"How much is my domain worth?" It's the most common question in the domain industry—and one of the hardest to answer accurately. Unlike real estate with comparable neighborhood sales, domains are unique digital assets with wildly variable values.
I've seen identical-looking domains sell for $50 and $50,000. The difference? Understanding what actually drives value and using the right combination of tools and methods. In this guide, I'll show you how to appraise domains like a professional.
Understanding Domain Appraisal
Domain appraisal is the process of estimating a domain name's market value. Unlike traditional assets, domain values are influenced by highly subjective factors:
- Length: Shorter domains command premium prices (3-5 characters are most valuable)
- Keywords: High-CPC keywords indicate commercial value
- Extension: .com is worth 5-10x other TLDs
- Brandability: Easy to remember, spell, and pronounce
- Search Volume: More searches = more potential traffic value
- Industry Demand: Hot sectors (AI, crypto, health) command premiums
Important Reality Check
Automated appraisals can be off by 50-500%. They're useful starting points, but never rely on them alone for important financial decisions. Always verify with actual comparable sales data.
Top Domain Appraisal Tools Compared
Estibot
Industry StandardThe most widely-used automated appraisal tool. Analyzes keyword value, search volume, CPC, and length. Free basic appraisals with premium features available.
Best for: Quick initial valuations, bulk appraisals
GoDaddy Domain Appraisal
Largest DatabasePowered by sales data from the world's largest registrar. Uses machine learning trained on millions of actual transactions.
Best for: .com valuations, understanding market trends
NameBio
Most Accurate MethodDatabase of 500,000+ verified domain sales. Search comparable sales to see what similar domains actually sold for.
Best for: Research-based valuations, validating automated appraisals
Sedo Appraisal
International FocusIncludes buyer demand metrics showing how many users searched for similar domains. Good for ccTLDs and international domains.
Best for: European domains, ccTLDs, demand validation
Tool Comparison Table
| Tool | Price | Best Feature | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estibot | Free / $29+/mo | Bulk appraisals, keyword analysis | Medium |
| GoDaddy | Free | ML-powered, sales data | Medium-High |
| NameBio | Free / $9.99/mo | Actual sales database | Highest (research) |
| Sedo | Free | Demand metrics, international | Medium |
| DNJournal | Free | Weekly verified sales reports | Highest (research) |
The Professional Appraisal Method
Here's the exact process I use to value domains:
Step 1: Gather Automated Appraisals
Get appraisals from at least 3 sources (Estibot, GoDaddy, Sedo). Note the range—if they vary wildly, the domain may be difficult to value and sell.
Step 2: Research Comparable Sales
Search NameBio for domains with similar:
- Length (same number of characters)
- Extension (.com vs .net vs .io)
- Keywords or industry
- Structure (single word, two-word, brandable)
Step 3: Analyze Keyword Value
Use Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs to check:
- Monthly search volume for the exact match
- Cost-per-click (CPC) indicates commercial value
- Related keywords and their values
Step 4: Evaluate Brandability
Ask yourself:
- Can it be pronounced easily by non-native speakers?
- Is it spelled how it sounds?
- Does it fit a specific industry or is it versatile?
- Would a startup put this on their pitch deck?
Step 5: Calculate Final Value Range
Combine your findings:
- Floor: Lowest comparable sale × 0.8
- Ceiling: Highest comparable sale × 1.2
- Likely Value: Average of automated tools adjusted by comps
Pro Tip: The "Company Test"
Search for companies or brands using similar domain patterns. If well-funded startups are using comparable names, it validates demand. Check Crunchbase and LinkedIn for examples.
Common Appraisal Mistakes
- Trusting single appraisals: Always get multiple data points
- Ignoring extension impact: A .net is not worth the same as .com
- Overvaluing personal attachment: Your domain isn't worth more because you like it
- Missing trademark issues: Trademark conflicts can make domains worthless
- Outdated comparables: Sales from 5+ years ago may not reflect current market
When to Hire a Professional Appraiser
Consider paid professional appraisals when:
- The domain may be worth $10,000+
- You need documentation for legal or financial purposes
- Automated tools give wildly inconsistent values
- The domain is highly specialized or unique
Reputable appraisal services include:
- Estibot Pro: $25-50 per appraisal
- Sedo Pro: $99 professional appraisal
- Independent Appraisers: Check NamePros marketplace
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a 100% accurate domain appraisal tool?
No. Domain values are inherently subjective and depend on finding the right buyer. The best approach combines multiple tools with comparable sales research.
Why do different tools give different values?
Each tool uses different algorithms, data sources, and weighting factors. Estibot emphasizes keywords, GoDaddy uses sales history, etc. The truth usually lies somewhere in between.
How often should I reappraise my domains?
Market values shift with trends. Reappraise annually, or when: industry trends change, similar domains sell, or you're considering selling.
Names.Center Editorial Team
Domain valuation experts helping investors make informed decisions.
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