How we appraise a domain name
Our algorithm weighs 6 criteria inspired by methods used by Sedo, Afternic and major domain registrars. Transparent, free, instant.
Short domains are scarce and therefore more valuable. A 3-letter domain can be worth 100× more than a 15-letter one. Names of 4 to 6 characters are the most sought-after on the secondary market.
.com is the gold standard — it represents 95% of premium sales. .ca is worth ~70% of an equivalent .com in Canada. .io is prized in tech. New extensions like .ai and .app are gaining ground fast.
A name readable at a glance is remembered 3× better. The ideal vowel ratio is between 28% and 45%. Names that are too consonant-heavy or too vowel-heavy lose value.
A memorable name with no hyphens or numbers is worth significantly more. Hyphens reduce value by 40-60%. A name you can spell over the phone without confusion is premium.
Names containing high-CPC Google Ads keywords (shop, buy, sell, pro, tech, app, insurance) capture a 20-50% premium thanks to their direct SEO potential.
A name that doesn't mimic a registered trademark has more value — it can be developed freely and sold without legal risk. Generic or invented names are in high demand.
Domain sale examples to calibrate your value
These public transactions illustrate how the 6 criteria translate into real market value. Use them to calibrate your domain estimate.
| Domain | Extension | Length | Sale price | Reason for value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| voice.com | .com | 5 letters | ~$30M USD | Common short word + .com |
| 360.com | .com | 3 digits | ~$17M USD | Short + memorable |
| sex.com | .com | 3 letters | ~$14M USD | Ultra-short + direct traffic |
| shop.ca | .ca | 4 letters | ~$150K CAD | E-commerce keyword + .ca |
| pro.ca | .ca | 3 letters | ~$80K CAD | Short + generic Canadian |
| app.io | .io | 3 letters | ~$50K USD | Tech premium + short |
Sources: DNJournal, Sedo, NameBio. Public data for illustrative purposes. Past prices do not guarantee future values.
What makes our appraisal tool unique
Most domain appraisal tools require sign-up and are limited in scope. HostingQC offers more, for free, with specialized expertise for the Canadian market.
100% free — always
No sign-up, no credit card, no search limits. All features available with no account.
Canadian expertise
Values calibrated for the .ca market and Quebec businesses. Estimates reflect Canadian market specifics.
Transparent methodology
We explain exactly how we score each domain. 6 criteria, each weighted and documented — no black box.
Availability built-in
HostingQC combines appraisal, real-time availability checking and smart suggestions in one free tool.
How to increase your domain's value
Whether you want to sell or develop your domain, these proven strategies maximize its market value.
Build a mini-site
A domain with an active site is worth 2 to 5× more than a parked one. Content generates organic traffic that translates directly into value.
Earn natural backlinks
Quality links from other sites build domain authority. A DA of 30+ can multiply value by 3 to 10×.
Keep a clean history
Avoid spam or malicious content. A domain with a clean Wayback Machine history sells faster and for more money.
Renew for multiple years
A 3-5 year renewal demonstrates commitment and slightly improves SEO signals — something buyers notice.
Register parallel extensions
If you own mybusiness.ca, also register .com. Selling a bundle of extensions increases overall value.
Document your traffic
Export Google Analytics stats before selling. A domain with 500 proven monthly visits can be negotiated at 24-36× monthly revenue.
Frequently asked questions about domain appraisal
Everything you need to know to understand and maximize your domain name's value.