When to Buy a New Domain and When to Buy an Expired One

Learn the upsides and downsides to buying a new domain or an expired one.

Brand new or well-worn? When buying a house, you’ll encounter this question at a certain point. Buying a domain name also calls for the same question. Would you prefer to start from scratch with a new one or take an expired one with a bit of history?

This will be important to consider because your domain name, whether new or expired, is your online address. It’s how people find you and interact with your brand.  

Both options have their share of benefits and drawbacks. However, your choice boils down to your needs, budget, and competition. Learn more here on how to make the right choice for building your online presence. 

Domain.com has over 300 domain extensions to choose from to help set your website apart from the rest. It all starts with a great domain.  

What are new domain names?

Think of a new domain as a fresh coat of paint on a blank wall. It’s yours to create, with no leftover marks or smudges from its previous owner.  

There’s no history to worry about, not even hidden backlinks. It’s a clean slate, a digital blank canvas where you can shape your online brand exactly as you want. 

How are new domains registered? 

The registration process for a new domain is easy, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. You choose a domain registrar, browse the available domain names, and then check out.  

Once it’s yours, that domain name becomes your exclusive online address, ready to show your website or any other digital projects you dream up. 

Advantages of new domains 

  • Clean slate. No worries about inheriting any negative SEO history or spammy backlinks.  

  • Branding freedom. You have complete control over your brand’s online presence from the get-go.

  • Cost-effective. New domains are generally more affordable than expired ones.  

Disadvantages of new domains  

  • Building from scratch. You’ll need to put in the effort to build authority and backlinks to rank in search engines.  

  • Time factor. It may take longer to see results in search engine rankings than in an established domain.  

However, since new domain names have yet to establish their online presence, you must build web traffic and an audience from scratch. This also means you’ll need to create the infrastructure, like a website or social media pages, for your marketing channels.  

But, if you’re looking for a domain name with a head start, you may want expired domains instead. 

What are expired domains?

Domain names expire when they’re registered but not renewed by their owner. When a domain expires, it becomes available for anyone to register again. They might have an existing backlink profile, domain authority, and some residual traffic, which can be attractive for search engine optimization.  

It’s like buying a used car together with the high-end modifications that its previous owner did on the car. That’s an unexpected bonus you might get with good, expired domains.  

It could already have a loyal following, a network of valuable backlinks, and even a steady stream of visitors. Backlinks are hyperlinks from one web page to another. 

They’re important, especially high-quality ones. High-quality ones make domains more credible to search engines like Google and develop higher authority.  

An expired domain name can boost your marketing efforts and make it easier to connect with eager customers. 

Advantages of expired domains 

  • SEO potential. You can inherit good backlinks, domain authority, and a potential head start in search engine rankings. 

  • Brand recognition. The expired domain may already have brand recognition or an established audience. 

Disadvantages of expired domains

  • Cost. Expired domains, especially those with strong SEO metrics, can be significantly more expensive than new ones.

  • Hidden risks. There’s a risk of inheriting negative SEO history, penalties, or spammy backlinks. 

  • Due diligence. Thorough research is essential to evaluate the domain’s history and backlink profile. 

But, like any pre-owned purchase, there’s a catch. You never know the full story behind expired domain names. It may come with baggage, like a questionable past that could hurt your reputation. This means the domain was involved in pirating, phishing, or even distributing malware. 

That’s why it’s crucial to do your due diligence. Dig into the domain’s history, check its backlinks, and try to track down the previous domain owner with a WhoIs search.

Factors to consider in choosing a domain

Your business and goals affect your decision whether to buy new or expired domain names. Consider the following factors when choosing which domain to buy. 

Budget

New domains are generally more budget-friendly since they’re fresh and unused. Expired domains tend to range from moderately priced to very expensive. They become expensive when they have a strong online history, high-quality backlinks, or strong brand recognition. 

Goals and timeline

If you need to establish a brand quickly and rank in search engines faster, an expired domain name with good SEO metrics might be beneficial. This can give your brand a head start and an edge. 

On the other hand, a new domain might be better if you have a longer timeline and want complete control over your brand’s online presence.  

Your risk tolerance

Due to their previous history, expired domains come with some inherent risks. They may have been used for suspicious or fraudulent activities, affecting your site’s credibility.  

If you want to play safe, you can get new domains, but building authority will require more effort.  

Niche and competition

An expired domain name with existing authority might give you an edge in highly competitive niches. Having existing authority will help you reduce the work needed to build your credibility and make your site more search engine-friendly. 

In less competitive niches, a new domain might be sufficient where you can build your authority along the way. 

Domain name and branding

Consider the availability of your desired domain name and how it aligns with your brand persona. For example, there are cases where you’re looking for a domain name related to knitting but can’t find a new one that fits your brand. In this case, you may find luck with expired domains.  

Making the final choice between new and expired domains

The decision between a new and an expired domain isn’t always straightforward. Both have their merits depending on your goals and resources, but there are certain situations where they’re more appropriate. 

