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So you’ve had a killer business idea, and you’re assembling all the key ingredients. You’ve got an Instagram handle, a pen with your business name on it, and hopefully a business plan. Wait, is there something you’re forgetting?

Whether you’ve developed high-tech software to optimize workflows or you’re selling low-tech jewelry made from driftwood and beach pebbles, you’re going to need a website, and every website starts with a domain name.

But what if the name you want, the one that’s proudly printed on your pen, is already taken? You need to know how to buy a domain name from someone.

Getting the right domain name is hugely important for your business, and the future of your brand. A strong, memorable domain will ensure you make a powerful impression on customers, and given that 70% of people won’t trust a newer extension, the right domain is essential for your credibility online.

So whether you want to buy a domain name from someone because it’s the perfect name, or it’s combined with a TLD you need to own, let’s find out how to buy a domain name from someone.

Step One: Identifying Desired Domains

The truth is, you shouldn’t be naming your business without considering domain name. In today’s virtual world, your domain name will be an essential component of your brand, so let’s see how to choose a domain name that counts.

Size matters: the average length among the top 10,000 most popular sites is 8 characters, whereas among the top 100 websites, it’s 6. But really short, ultra-premium domain names can be quite expensive. Balance length with affordability and choose a memorable domain featuring English language words and popular suffixes while remaining under 12 characters.

Your name needs to bolster your brand and it should be closely linked to your business’s deeper mission, customer expectations, and brand positioning. For example, if your aim is the change the fashion world with a line of ethically produced high heels, a domain name like EcoElegance.com will echo your aims. A funny, quirky name like reallyheely.com will conflict with your prestigious brand tone.

Lastly, you need a popular top-level domain (TLD) for your domain name. .com remains the gold-standard TLD and is found on 37.6% of domain names, but .io, .org, and .co are more popular options.

Now you know what you’re looking for, you can decide if which domains are right for you.

Determine the value

Once you’ve identified the domain name that you want for your brand, you should make an assessment of its value before you approach the owner. Domain name value is determined by several factors:

• Length.
• Extension.
• Relevance to particular industries like tech or food and drink.
• Branding potential.
• Current market trends, including popular suffixes like -ify as in Spotify.

Consider the objective value of the domain as well as what makes it particularly valuable to you and your brand. A premium domain name can be a great investment as an asset that often appreciates over time.

Step Two: Negotiation

It’s time to get your best poker face on and make a deal. But first, you need to know who you’re dealing with.

Check if a Domain Name Is Available
When you type the domain in the browser search bar, you’ll find one of three options:

If you visit a domain and there’s a active website there, it should be clear that this name is taken. But sometimes it’s not so obvious. If you see an error message, you’ll need to check if the domain is registered.

There are two ways to find out if a domain name is available. One, visit a domain registrar and search for the domain name. If the registrar gives you the option of registering the domain name, the domain is available and can be yours for a registration fee — usually between $10 and $20, or up to $60 for premium TLDs.

The other option is to search ICANN’s database of domain ownership. Not only will this tell you if the domain has been registered, but it’s also your first step in finding out who owns the domain and getting in contact.

Contact the domain owner

ICANN’s Lookup tool contains all the information about ownership and registration of domain names, but personal information is often hidden for privacy. Nevertheless, there should be a contact option, but use this proxy information as a last resort.

Most functioning websites will have a contact page, and if the domain is actively for sale then there should be a landing page with seller details. Use these details to contact the domain owner.

Negotiate a price

You should know what the domain is worth, both objectively based on the domain’s characteristics and subjectively, based on how you can use it.

If the domain is highly valuable, the services of a domain brokerage firm may be valuable in the negotiation process. Domain brokers have particular expertise and can help you navigate complex domain purchases, particularly when there’s a lot of money at stake or other brand assets are included in the deal.

Step Three: Payment

With a fair price negotiated, it’s time to pay for your domain. When purchasing a digital asset like a domain, it’s vital to use an escrow service to ensure a secure transaction.

Escrow services are a trusted third party that holds payment while the domain is transferred. This reassures the seller that payment will be released once the transaction is complete and assures the buyer that the seller can’t run off once the payment has been made.

An escrow service is essential for the security of both parties. If the seller insists on a direct transfer of funds, this could mean that they’re not acting legitimately. You could be the victim of a scam.

Step Four: Domain Transfer and DNS Setup

Once the funds are placed in escrow, the domain transfer process can take place. This must be initiated by the seller with their domain registrar.

Before the domain can be transferred to you, you need to choose a domain registrar of your own. The domain transfer process will be quicker and easier if you choose the same registrar as the seller.

Domain transfer should take between 24 hours and 7 days, depending on your new registrar.

Consider Using a Domain Marketplace

Of course, buying a domain name from someone can be a complex and costly process, especially if they’re unwilling to sell.

In fact, it would be a bit like if someone knocked on your front door, and demanded to buy your house: you might agree to sell at the right price, but that would be substantially more than the house was “worth”.

Instead, buying your domain from a domain marketplace like Atom ensures the domain is already for sale and helps you get the best price. Every name you find on Atom’s Premium Marketplace has been carefully curated by domain and branding experts, and is paired with a top-tier TLD.

What’s more, Atom provides escrow and domain transfer services to ensure every step of the transaction is secure and seamless. We make buying a domain so easy, you don’t even need to know how to buy a domain name from someone.

Wrapping Up

Congratulations on your new domain. Once the domain is in your account, check the DNS settings and update your contact information. Consider using domain privacy to protect your personal information in the ICANN database, and be sure not to let your registration expire.

Now you know how to buy a domain name from someone, you can start shopping around. But before you start haggling with Larry Page over google.com, visit Atom’s Premium Domain Marketplace.

These domains are memorable, brandable and always combine with a high profile extension. And what’s more? They’re already for sale. No negotiation needed.