Our methodology
We don't just guess. Every domain appraisal is built on six core metrics, weighted by human expertise and current market data.
Beyond algorithms
Most automated tools rely solely on keyword search volume. At dotappraisals, we recognize that a domain's value is more than just data — it's about utility, brand potential, and human psychology. Our experts review every profile to ensure the numbers actually reflect reality.
The scoring framework
Each metric is scored on a scale of 1 to 10.
The Top-Level Domain extension. While .com remains the gold standard for desirability and authority, we evaluate .io, .ai, .net, and niche extensions based on current market velocity and industry relevance.
Key factors:
- Extension desirability
- Consumer trust factor
- Market demand for extension
- TLD/Keyword synergy
Brevity is the soul of value. We analyze character count and syllable count. Shorter domains are generally more valuable due to ease of typing and reduced risk of typos.
Key factors:
- Character count
- Syllable count
- Ease of typing
- Radio test pass rate
How well the name functions as a brand. We look for phonetic appeal, evoke-ability, and whether the name can stand alone as a company identity without heavy explanation.
Key factors:
- Phonetic appeal
- Modern aesthetic
- Ease of logo design
- Brand recognition potential
The strength of the domain within its specific industry. A generic term in a high-value sector like Finance or Tech carries more weight than one in a niche hobbyist sector.
Key factors:
- Industry CPC levels
- Market size (TAM)
- Sector growth trends
- Competitive density
The commercial value of the individual words. We analyze global search volume, cost-per-click (CPC), and keyword intent to determine organic traffic potential.
Key factors:
- Search volume (MSV)
- Keyword cost-per-click
- Organic competition
- Conversion intent
The 'stickiness' of the name. Can a user remember the domain after hearing it once? This is critical for word-of-mouth marketing and direct traffic.
Key factors:
- Recall testing
- Linguistic 'stickiness'
- Meaningful word association
- Typo susceptibility
The "expert-in-the-loop" factor
Data gives us a baseline, but experts give us the truth. Every appraisal is completed by a human specialist with at least a decade of experience in the secondary domain market.