Is Buying Domains Still Worth It? Insights from a Domain Investor’s Journey

Domain investing can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. Over the years, I’ve collected a range of domains with the hope of turning them into profitable projects. Some ideas, like fullscreen.app or onboarding.game, had clear visions but remained undeveloped, while others became landing pages designed to sell the domains to potential buyers. This blog post explores whether domain investing is still worth it and the key insights I’ve learned from this journey.

Why Buying Domains Can Still Be Worth It

1. Premium Domains Hold Value

Short, memorable, and keyword-rich domains remain in high demand. Businesses are willing to pay for domains that:

  • Reflect their brand.
  • Improve SEO with relevant keywords.
  • Convey professionalism and trust.

For example, domains like fullscreen.app and onboarding.game tap into specific industries, increasing their appeal to businesses in those niches.

2. Emerging Trends Open Opportunities

New industries often drive domain demand. Some of the most promising areas include:

  • Gamification, as seen with onboarding.game.
  • AI and machine learning.
  • Sustainability and green technologies.

Aligning your domain investments with these trends can increase the likelihood of profitable sales.

3. Acceptance of New TLDs

While .com domains are still the gold standard, newer TLDs like .app, .game, or .tech are gaining traction. These descriptive extensions can make your domain stand out in a specific niche, as with fullscreen.app.

4. Domains as Digital Real Estate

Domains function like virtual real estate. Just as prime locations in cities appreciate over time, unique and relevant domains hold value. With proper foresight, domains can become valuable digital assets.

Challenges of Domain Investing

1. High Competition

The domain market is saturated, with many investors competing for premium names. Securing domains with clear value often requires significant upfront investment.

2. Unpredictable Sales

Domains don’t sell overnight. Selling a domain can take years, and some never find buyers due to:

  • Niche specificity.
  • Overpricing.
  • Lack of perceived value.

3. Recurring Costs

Domain ownership comes with costs:

  • Annual renewal fees.
  • Fees for listing on marketplaces like Sedo or GoDaddy.

Without regular sales, these costs can quickly add up.

4. Shifting Trends

What’s popular today might be irrelevant tomorrow. Domains tied to specific trends require timing and market awareness.

Making Domain Investing Work

1. Quality Over Quantity

Instead of amassing many domains, focus on a smaller portfolio of high-quality names. Look for:

  • Short, brandable names.
  • Industry-specific keywords.
  • Descriptive domains with clear purposes.

2. Stay Ahead of Trends

Research upcoming markets and technologies. Domains tied to AI, blockchain, or renewable energy have a higher likelihood of growing in value.

3. Develop Mini-Projects

Turn parked domains into simple websites or landing pages. A functional domain is often more appealing to buyers than a static placeholder.

For example, I created sales pages for:

  • fullscreen.app, a tool for displaying text as large as possible.
  • onboarding.game, a platform for gamified onboarding experiences.
  • magicpony.de, a whimsical domain with broad creative potential.

4. Use Marketplaces

Listing your domains on platforms like Sedo, GoDaddy Auctions, or Dan.com increases visibility and connects you with potential buyers.

5. Patience is Key

Domain investing is a long-term game. Some valuable sales happen years after the domain was purchased. Don’t expect quick profits.

Conclusion: Is It Still Worth It?

Yes, domain investing can still be worthwhile if approached strategically. Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience:

  • Treat domain investing as a side project rather than a primary income source.
  • Focus on quality over quantity.
  • Align your investments with emerging trends.
  • Create landing pages or mini-projects to increase the perceived value of your domains.

If you have ideas for domains or are sitting on undeveloped ones, now is the time to evaluate their potential. Are they aligned with market trends? Do they serve a clear purpose? If not, it might be time to let them go or reimagine their use.

Investing in domains is like planting seeds. With care, foresight, and a bit of luck, some will grow into something valuable.

📧 Contact me at: [email protected] if you’re interested in any of the domains mentioned or want to discuss domain investing further!