About a ten years ago, I wrote a book called Snack Diet. I picked up a few weight loss domain names during that time of marketing. Then, I moved on to new projects and those domain names just sat there. Recently, someone had reached out to me and asked if I was interested in “leasing out” one of the weight loss domain name for a monthly fee.
I thought – monetize my dormant domain names? Yes, please.
I let them do the talking here while I listened. They came up with the arrangement. They came up with the rental term. And we agreed to a small percentage of profit instead of a rental amount.
What ways can you monetize your domain names?
- Monthly Rental
- Percentage of Profit
- Ownership Percentage
- Royalties
- Silent Partnership
Related Article: Renting Out Web Names
That led me to go through my past 20 years of domain names and start listing them for rent. I have some great domain names – most are recognizable, highly brandable for the right entrepreneur or developer.
Is renting a domain name the perfect solution for startups?
Why Would Someone Rent a Domain Name?
- Use the bulk of your money for development and hiring the right team. Spend less upfront, especially if you are bootstrapping during your startup phase.
- Tax write-off.
- Test ideas before shelling out big bucks for premium domain names.
- Negotiate terms with domain name owner for future purchase.
- Access to premium domain names.
List Your Domain Names with These Companies
There are companies who specialize in leasing domain names. These are the best marketplaces where you can list your domain name, list your price and allow them to find a renter.
Epik.com – Domain Name Leasing and Renting Marketplace
Why Epik.com
- Domain Name Leasing & Renting
- Integrated Domain Management
- 24/7 Support
- 0% Commission On All Domain Names
Venture.com – Premium Domain Name Marketplace
Venture has some of the best premium domain names for lease that I've seen. When you visit Venture, you'll see their featured domain names with the monthly rental rate. Within minutes, I came across bacon.com, donuts.com, tents.com and hoteldeals.com. All of these have a highly recognizable, huge profit potential waiting for the right developer.
One World Hosting – Cheaper Premium Domain Names
One World Hosting offers a leasing program that protects your rights to the domain name with terms from 1 to 3 years. Plus, there is no cost increases during your lease term.
You can see their domain names for lease here.
Personally, I handle it in-house and do all the marketing to get a tenant on my own. Check out my contact form where my domain names redirect. This allows entrepreneurs to reach out to discuss terms for each domain name that I own. You can use a simple domain name sample contract and negotiate the payment terms.
Do you know a place to list your domain names for rent? Leave a comment and I'll add them to this list.
