Buying pre-owned domain names it can be a brilliant way of gaining traffic without starting from the beginning stages. Many owners do not renew their domain names – many of these sites will still attract traffic.

Many domains are put up for sale surplus to owner requirements. Web directories, Search Engines or various links can all direct traffic.

Google can track if site contents have changed and adjust rank with regards to this however not every search engine is this diverse. Owners of a Directory do not normally check previous sites submitted (however some may bring a substantial amount of traffic e.g. Dmoz, Yahoo). It is important to check the background of used names as they may have been black listed or banned.

It is important to change a registrant field after purchasing a pre-owned Domain Name and ensure you are named as the legal owner. Also, transfer the domain name so it is under a registrar account with your own control. Traffic brought to your site can increase significantly regarding buying a previously saving much time and effort however there may be disadvantages in looking at the predecessor’s shady background.

Nathan Barham