I’d like to dedicate this short post to one of the useful and interesting functions of Majestic, namely the Search Explorer which I have used recently in one of my projects to find two abandoned domains.
The Search Explorer tool makes it possible to check which domains have the most links with a specific anchor text; (put simply the name of a link). This means you can search for abandoned domains linked to specific keywords – suitable for a niche or target site. There are many applications of such domains – from creating a thematic service supporting our main domain, to using a 301 redirect.
The entire process is very simple – using Search Explorer we type in the anchor text to analyse. Then, select the option “Root Domain” and search. The results can be easily exported – first 1000 results can be saved in Excel or CSV/TSV.
Then you can use a simple original tool that checks the headlines of the exported domains in large quantities, searching for those that respond with no connection or domains registered for free. Plus, I managed to find many abandoned stores with good identity to those offered by the stores of my customers or pages with a very similar profile. Note – before you purchase a domain, a check of the domain is required – I use two methods when it comes to this:
a) I check at Wayback Machine whether the domain has a dumpster or not.
b) I check the present profile of links, in search of a large amount of links of low quality, or remnants if they are found to be linking to other strange projects – in this case I just use an ordinary analysis of backlinks using the Site Explorer in Majestic. To ensure that the domains have a good effect, links should be fixed. Then there is a good chance that they will be available for several months. Usually, thanks to this method it is possible to find domains which have not been blocked by domain salesmen owing to an overall low number of links, and for us they will be exceptionally useful – because of specific fixed old links with well-matched anchor text.
In a certain project, the work which inspired me to write this post, two abandoned domains were purchased and redirected 301 to a target service. Now, as a result, the new website has been in the very top for its inquiry for over 3 months (a niche ~4000 searches per month). Of course it is not always that easy, but I have found hidden gems as a reward for the effort put in.
If there’s enough time and a project is important, I also recommend using data for outreach projects. Search for domains with the biggest number of links with a specific anchor text and analyse links in terms of possible duplication. This provides the greatest probability to find such places where calling a link an anchor will be reasonably justifiable. However, let us remember not to overuse such links and to maintain appropriate proportions when building them so we don’t then diminish their value.
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It’s sounds like Nick Eubanks Traffic Osmosis approach. nice approach nonetheless
January 24, 2015 at 5:31 amOne danger of this approach is the domain might have been abandoned because there was a penalty to the domain. While you might do a due dilligence but I believe there is a risk involved in the domain you just purchased and when you 301 it to your client, the penalty will also transfer.
February 17, 2015 at 2:37 amTrue, always check link profile of a domain. With some experience You can easily spot domains with a higher risk of penalty.
February 18, 2015 at 8:20 amCan anyone tell my what is "… a simple original tool that checks the headlines of the exported domains in large quantities, "? O some hint?
February 27, 2015 at 6:51 am