In the world of domain names, two distinct categories often raise questions among website owners and digital marketers: aged domains and expired domains.
Lots of people get these two mixed up, but it’s important to remember: expired domains are not the same as aged domains!
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between aged and expired domains, helping you make informed decisions about your digital investments and online strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Expired domains are domains that were previously registered but were not renewed, while aged domains are domains that have been in active use for an extended period without being dropped or expired.
- Similarities between expired and aged domains include prior ownership, potential SEO benefits, and availability for purchase from domain marketplaces (such as SEO.Domains) or domain auctions (like those on GoDaddy).
- Aged Domains: have a constant ownership history, available for purchase or transfer; may have an existing website, content, backlinks, and a digital footprint; are often considered more trustworthy by search engines and users; are more expensive especially if the domain has a recognized brand, valuable keywords, or a long online history.
- Expired Domains: were previously registered but were not renewed, allowing them to be registered by a new owner; can be re-registered multiple times and used for different purposes that can cause lower quality and buildup of spam; expired domains are the more affordable choice.
- Quirk Biz Expert Opinion: working with a significant number of expired domains is more valuable than focusing on a few aged ones.
What is an Expired Domain?
Expired domains refer to domain names that were previously registered but were not renewed, making them available for re-registration by a new owner (everything about expired domains you can find here).
What is an Aged Domain?
Aged domains are domain names that have been in active use for an extended period without being dropped or expired. They have not been deleted or re-registered but have transitioned to new owners.
Learn more about aged domains in our article What Is An Aged Domain
Similarities Between Expired and Aged Domains
Aged and expired domains have a lot of similarities when it comes to their features and potential advantages:
- Previous Ownership: Both aged and expired domains have previously been owned and used by someone else.
- SEO Opportunities: They can both offer opportunities for SEO. Both aged and expired domains have an established online presence, history, backlinks, and traffic. This history can be used to boost a website’s SEO performance. Search engines may recognize the domain’s history and provide a head start in search rankings.
- Availability for Purchase: Aged and expired domains can typically be purchased from domain marketplaces (like SEO.Domains) or auctions (like GoDaddy). This means that people or businesses interested in buying these domains have access to various platforms where they can find and purchase the domains that suit their needs.
- Domain Authority: Both types of domains may have developed a level of domain authority over time. Domain authority is a measure of a domain’s reputation and credibility in the eyes of search engines. Aged domains, in particular, tend to have higher domain authority due to their long-standing presence on the internet.
- Trust and Reputation: Aged and expired domains may carry a level of trust and reputation in their specific niche or industry. This can be especially valuable if the domain’s history aligns with the intended use of the new website.
- Brand Recognition: In some cases, aged and expired domains may still be recognized by users and can benefit from residual brand recognition, potentially leading to increased trust and credibility among visitors.
Differences Between Expired and Aged Domains
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the differences between aged and expired domains:
Differences in Ownership Status
- Aged Domains: These domains are registered and actively used by their owners. They have a constant ownership history and are typically well-maintained.
- Expired Domains: Expired domains were previously registered by someone but were not renewed, allowing them to be re-registered by a new owner.
Differences in Availability
- Aged Domains: These domains are quite hard to find and way more expensive.
- Expired Domains: Expired domains are more affordable and are available for registration by anyone once they become available in the public domain pool.
Differences in Domain History and Usage
- Aged Domains: Aged domains may have an existing website, content, backlinks, and a digital footprint. They might have a legacy online reputation.
- Expired Domains: Expired domains can be re-registered multiple times and used for different purposes. That means each owner may have used it in different niches, concepts, and languages, leading to lower quality and buildup of spam.
Differences in Domain Authority and Trust
- Aged Domains: Aged domains tend to have higher authority and are often considered more trustworthy by search engines and users due to their long-standing presence. By “authority” here, we don`t mean Domain Authority metrics by 3rd tools such as MOZ or Semrush, but more like the concept of how search engines “look” on the domain
- Expired Domains: The domain authority of expired domains can vary widely, depending on their history and the quality of their backlinks.
Differences in Cost
- Aged Domains: Buying aged domains can be more expensive than registering a new domain, especially if the domain has a recognized brand, valuable keywords, or a strong online history.
- Expired Domains: Registering expired domains typically costs the standard domain registration fee, making them a cost-effective option.
Which One Is Better: What Do The Quirk Biz Experts Think?
Now that you know the differences between expired and aged domains, the next step is to decide which one is the best option for you.
It’s important to consider the pros and cons of each, as well as the SEO implications, domain authority, cost comparison, and risk factors.
Aged domains often have a higher domain authority and a built-in backlink profile but are more expensive and rare.
On the other hand, expired domains are cheaper and quicker to acquire and are a great option to create a private blog network(PBN).
As domain experts who have conducted multiple tests over the years (everything from new money sites, redirects, PBNs, and whatnot), we find working with a significant number of expired domains more valuable than focusing on a few aged ones.
Conclusion
The choice between expired and aged domains is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Both domain types offer unique advantages and challenges.
Your choice should depend on your goals and resources. Whether you want to build on an existing reputation or start from scratch, understanding these differences is crucial.
Success in the online domain world depends on how you use the potential of your domain, whether it’s old or new.
