26 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
26 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

The dangers of registering some expired domains...

by Gene Pimentel
19 replies
Freshly expired domains are a gold-mine if you know what to look for. This post is going to approach it from a different angle though - this is about how to avoid registering an expired domain name that can do you more harm than good.

Some otherwise excellent expiring/expired domains have a history you may not want to be associated with. For example, if a domain name was previously used for hate, illegal subject matter, porn or anything objectionable, do you want that history to be attached to whatever your intentions are for the domain name?

Here are two ways you can quickly and easily view the content that was previously contained on a domain name (expired or not):

Nasa.gov - NASA - Home - Screenshot History

Internet Archive: Wayback Machine

It is also a good idea to search Google for the domain name in quotes ("domainname.com") to find mentions and occurrences on the web.

There are many other ways to research, but these three steps should quickly reveal if a domain name you're considering has a less than desirable history.

Gene
#avoid #dangers #domains #expired #registering
  • Profile picture of the author Brad Gosse
    So true man, I have purchased a few expired domains that were part of a bogus link scheme. Needless to say ranking was impossible.
    Signature
    Free Clip Art
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4525619].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author CTonline09
    Thanks for the info, much appreciated!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4525631].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author moneymakerz
    ya some domains have backlinks coming from banned sites.......and that is not considered good by google
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4526465].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author YonghoShin
    If you use email autoresponders, ALWAYS check the domain's history! Here's why:

    I remember hearing Eben Pagan say that he bought a domain once without checking the history, and he thought nothing was wrong until a big chunk of his emails were getting caught in spam filters.

    It turns out that the previous owner had abused the domain, and many of the major email services blacklisted the domain from sending emails. And yes, it carries over to new owners.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4526666].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Gene Pimentel
      Originally Posted by YonghoShin View Post

      If you use email autoresponders, ALWAYS check the domain's history! Here's why:

      I remember hearing Eben Pagan say that he bought a domain once without checking the history, and he thought nothing was wrong until a big chunk of his emails were getting caught in spam filters.

      It turns out that the previous owner had abused the domain, and many of the major email services blacklisted the domain from sending emails. And yes, it carries over to new owners.
      Yes, this is another excellent point. It is a good idea to check the domain name against the spam control databases.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4528356].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Gene Pimentel
    Yeah, I've had several of those along the way too Michael. Sometimes no evidence is left. The only thing you can do is fuggetaboutit, or be really patient until Google recognizes the change of ownership/purpose.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4528508].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author BinaryQwest
    Got onto one of these domains and never was able to get it indexed or use it in PPC. No matter what I done I couldn't get the Quality Score in Adwords up. Finally after about 6 months back and forth with Adwords support The lifted the ban on the quality score or whatever but I never could get it indexed and ranking. Nothing to do but let it expire and be someone else headache for a bit.
    Signature
    FREE Download - Boost Your Fiverr Conversions in Just 5 Minutes! Click Here for the WSO Thread
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4529265].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Michael Shook
      I have a number of previously expired domains I have picked. Out of 10 or so, I have 2 phenomenal performers. But the rest of them, I couldn't get to index properly or rank at all.

      I usually use wayback, but sometimes it is down, so I am very glad to see domaintools here. I had forgotten all about that. Thank you for that tip.
      Signature


      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4529320].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Gene Pimentel
    Google does provide a way to request that a domain be reindexed, but I'm not sure what they require for evidence of new ownership these days. I haven't had the need to go that far. Has anybody tried that recently?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4530847].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author halfpoint
      [DELETED]
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4531194].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Gene Pimentel
        Originally Posted by Pat Jackson View Post

        In my experience the domains that have been used for bad purposes or don't meet my criteria are in a relatively small minority.
        Same here. The percentage is small, but if the intention is to build a site and invest in promotions, it's vital to check the history to decide the best path to take.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4534356].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ashley Gable
    wow! Thank you! I purchased a domain on ebay a few weeks ago, it was 10 years old, plus I had an idea for it.

    Thanks to you I now found out it used to be a porn site! ha!

    Wish I had known that before. Just bookmarked that site and will use
    it whenever I am going to buy a previously registered site.

    Ashley

    Although I may still have a use for it, can anyone say "action"!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4531368].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jim Zboran
    Never would have thought about this at this stage of game. Thanks for sharing the voice of experience. I'm running through my domain names now. So far so good...

    ...oh, and the potential for toxic backlinks too. Wow, glad I ran across this now. Looks like some great new steps to work into a rapidly growing system.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4593751].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author glinda2011
    I am planning to buy a domain and thanks for this info..Now I know that there are many things to consider.
    Signature
    Internet Marketing Blueprint----> Free Fast Cash Videos
    Free Internet Marketing Videos
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4593805].message }}

Trending Topics