Valuation guide - domain names
Valuing domain names
Not all domains are created equal. Here’s what matters.
Factor one
Keyword strength and brandability
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.
Factor two
The extension
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.
Factor three
Age and ownership history
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.
Factor four
Comparable sales
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 to $500 | Brandable, non-keyword, non-.com |
|---|---|
| $500 to $2,000 | Keyword, non-.com, some search volume |
| $2,000 to $10,000 | Exact-match .com, high search, clean history |
| $10,000+ | Premium (short, one-word, high-demand verticals) |
See lymespecialists.com for a real-world example of a keyword .com domain with strong vertical relevance and clean history.