Buy a new domain if:

You’re launching a brand-new venture

If you’re starting a new business or project and want to establish a unique online persona from the ground up, a new domain is the way to go. It gives you complete control over your brand’s digital presence, allowing you to build your reputation and authority entirely.

You’re working with a tight budget

New domains are generally more affordable than expired ones, making them an attractive option for startups and budget-conscious individuals. You can secure a relevant and memorable domain name without breaking the bank.

You’re in it for the long haul

Building online authority and backlinks takes time and effort. If you’re patient and willing to invest in a long-term strategy, a new domain provides a clean slate to cultivate a strong online presence organically.

You want a fresh start

With a brand-new domain, you can rest assured that there’s no hidden baggage from previous owners. You won’t have to worry about inheriting negative SEO history or spammy backlinks that could harm your website’s reputation.

Buy expired domains if:

You need a quick SEO boost

Expired domain names with established authority and backlinks can be a powerful tool if you want to accelerate your search engine rankings and gain visibility faster. It gives you a head start in the competitive online landscape.

You’re in a fiercely competitive niche

A good, expired domain with existing authority can provide a significant advantage in industries where competition is fierce. It can help you break through the clutter and establish your presence alongside established players.

You have the budget for a premium domain

Expired domains, especially those with solid SEO metrics, can be more expensive than new domains. If you’re willing to invest in a premium domain to gain a competitive edge, an expired domain might be the right choice.

You’re prepared to do your due diligence

Buying expired domain names requires careful research and evaluation. You must investigate the domain history, backlink profile, and potential negative SEO associations. If you’re comfortable with this process and willing to put in the effort, an expired domain can offer significant benefits.

Having some pre-existing traffic and backlinks can be beneficial in a crowded market. You’re instantly on par with established businesses and have a fighting chance to grab your market share.

However, starting with a new domain name can still lead to success. With the right strategy, you’ll build up your traffic and quickly catch up to those other brands.

If you’re the type who likes to build things from the ground up, a new domain name is probably your best bet. But if you’re eager to hit the ground running right away, a reputable expired domain name may be the shortcut you’re looking for.

Tips for buying expired domains

Going through expired domains requires careful consideration and thorough research. However, you can do some things to make the right choice.

Dig into the domain’s past

You can use tools like the Wayback Machine to see how the website looked in the past. You can also check archive.org for any previous content or activities associated with the domain name. 

Analyze the backlink profile

Backlinks are like votes of confidence from other websites and play a crucial role in SEO. Use SEO tools like Ahrefs or Moz to assess the quality and quantity of backlinks pointing to the expired domain. Look for a healthy mix of relevant and authoritative links, and steer clear of domains with a history of low-quality backlinks.

Check for hidden SEO issues

Make sure the domain name hasn’t been penalized by search engines for past issues like black-hat SEO tactics or spammy content. These penalties can severely impact your website’s visibility and rankings. Tools like Ahrefs and Moz can also help identify potential red flags in the domain’s history.

Check for relevance

Ensure the expired domain’s previous content and niche align with your current industry or target audience. Expired domain names with a history in a completely unrelated field might not offer the SEO benefits you hope for.

Prepare some cash

A high-quality expired domain name with strong SEO metrics and a clean history is in demand, and its price reflects that. Set a realistic budget and be prepared to invest if you find an expired domain name that perfectly fits your needs.

Choose the right domain for your business

Some people prefer starting from scratch, while others prefer to brush off a little dust and carry on with what’s left of something. But ultimately, buying a new or expired domain name depends on what you need for your business.  

The bottom line? Choosing the perfect domain name is all about finding the right balance. Weigh the pros and cons, think about your budget, and risk what you’re comfortable with. Ultimately, the best domain is the one that fits your online strategy like a glove, no matter which you choose.

Domain.com has over 300 domain extensions to choose from to help set your website apart from the rest. It all starts with a great domain.

FAQ

Is a new domain better than an expired one? 

It depends on your specific needs and goals. New domains offer a clean slate and total control, while an expired domain may provide SEO benefits but with potential risks. 

Is buying an expired domain worth it? 

It can be, especially if you find high-quality expired domains with strong SEO metrics and relevant backlinks. However, thorough research is important to avoid any negative surprises. 

How soon after a domain expires can I buy it?

The exact timeframe varies, but you can try to register expired domain names after they become available through a domain registrar or auction platform. 

How long is a domain considered new?

There’s no strict definition, but generally, a domain is considered new for the first few months or up to a year after registration. 


Deutsche Mark Rondina
Deutsche Mark Rondina

Deutsche is a content writer at Domain.com, passionate about creating high-quality web content that empowers online businesses to succeed globally. When he’s not writing, he enjoys playing the guitar, exploring online games, and staying active in investing, business, and marketing.

Deutsche Mark Rondina
Deutsche Mark Rondina

Deutsche is a content writer at Domain.com, passionate about creating high-quality web content that empowers online businesses to succeed globally. When he’s not writing, he enjoys playing the guitar, exploring online games, and staying active in investing, business, and marketing.