1. What could this domain be developed as?

I think this question is critical in my opinion. If you can not think of something right off the top of your head or it’s not obvious then why would anyone else want to buy it? There are other reasons someone might buy a domain like traffic or revenue but generally most hand regs do not have these stats. Plus it really weeds out the bad ones pretty quick.

2. Why do you want to reg this domain?

I guess this one could go along with the first question but i think it is very different. For instance do you plan on flipping it? parking it? developing it? These factors can play in to the likely hood of buying a domain name. Most domainers would say to flip it. Which is fine but it brings us back to the first question in this case.

3. Why is it still available/expire/selling?

This can make or break a deal for me. I may look at a name and go hey that’s a good name. After further research i find that the search is low, the term is not common, or the name itself has been banned by google or something to that effect. This is critical when you do your research on a name, find out the reasons it is up for the taking. If everything checks out then it’s probably good to go.

4. Does this name contain a TM?

Well this is pretty obvious. Check the TMs and see if there is a TM on it. I guess this could relate to number 3 as well. Go here to check TMs http://www.uspto.gov/

5. Do your sources for the metrics prove to be correct?

ALWAYS check a couple different sites when evaluating a domain for a reg or buying. Some places may have incorrect or inaccurate information. This can lead to a gold mine reg turning in to a crumpled up piece of trash. Research, Research, Research.

This is just the very basic things that you should take in to consideration when regging or buying a domain. Following these questions can lead to quality domains that will sell for a profit. Always make sure that you do your research before buying a name, just because it sounds good or is “generic like” does not mean it is a good reg or buy.

This article is not to discredit any domain out there. I will be the first to say that ANY domain can be worth thousands or even millions of dollars. This is just to help your bottom line. So if you think i missed something or just have some advice you are welcome to leave a comment here.

Research, Research, Research = Quality, Quality, Quality