 10 times that of .com!

The hyphen question : A hyphenated domain name for branding any online enterprise is a tough sell, but when it comes to search engine optimization...that's a different story. When in doubt, simply get both! One, as your websites calling card and the other to help with SE Rank. Using the Domain Name Generator for this purpose will increase output results greatly.

Just because the domains taken, doesn't mean it won't be available in the near future: Though the status says registered, that doesn't mean the domain name is in use with an active website. Roughly forty percent of domain names (.com) aren't. Click on the domain of choice with in the domain name generator output screen to check the WHOIS information. That URL could very well become expired in the next few weeks. It's estimated that 25-30% of domain names up for renewal in a given year will not be re-registered.

Domain disputes increase by 6.6% in 2004

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has just released the number stats for domain trademark disputes and the findings reveal a 6.6% cybersquatting litigation increase from the previous year.
A total of 1,179 cases of alledged trademark infringements involving domain names were brought before the WIPO in 2004, up 79 cases from 2003.

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