This list is a good reference for the factors which affect a domains value:
- Top-level domain — the most valuable domains are .com, .net, and .org domains.
- Meaning — domain names referring to popular subjects are worth more than those referring to niche subjects, e.g. moviesvs. entomology.
- Suitability for commercialization — if the domain name is relevant to specific specific service or product keywords, it will be more attractive for commercial development purposes.
- Memorability — relative from person to person, but this also ties in with length.
- Number of words — domains that comprise fewer words generally have a larger market.
- Number of searches —performed for the domain name or its component words in recent history can indicate its value for search engine optimization.
- Length — shorter names are more convenient for users, being faster to type and less prone to typing errors.
- Pronounceability — a domain whose proper spelling is clear when spoken is generally more valuable than one which is ambiguous.
- Added numbers —usually lower estimation (e.g., Example24.com
would be rated as less valuable than Example.com). - Typographical errors or misspellings — Domain names resembling other domains except for a typographical error can be valued by those seeking to use them for advertising or competitive activities, but can also run afoul of local trademark laws. (e.g. flickr is an example of a purposeful typo).
- Age — a long-established domain tends to be more valuable.
- Singular and plural domains — may differ in their pricing (e.g. books.com would be valued more than book.com since people are much more likely to search for ‘books’).
- Recent traffic — how much inherent web traffic the domain name generates each year (see section above).
- Selling price of previous similar domains — can suggest the current market value of a domain name.