For those new to working with expired domains, we will clearly explain the necessary terms and related knowledge. Use this article to deepen your understanding of expired domains and make the most of them effectively.
Basic Terminology
Domain Name
A domain name is an address used to identify a website on the internet. For example, “example.com” is a human-readable string that users utilize to access a website. Each domain name is unique and cannot be duplicated by another site.
Top-Level Domain (TLD)
The part of the domain name that appears at the end, indicating the type or country of the domain. For example, “.com” represents commercial use, “.net” is for networks, and “.jp” denotes Japan. TLDs function as a simple way to identify the purpose or region associated with a domain.
Second-Level Domain (SLD)
This part comes right before the TLD and usually contains the name of an organization or individual. In “example.com,” “example” is the SLD. SLDs are often used for brand names or service names and are chosen for memorability and distinctiveness.
Subdomain
A section added before the main domain to indicate a specific part or service of a website. In “blog.example.com,” “blog” is the subdomain. Subdomains help efficiently manage large sites or separate different types of content.
Registrar
A company that manages and provides domain name registration services. Users obtain, renew, and manage domains through a registrar. Examples include GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Onamae.com.
Registry
An organization or body responsible for managing a specific TLD. Registries collaborate with registrars to maintain domain registration data and enforce TLD policies. For instance, VeriSign operates as the registry for “.com.”
DNS (Domain Name System)
A system that links domain names with IP addresses. DNS allows users to access websites via human-readable domain names while the actual communication is based on IP addresses. As a fundamental technology of the internet, DNS supports fast and accurate domain resolution.
Name Server
A server that stores DNS information and provides the corresponding IP address for a domain name. Name servers route traffic to websites or mail servers based on the domain’s settings. Typically, name servers are provided by registrars or hosting services.
WHOIS
A publicly accessible database that displays domain registrant information, such as the owner’s name, address, email, and phone number. While WHOIS enhances transparency, private registration options are available to protect privacy.
IP Address
A numerical address used to identify devices on the internet. Examples include “192.168.0.1” or the IPv6 format “2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334.” IP addresses enable routing between devices during network communications.
SSL Certificate
A digital certificate that encrypts communication on a website, preventing data interception or tampering. When an SSL certificate is implemented, the URL begins with “https://,” signaling to users that the site is secure. SSL is essential for sites handling online transactions or personal information.
Terms Related to Expired Domains
Expired Domain
An expired domain is a domain name that was previously used but is no longer owned by anyone. which are available for re-registration. Expired domains can retain their past operational history and backlinks, making them valuable for SEO purposes. However, it’s essential to thoroughly research the domain before purchasing, as it may have been penalized due to its past usage.
For more detailed information on expired domains, please refer to this article.
Key Domain Metrics: DR, DA, PA, TR
When selecting expired domains, key SEO metrics like DR, DA, PA, and TR play an important role. These metrics are used to assess the reliability and authority of a domain or page, helping to maximize SEO performance.
- DR (Domain Rating): A metric provided by Ahrefs that reflects the strength of a domain’s overall backlink profile. A high DR means the domain has strong backlinks, contributing to improved search engine rankings.
- DA (Domain Authority): A metric from Moz that predicts the ability of a domain to rank in search engines. It is scored on a scale from 1 to 100, with higher DA domains being more likely to appear in top search results.
- PA (Page Authority): Another Moz metric that predicts the ranking potential of an individual page, also scored from 1 to 100. Pages with high PA tend to rank higher in search results.
- TR (Trust Rating): Provided by Majestic, this metric evaluates the trustworthiness of a domain. A higher TR suggests that the domain has many links from trustworthy sites, positively impacting SEO.
For more details on these domain metrics, please check out our guide “Understanding SEO Metrics: What Are DR, DA, and PA? Essential SEO Metrics for Choosing Expired Domains.”
Drop Catch
The process of quickly acquiring a domain name that has expired and been released. Drop catching requires using specialized services or tools to outpace competitors. It’s common to use multiple services to increase success rates.
Backorder
A service that allows users to place an order to automatically attempt to purchase a domain when it becomes available again. By using a backorder service, you can avoid manually monitoring domains and ensure you don’t miss the opportunity. Success rates vary depending on the service and competition.
Domain Age
The time that has passed since a domain was first registered. Older domains are generally considered more trustworthy and may hold an SEO advantage. Domain age is one of the factors search engines use to assess a site’s reliability.
Backlinks
A collection of external links pointing to a domain or webpage. The quality and quantity of backlinks affect a site’s credibility and authority. A strong backlink profile boosts SEO and contributes to higher search rankings.
SEO-Related Terminology
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
The practice of optimizing a website to improve its ranking in search engine results. SEO involves enhancing a site’s content, technical settings, and external links to increase search engine evaluation. Effective SEO can lead to increased organic traffic.
Backlink
A link from another website pointing to your site. Backlinks are an important factor in search engine rankings as they indicate a site’s trustworthiness and authority. High-quality backlinks enhance SEO performance and can lead to higher rankings.
