If you’ve recently inherited a premium domain name, you might be sitting on a digital treasure trove. Michael Gargiulo, CEO of VPN.com, recently shared his expertise on managing these high-value assets in a feature for Forbes Technology Council. His article, What to Do With Premium Domains From an Inherited Estate, offers practical strategies for navigating this unique kind of inheritance.
With the increasing role of domain names in digital branding, Gargiulo emphasizes the importance of understanding the value of these often overlooked assets. “Premium domains are the digital equivalent of prime real estate,” Gargiulo explains. “Knowing how to handle them can open the door to tremendous opportunities.”
Why Premium Domains Are a Big Deal
Short, memorable, and keyword-rich domains are highly coveted in the digital world. Brands will pay millions for the perfect domain because it boosts their visibility, credibility, and online presence. Gargiulo points out that premium domains often hold immense value but are frequently underappreciated by those who inherit them.
“Think of it like owning beachfront property,” says Gargiulo. “It’s valuable, but you have to know how to manage it, or you risk losing out.”
How to Value Your Domain: Get an Expert on Board
One of Gargiulo’s top recommendations is to get a professional evaluation of your domain. Premium domains can vary drastically in worth, and without an expert, it’s easy to misjudge their value. Domain length, keyword relevance, and traffic history all play a role in how much your domain is worth. Gargiulo stresses, “You could have a million-dollar asset and not even know it.”
He also highlights the role of market trends. “A domain that’s relevant to emerging industries or tech can spike in value overnight,” he explains.
What Should You Do with an Inherited Domain?
Once you’ve nailed down the value, you’ve got options:
- Keep and Develop: If the domain aligns with your interests or business goals, building it out into a website can increase its worth over time. “It’s like having a head start in building a successful online brand,” says Gargiulo.
- Sell It: Not looking to keep it? Selling through a domain broker can be lucrative. Gargiulo recommends working with brokers experienced in premium domain sales to ensure you get top dollar. “You don’t want to leave money on the table,” he adds.
- Lease It: Leasing the domain is another way to cash in without giving up ownership. This strategy allows businesses to use the domain while you enjoy a steady income stream.
Watch Out for These Pitfalls
Managing an inherited domain isn’t all smooth sailing. Gargiulo warns about common pitfalls, such as forgetting to renew the domain registration, which could result in losing it altogether. “Letting it expire is like leaving the door unlocked to your mansion—someone else will grab it,” he cautions.
He also advises protecting your domain from cybersquatters, who may try to snatch up similar URLs to cash in on your domain’s value. “Think ahead and secure related domain extensions,” Gargiulo suggests, adding that setting up domain privacy protections is another smart move.
Digital Assets Are the Future
As the digital landscape continues to grow, premium domains are becoming more central to wealth management and estate planning. Gargiulo concludes, “Premium domains offer heirs the chance to unlock serious value, but only if handled with care and a strategic approach.”
