If your domain portfolio looks like a digital hoarder’s basement, you’re not alone. Investors grab names like candy, only to face a renewal bill that could fund a small country. Most of those domains? Worthless. This guide will help you purge the junk, slash costs, and maybe even make a buck off the leftovers. Let’s get ruthless.
Why You Need a Purge
Every year, you’re shelling out $10–$15 per domain to keep the lights on. A 200-name portfolio costs $2,000 annually—money that’s wasted if half those names are unsellable. A lean portfolio beats a bloated one every time. Time to grab the trash bags.
Step 1: Spot the Junk
Junk domains are the dead weight dragging you down. Here’s how to ID them:
- No Traffic, No Offers: If it’s been a year with zero interest, it’s toast.
- Shitty TLDs: Anything.xyz or Random.club—unless it’s a rare gem, ditch it.
- Overly Niche: BestTacoTrucksInOhio.com sounds fun until you realize no one’s buying.
Action Step: List your domains. Flag anything that hasn’t moved in 12 months.
Step 2: Assess the Keepers
Not everything’s trash. Some domains are worth holding or selling:
- Short .coms: they have potential if they make sense and are memorable — keep them.
- Keyword Gold: High-search-volume terms like “crypto” or “real estate” still have juice.
- Brandable Names: Good names that pass the radio test could catch an end user’s eye.
Pro Tip: Check NameBio for comps. If similar names sold, yours might too.
Step 3: Dump the Trash
Once you’ve sorted the junk, don’t renew it—let it expire. But first:
- Drop the Rest: Stop the bleeding. Unsellable names aren’t worth the $10 renewal.
Action Step: Set a deadline (e.g., 30 days) to sell cheap or let them lapse.
Step 4: Profit from the Middle
Mid-tier domains—decent but not stellar—can turn a profit if you play it smart:
- Set a BIN Price: “Buy It Now” at $500–$1,000 on marketplaces beats waiting for offers.
- Target End Users: Email businesses that match the name (e.g., hotel aggregators for HotelCrunch.com).
- Bundle and Sell: Group similar names (e.g., travel-related domains) for a bulk deal.
Pro Tip: Use WHOIS to find potential buyers’ contact info.
Conclusion: Less Junk, More Cash
A portfolio purge isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about refocusing on what sells. Ditch the junk, keep the gems, and flip the rest. You’ll save on renewals and maybe even pocket some profit. Stop hoarding—start winning.