Link Juice
The value or authority passed through a backlink to a site. Links from authoritative sites provide more link juice, improving your site’s SEO. Internal links can also distribute link juice throughout a site, aiding in overall SEO strategy.
Redirect
A system that automatically sends users from one URL to another. Redirects ensure that traffic is directed to the correct page, even after a site structure change or page update, preserving SEO value.
301 Redirect
A type of HTTP status code that indicates a permanent redirect. Implementing a 301 redirect informs search engines that the page has permanently moved, passing SEO value to the new URL. It is particularly useful during site renewals or URL structure changes.
Penalty
A reduction in a site’s ranking imposed by a search engine due to improper SEO tactics (black-hat SEO) or spammy behavior. Penalties make it harder for the site to appear in search results, resulting in a significant traffic decrease. Avoiding penalties requires adhering to search engine guidelines and ethical SEO practices.
PBN (Private Blog Network)
A PBN, or Private Blog Network, refers to a network of supplementary websites created to enhance the SEO performance of a main site. Typically, multiple PBN sites are built to link back to the main site, with the goal of improving the main site’s search engine ranking. PBNs are often created using expired domains, which already possess authority, allowing for quicker SEO benefits. However, excessive manipulation of links can violate search engine guidelines, so careful management is crucial.
For more detailed information on PBNs, please refer to “【Definitive Edition】Glossary of Terms for Expired Domains.”
Content Restoration
The process of recreating or restoring a website’s past content. Content restoration allows site owners to reference or reuse older content to improve their current site or recapture past traffic. Tools like the Wayback Machine can be used to view historical content.
IP Address Diversity
The presence of backlinks from a diverse range of IP addresses. Diverse IP sources are seen as a natural backlink profile, enhancing a site’s trustworthiness. A diversified link-building strategy can help improve search engine rankings.
Wayback Machine
A service provided by the Internet Archive that allows users to view past versions of web pages. The Wayback Machine can be used to check the historical usage and content of a domain, helping evaluate expired domains.
Domain Evaluation and Trading
Domain Evaluation
The process of assessing the market or SEO value of a domain name. Evaluation is based on factors such as domain age, backlink profile, trust flow, and the presence of keywords. Accurate evaluation is essential for fair trading and post-purchase strategies.
Domain Value
The monetary value or potential profit of a domain name. Domain value is influenced by factors like market demand, brandability, SEO benefits, and memorability. High-value domains can contribute to business growth.
Premium Domain
A memorable, highly sought-after domain name with significant value. Premium domains are usually short, contain common keywords, and have strong brand potential. These domains are often traded for high prices in the aftermarket.
Domain Auction
A marketplace where domain names are bought and sold via a bidding process. In auctions, potential buyers place bids, and the highest bidder wins the domain. Popular domains often attract competitive bidding, and the final price usually reflects the market value.
Domain Marketplace
An online platform for buying and selling domain names. Major marketplaces include Sedo, GoDaddy Auctions, and Namecheap, where users can trade domains across various price ranges and niches.
Domain Flipping
The practice of purchasing domains and reselling them to others. Domain flipping aims to make a profit by selling domains at a higher price than they were acquired for. Success depends on identifying in-demand domains and understanding market trends.
Escrow Service
A third-party service that holds funds or the domain during a transaction to ensure a safe trade. Using an escrow service provides security for both the buyer and seller. Escrow.com is a well-known provider of such services.
Domain Status and Management
Redemption Period
A grace period after a domain’s expiration, allowing the original owner to re-register it. Typically lasting around 30 days, the domain enters a deletion process if not renewed during this period. Additional fees often apply for re-registration during the redemption period.
Domain Transfer
The process of moving domain management to a different registrar. A transfer requires an authorization code (Auth Code) and includes security measures to ensure safety. Transfers typically take a few days, with specific conditions set by the receiving registrar.
Domain Renewal
The process of extending the registration period for a domain name. Failing to renew a domain before it expires can result in losing it, making timely renewal crucial for important domains. Renewal can usually be done easily through the registrar’s dashboard.
Registrar Lock
A security setting that prevents unauthorized transfers or changes to a domain name. Enabling registrar lock protects the domain from being transferred or modified without the owner’s consent. For enhanced domain security, it’s recommended to always keep the lock enabled.
Deletion (Drop) Period
The time frame in which a domain is fully deleted and available for re-registration by anyone. After passing through the redemption and grace periods, the domain is released to the public. Popular domains may be difficult to re-register once they drop.
Registrar Privacy (WHOIS Privacy)
A service that keeps domain registrant information private by hiding it from the WHOIS database. Registrar privacy protects personal details such as name, address, and email from public view, making it useful for personal or privacy-conscious businesses.
DNS Settings
Configurations that link a domain name with an IP address. DNS settings include A records, CNAME records, and MX records, ensuring proper website and email service functionality through correct configuration.
Changing Name Servers
The process of switching the name servers a domain references. Changing name servers allows you to update DNS settings or web hosting services. After making changes, DNS propagation may take several hours to up to 48 hours.