buying old domains advice

happymind · #1 (**permalink**) 09-27-2009, 05:45 AM

hi , im thinking of buying an old domain that has a lot of link juice /is already established and i wold like some advice -

where is the best place to find these?

are they cheaper than buying an entire site ?

how much more /less are they than new domains?

tx b

James · #2 (**permalink**) 09-27-2009, 09:52 AM

I always hate to answer a different question than the one asked, but if you don't mind I would like to ask why you want to do such a thing?

Only IF you could buy one that drew traffic for EXACTLY the same purposes as you have for your site would it be wise. And even then, you need to be careful that it doesn't have a negative reputation with a lot of people as well as a positive one with a few. Why do they not want to keep it otherwise?

Of course some people do start sites just to sell them. But often those types build traffic with methods that will not maintain the site later on.

There are good reasons, perhaps, for doing this but I personally tend to think of it as a way to get around all the hard work of building a site on its own merit. In the long run I think you would be better off doing your own work and doing it right.

Buying an "established site" is a little like getting your content from a content site rather than writing it yourself. It may get you up and going faster but the chances are you will not be as successful in the long run.

I realize this post contains a personal viewpoint that not everyone may agree with but just give it some thought before going in this direction.

lisa · #3 (**permalink**) 09-27-2009, 10:06 AM

I have to agree with James here. Are you thinking of doing this because you think it will be easier to make money or a way to make money faster? And even if you do find one that you want to buy, are you prepared to do what's necessary to maintain that traffic/reputation? Like James, I'm letting my own personal opinion guide my reply here but I have never been a fan of this strategy. Not saying it can't work, because many people have made it work. But it's not necessarily a faster route to success. Just my opinion.

Now, in regards to your price question, the answer will vary. If the site has a lot of traffic, backlinks, good PR then the price will reflect that. So it depends on the domain.

happymind · #4 (**permalink**) 09-27-2009, 02:38 PM

thanks for the advice ill take this on board - i would obviously buy a domain to do with my niche - graphic design and research why the owner wants to sell it etc so it sin good standing .

the reason I ask is that i saw another design blog who had bought a domain - he had 45 k uniques in his first month - none of his content is unique he simple rounds up other sites tuts - whereas i create my own tuts from scratch .
Now I can see how having a unique domain name you took time to thinkof is nice and mean its your own - this is what i have done however it makes good bussiness sense to buy something thats alreaady got traffic, like buying an office in a good part of town - why would you go where there is no traffic .

so for my next site im gonna look around for an existing domain if i can get 45 k hits without the added effort of social media and seo then i can spend more time on quality tutorials for a wider audience -

Greg1 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-28-2009, 10:14 AM

Hi happymind,

Quote:

if i can get 45 k hits without the added effort of social media and seo

Your missing the point of buying a used domain name thinking there is no work involved. Use the existing links and traffic to leverage your traffic building. Consider it the base then build from there via quality content and links ect:

A used domain name with that kind of traffic will also be expensive. Are you prepared to spend several hundred to several thousand dollars for a name?

Used domain names can be a great boost to website traffic just don't use it as your only traffic source.

happymind · #6 (**permalink**) 09-28-2009, 03:36 PM

im not missing any point if any one is your read my last message - there is such a thing as doing something easily

and is that factual - this is why i asked for a place you can buy domains to avoid fluff like they're expensive

Greg1 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-29-2009, 07:24 AM

Quote:

to avoid fluff like they're expensive

Good luck on your GRQ quest. Sorry to bother you with facts or "fluff" as you call it.

happymind · #8 (**permalink**) 09-29-2009, 10:36 AM

apology accepted

ill do it easily and you can do it the hard way lol

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