A ten-minute daily routine for filtering expired domains

Step one: filter hard

Start by throwing things away. I keep only names under 15 characters, no hyphens, no digits, and only the extensions I would actually build on. That usually removes 90% of the file in one pass.

Step two: look for words, not names

Scan for real dictionary words and common two-word combinations. A pronounceable name has resale value; a random string almost never does, whatever its metrics say.

Step three: check the history

For the survivors, open the archive and the backlink summary. Two minutes per domain is enough to spot spam history or an obviously fake link profile.

Step four: compare with market prices

Search recent sales for similar patterns. Without a price anchor, every domain looks either cheap or expensive depending on your mood.

Step five: save, do not buy immediately

Add the finalists to a watchlist and revisit tomorrow. Names that still look good after a day are the ones worth bidding on.

Mistakes I keep repeating

Bidding at the last minute out of fear, and keeping domains I never build on. Both are emotional, not analytical.

Takeaway

Ten disciplined minutes a day beat one panicked hour a week. The routine is boring by design — that is why it works.