Valuation guide — domain names

Valuing domain names

Not all domains are created equal. Here’s what matters.

Keyword strength is the foundation. Exact-match, high-search-volume keywords command the highest prices. Brandability matters too: short, memorable, and easy-to-spell domains are more valuable than long or awkward ones.

Extension (.com, .net, .org) is a major factor. .com is king, with .net and .org trailing. Niche extensions (.ai, .io) can be valuable in the right context, but are generally less liquid.

Age and history matter. Older domains with a clean ownership and usage record are worth more. Domains with a history of spam or penalties are discounted heavily.

Market comparables set the ceiling. Look at recent sales of similar domains to benchmark value. Automated appraisal tools are a starting point, but real-world sales data is the gold standard.

Value band guide

$100–$500	Brandable, non-keyword, non-.com
$500–$2,000	Keyword, non-.com, some search volume
$2,000–$10,000	Exact-match .com, high search, clean history
$10,000+	Premium (short, one-word, high-demand verticals)

Worked example

See lymespecialists.com for a real-world example of a keyword .com domain with strong vertical relevance and clean history.