Domain name valuation: determine your domain value

How much is your domain name worth? Whether you want to sell or buy a domain, knowing the value is essential. In this article, we explain what factors determine domain value and how to make a realistic estimate.

Factors determining domain value

1. Length

Short domains are more valuable. The hierarchy:

• 1-2 letters: Very rare, often €100,000+
• 3 letters: Valuable, €5,000-€50,000
• 4-5 letters: Depends on word €500-€10,000
• 6+ letters: Standard value, unless premium word

2. Extension (TLD)

The TLD greatly affects value:

3. Search volume

Domains matching popular search terms are more valuable. Check monthly search volume via Google Keyword Planner.

4. Brandability

A good brand name is:

• Easy to remember
• Easy to spell
• Unique and distinctive
• Free of negative associations

5. Age and history

Older domains with clean history are worth more. Check:

• Registration date
• Backlink profile
• No spam or penalty history

6. Market and niche

Certain niches pay more:

• Finance, insurance, real estate: high value
• Local services: average value
• Hobbies, personal: lower value

Domain valuation tools

Free tools

Note: Automatic estimates are indicative. Real value is determined by what a buyer will pay.

Manual method

The most reliable valuation:

1. Search comparable sales on NameBio or DNJournal
2. Check search volume of related terms
3. Analyze competition - who would want this domain?
4. Calculate potential return - what is the domain worth to a specific company?

Selling your domain

Where to sell

• Sedo - Largest international marketplace
• Dan.com - User-friendly, low commission
• Afternic - Large network
• Direct - Via your own website or network

Tips for selling

Set a realistic price Too high and nobody offers. Too low and you leave money on the table. Use comparable sales as guidance.

Make the domain attractive

• Put up a "for sale" page
• List contact details
• Show statistics (search volume, backlinks)

Be accessible Respond quickly to questions and offers. Interested buyers lose interest with slow responses.

Use escrow For amounts over €500, an escrow service is wise. Protects both buyer and seller.

Realistic expectations

Most domains are worth little. Honest statistics:

• 90% of domains: €0-100
• 9% of domains: €100-1,000
• 0.9% of domains: €1,000-10,000
• 0.1% of domains: €10,000+

Premium prices are only achievable for:

• Short, generic words
• Exact match for popular searches
• Perfect brand names
• Domains with existing traffic

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my domain is valuable? Check comparable sales, search volume, and whether there's commercial interest in the term. If nobody searches for your word, there's probably no market.

How long does it take to sell a domain? From weeks to years. Premium domains sell faster. Average domains can be listed for a long time.

Should I set a minimum price? Yes, especially at auctions. Otherwise you risk selling below value.

Can I value an unregistered domain? Technically not - it's not property yet. But you can estimate what it would be worth after registration.

Considering buying a domain? Read our guide on buying premium domains or compare domain prices at registrars.