Domain names can be bought and sold. This article has information and tips on getting a domain name appraisal and assessing the value of your web site domain name. Keep reading to learn what you should consider when getting a domain name appraisal.

In a world were many domain names are taken, and just about everyone has some sort of a Web site, it is little surprise that there is an interest in figuring out just how much a domain name is worth. We like to have values for things – especially commodities that can be bought and sold. And in this day and age, real estate on the Internet is becoming a hot commodity. Domain names are bought and sold every day. And, while it is possible to buy a domain name that has expired via auction, it is becoming more commonplace for an owner to sell a domain name to someone else. Of course, when this happens, a value for the domain name has to be fixed upon.

Domain name appraisal

Just as regular real estate requires an appraisal before the sale, a domain name should also be appraised. If you want to sell a domain name, you should know how much it is worth. You should also get a domain name appraisal if you want to buy a domain name. You want to be sure that you are getting a fair bargain.

There are a number of companies that can offer a domain name appraisal. These companies use a number of methods to try and put a monetary value on your domain. Some of the factors they consider include:

• Amount of traffic received by your domain.
• Branding potential of the domain name.
• Analysis of trademark and patent infringement possibilities.
• How marketable the domain name is.
• The length of the domain name.
• Whether the domain name includes keywords for search engine optimization.
• Comparison to similar domains and how much they have been appraised for.

As you can see, there are several factors considered. Additionally, many domain name appraisers have their own algorithms and techniques for compiling and analyzing the data that is used in the appraisal. These proprietary methods are not shared with customers, but take other factors into account.

However, it is fair to say that a domain name that is easy to remember, makes use of popular keywords and has a high degree of marketability will probably sell for more than a domain name that is rather random. Catchy and short domain names are more desirable than longer names, and often a .com will have the edge over a .net.

If your Web site is simply your company name, it probably won't sell for very much. (And you wouldn't want to sell it anyway.) On the other hand, if you had registered something like ebusiness.com or weddingplanner.com years ago, you might be able to sell it for thousands of dollars today.  If you are looking to buy a domain name like this – a premium domain name – an appraisal can give you an idea of how much you may have to spend.

Assessing the value of your Web site

Even if you do not plan to sell your domain name, it can be an interesting exercise to check the value of your Web site. You can have a domain name appraisal done (it usually costs between $24.95 and $59.95 for appraisals with varying levels of solid analysis). These types of appraisals can give you an idea of how much your Web site might be worth, and can provide some insight into the overall marketability and success of your domain.

There are free domain name appraisal sites that can also give you a ballpark figure. However, it is important to note that these often do not provide the same kind of analysis, and the accuracy is somewhat questionable. But if you are doing a domain name ppraisal just for fun, the free choice might not be a bad one.

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