The Practical Domain Valuation Framework (No Hype)

Valuation shouldn’t feel like tarot cards. Here’s a CFO-friendly way to price premium brandables.

1) Start with buyer intent

Price is a function of who can use the name and how much it can move the needle. A domain that lowers CAC or increases conversion can rationally cost more.

2) Measure liquidity

• Liquid: short .coms, clean brandables, common phrases.
• Illiquid: long, hyphenated, confusing spellings.

3) Use comparables with context

Match on length, extension, pronounceability, category fit, and “brand feel.” One outlier sale does not set your price.

4) Demand signals

• Credible inbound inquiries
• Phrase used in everyday language
• Markets with real budgets (SaaS, commerce, media)

5) Buyer fit (the multiplier)

The same domain can be worth 10× more to a team with distribution and a budget. Price for the segment that can actually close.

6) Price bands

Set a BIN for speed and a negotiated range for strategic buyers. Premium assets reward clean terms and fast closings.