The Current Demand for Unused Owned Domain Names

The topic of unused owned domain names has often sparked curiosity among both domain owners and potential buyers. However, the reality is that the demand for domain names that are not in active use is virtually non-existent.

The Definition and Context of “Not Used”

The phrase “not used” can be misleading and varies widely in its interpretation. A domain name can be considered “unused” if it does not serve any commercial or promotional purpose – at least not visibly. For many domain owners, their collection of hundreds of domain names may serve as a portfolio or a personal collection, with no immediate plans for use in profit-generating activities. This is different from the commercial reality of the domain being fully operational and actively engaged in a market.

Impact on SEO and Value

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) plays a crucial role in determining the value of a domain. When a domain name is “not used” in the traditional commercial sense, it often results in a low SEO value. This is because search engines prioritize pages that are actively being used for content, interactions, and updates. Domains that are never accessed or updated seldom rank well, and their search visibility diminishes over time. Consequently, the commercial value of these unused domains significantly diminishes.

Market Accuracy and Availability

Market lists attempting to identify “unused” or “in use” domain names are often fraught with inaccuracies. Many domain owners, including myself, have domains in their collection that are in the DNS but not in active use. However, these domains still serve a function such as a placeholder for future projects or personal projects. Due to the lack of active commercial use, many of these domains are often listed as “unused” on these lists, even if they serve a unique purpose to the owner.

It is also important to note that the line between “unused” and “in use” is often blurry. For instance, a domain that is set to redirect to "This domain is for sale" might be considered technically “in use” because it still processes transactions, but its commercial utility is effectively zero. This ambiguity further muddles the accuracy of such lists, making it challenging to determine the true demand for unused owned domain names.

Practical Implications and Market Demand

From a practical standpoint, the demand for unused owned domain names is virtually zero. Potential buyers will seek out domains that are actively used and have commercial value. Even for domains that are technically “in use” (e.g., serving a simple redirect page), the SEO benefits and commercial utility are minimal, making them unattractive to most buyers.

Domain Availability and Cost Considerations

Additionally, the availability of new domain names is vast. The .com domain, in particular, offers a nearly infinite number of choices, and the cost of registering a new domain is relatively low, just $9 a year. Therefore, if a domain owner does not actively use a domain, it might be more cost-effective to purchase a new domain with a higher commercial value.

The combination of low SEO value, lack of commercial utility, and the availability of new, cheaply registered domains makes the demand for unused owned domain names virtually non-existent. This suggests that domain owners should either actively leverage their domains for commercial purposes or consider letting them expire or be reassigned to more value-driven uses.

In conclusion, the demand for unused owned domain names is negligible, and domain owners should focus on leveraging their assets for better returns. If a domain is not being used in a commercial or SEO sound manner, it is likely best to release it and use the funds elsewhere to invest in more valuable assets.