Where to Buy Expired Country Code Top-level Domains (ccTLDs)

Intro

Are you looking to improve your online presence with a unique domain name? Expired country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) may be the answer.

From tapping into local credibility to finding cost-effective alternatives to traditional domains, ccTLDs provide distinct regional branding advantages.

But where can you find them?

In this article, we'll explore the world of expired ccTLDs and highlight the best platforms and marketplaces for buying them.

How to Find and Buy Expired ccTLDs

When it comes to finding expired domains, there are several effective methods you should explore:

Buy ccTLDs from SEO.Domains

SEO.Domains is the largest supplier of expired domains globally, offering over 100k domains for sale with history and backlinks at "Buy Now" prices.

SEO. Domains' portfolio covers 99% of existing websites in 90 languages and 150 TLDs, and price range from $30 to $200,000.

It also provides premium domains with impressive SEO metrics and offers additional services like PBN building and content restoration, along with expert consultations. Plus, they own all listed domains, guaranteeing a fast and effortless buying experience.

**Buy ccTLDs from Domain Auctions **

Domain auctions are online services, typically hosted on domain marketplaces, where people can buy and sell domain names through bidding.

In auctions, you can compete for premium domain names that are not available for direct purchase. The highest bidder wins the domain.

A key benefit of auctions is the chance to bid on a domain before it expires. If you win, you only need to change the nameservers (NS).

When choosing an auction platform, consider its reputation and history. Platforms like GoDaddy and Sedo are popular, but many others exist. Ensure the platform is easy to use, allowing smooth navigation and bidding. Check the platform's fees and costs for transparency and ensure they fit your budget. A platform with a large audience can attract more bidders, possibly increasing the domain's price. Look for additional features like expert guidance, escrow services, or post-auction support to enhance your experience.

In domain auctions, it's important to stay disciplined and patient. Stick to your budget and bidding strategy, even if tempting opportunities arise. The excitement of bidding can be overwhelming, but self-control is crucial.

Remember, there are many domain auction opportunities, so don't hesitate to move on if a domain exceeds your budget. Success comes from thorough research, setting a realistic budget, and using bidding strategies.

Drop Catching or Back Orders

Domain drop catching, also known as domain sniping, is a strategic method to secure an expired domain the moment it becomes available.

This technique involves tracking domains through their expiration process and using automated tools to quickly register them once they drop. When successful, the drop-catching service registers the domain with your chosen registrar and transfers it to your account.

The cost for domain catching is typically just above the regular registration fee, often less than $10, and you only pay if the service successfully acquires the domain. However, the challenge lies in identifying valuable aged domains and monitoring their expiration dates. Additionally, you'll face stiff competition from others attempting to snatch the same domains. While this method was more effective in the past, the increased competition now makes it much harder to secure desirable domains.

What are ccTLDs?

A country code top-level domain (ccTLD) is a two-letter domain extension assigned to a specific country or geographic territory, used to represent the online presence of entities associated with that location. For example, .uk is for the United Kingdom, .ca is for Canada, and .jp is for Japan.

Each ccTLD is managed by a national registry and often has specific registration requirements to reflect the interests of the local internet community.

If you want to learn more about top-level domains (TLDs), read this.

**SEO Benefits of ccTLDs **

ccTLDs offer several SEO benefits, especially for international and multi-language businesses. Here are some key advantages:

• Strong Local Signal ccTLDs send a powerful local signal to search engines, making it easier to rank higher in local search results.
• Increased Local Visibility Search engines favor local websites, so ccTLDs increase the chances of being found by local customers or visitors. If you need more help with local SEO, we recommend checking out this article: https://www.ranktracker.com/blog/tracking-local-seo-performance-and-making-data-driven-decision/
• Cost-Effective Pricing ccTLDs often come at a lower cost compared to other top-level domains, allowing you to save money while still benefiting from a custom domain.
• More Name Options Registering a ccTLD gives you a wider range of available domain names.
• Less Competition There's less competition with ccTLDs since most people prefer domains with .com, .net, or .org. (read this article to learn how to outperform your competitors)
• Additional Protection ccTLDs are harder to copy or replicate due to their specific country codes, adding a layer of protection to your domain.

Find more expert knowledge about SEO in SEO Strategies to Drive Growth in 2024

What is an Expired ccTLD?

An expired ccTLD is a domain name with a country-specific extension that has reached the end of its registration period and is no longer actively registered by its owner.

When a ccTLD expires, the lifecycle and renewal process can vary depending on the specific country's registry policies:

• Grace period After expiration, there is typically a short grace period (e.g., 5-30 days) during which the domain owner can still renew the domain at the regular price.
• Suspension period If not renewed during the grace period, the domain may enter a suspension period where it continues to function but with certain restrictions. The domain owner usually has a limited time (e.g., 30-60 days) to renew the domain directly with the registry.
• Redemption period After the suspension period, the domain enters a redemption period where it is no longer active. The domain owner can still renew it during this phase, but at a higher cost set by the registry.
• Deletion If the domain is not renewed during the redemption period, it is eventually deleted from the registry and becomes available for registration by the public

Benefits of Buying Expired ccTLD Domains

Buying expired country code top-level domains can provide several benefits for SEO and digital marketing:

• Improved local search rankings Expired ccTLDs are often favored by search engines like Google for local search results in their respective countries. This can give your website a ranking boost in the target market.
• Relevance to target market Using a ccTLD signals to both search engines and users that the website is targeted to that specific country, which can improve relevance and engagement.
• Established domain authority Expired ccTLDs that have been active for years can inherit existing domain authority, which takes time and effort to build from scratch with a new domain.
• Existing backlink profile Many expired ccTLDs come with a pre-existing backlink profile from when the domain was previously active. These backlinks, if from high-quality, relevant sources, can provide a significant SEO advantage.
• Skipping the Google Sandbox Newly registered domains often face a "sandbox" period where they struggle to rank. Expired ccTLDs avoid this sandbox effect and can start ranking more quickly. (learn how to improve your site’s ranking here)

Before buying an expired ccTLD, it's important to thoroughly research its history to make sure it doesn't have spammy backlinks, penalties, or other issues that could harm your SEO efforts. With the right expired ccTLD, you can gain a significant head start in your local market.

Conclusion

Buying expired country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) can boost your online presence by improving local SEO and giving you a unique regional identity.

In this article, we explore the different ways to buy expired ccTLDs, including domain marketplaces, auctions, and drop-catching services. Each method has its own advantages, whether you want a cost-effective option or a premium domain with strong SEO metrics.

While it can be competitive, the potential benefits, such as better local search rankings, increased visibility, and an existing backlink profile, make it a worthwhile investment.

By using the right resources and doing thorough research, you can successfully navigate the market for expired ccTLDs and secure valuable domains that suit your business needs.