Before the internet (and even today for many brick-and-mortar stores), the right street address could make or break a business. A shop on New York’s Fifth Avenue, for example, had a major edge over one tucked away in a quiet corner of the Lower East Side.
Today, premium domain names are the digital version of that prime real estate. Your online address matters just as much—if not more—than a physical one. A memorable, high-value domain can drive traffic, build trust, and help your brand stand out from day one.
In many cases, it’s worth investing a little more to secure a premium domain. Let’s break down what premium domain names are, why they can be worth the price, and how to choose one that fits your business goals.
Understanding premium domain names
Your domain name is the centerpiece of your online identity. In www.mydomainname.com, the part before the dot — mydomainname — is your actual domain. The part after the dot, like .com, is the domain extension. A great domain name can go a long way. It’s easier for people to remember, share, and trust, making it a valuable asset for any business, from solo ventures to large enterprises.
Premium domain names take things a step further. They’re usually short, brandable, and easy to spell. While many use the classic .com extension, premium domains are also available with newer extensions like .ai, .app, .business, .events, .store, .io and more.
Prices for premium domains typically start around $20 and go up depending on demand. Most premium domains sell for less than $2,500, but hot industries, market trends, and emerging tech can drive prices higher.
Styles of premium domain names
Premium domain names come in different flavors to suit different brands and business goals. The most common styles you’ll see are:
High value
These domains are the digital heavy hitters: names that instantly build credibility and trust. They’re often broad, widely recognized, and packed with branding power.
Short and catchy
Think of names like Zoom.com or Jet.com. They’re punchy, easy to remember, and perfect for marketing. Short domains are often in high demand because they stick.
Clever
These domains use smart wordplay or creative combos to grab attention and leave a lasting impression. They're fun, bold, and great for brands that want to show personality.
Descriptive
Descriptive domains tell people exactly what you offer. Names like Hotels.com or BuyShoes.com are clear, keyword-rich, and great for search visibility.
Classic and elegant
If your brand is about sophistication and timeless appeal, this type of domain brings that feeling forward. Think clean, polished, and professional.
Modern and trendy
These domains tap into what’s current, whether it’s tech-forward or culturally relevant. They’re ideal for brands that want to stay ahead of the curve.
Creative
These domains break the mold. They’re inventive, original, and perfect for businesses that want to stand out and do things differently.
Why premium domains can be worth the investment
A premium domain name can instantly boost your brand’s credibility, make your site easier to remember, and help you stand out in a crowded market. Just take AppSumo as an example. Originally operating under appsumo.com, the company invested about $1.5 million to acquire the shorter, sleeker sumo.com domain.
While they ultimately chose to redirect sumo.com back to their original site, the move was all about brand power and long-term strategy. As AppSumo’s founder Noah Kagan put it: “A good domain equals a legit company.”
Think of it this way: when a customer can type in your name and land on your site without guessing or Googling, that’s a win. The easier it is to find you, the more likely they are to come back. That means more repeat traffic, more trust, and more sales over time.
Premium domains also give your brand an edge. They look more polished, feel more established, and can position you as a leader in your space. If your competition is stuck with a longer or less memorable domain, you’ve already got the upper hand.
Another benefit of premium domains is that they can boost your website’s SEO. Search engines value clear, relevant domains that match what users are searching for. Using related keywords or modifiers in your domain name can help increase your site’s visibility and make your brand easier to discover.
Related: How to create a brand identity
Protecting your brand with multiple domain extensions
Securing multiple domain extensions like .com, .net, .us, .xyz, or even location- and industry-specific ones like .nyc or .design can help protect your brand and keep competitors from scooping up similar names. It’s a simple way to avoid customer confusion, strengthen your online presence, and make sure your brand stays consistent across the web.
You can also redirect those additional domains to your primary website, similar to what AppSumo did. Whether you’re building a new brand or protecting an established one, registering more than one version of your domain gives you control over how (and where) people find you.
Not sure which extensions to grab? Check out our guide to domain extensions to find the best match for your business.
Examples of premium domain names
Some of the most expensive domain sales in history prove just how valuable the right name can be. Cars.com reportedly sold for a staggering $872 million, according to an SEC filing. CarInsurance.com changed hands for $49.7 million. These are extreme examples, but they show how powerful a strong domain name can be for brand recognition and market dominance.
The good news? You don’t have to spend millions to find a great name. There are thousands of premium domains available at more accessible prices, and plenty of creative ways to land a standout name that fits your brand and your budget.
Before spending that much on a domain, search for domain names that are available for a fraction of the price or use our free business name generator for inspiration. You might be surprised at what’s out there.
Premium domains for various industries
No matter what kind of business you’re building, there’s a premium domain name out there that can help you stand out. From tech and real estate to fashion, food, and fitness, every industry has its own set of high-value keywords and naming trends.
If you’re still in the early stages of starting your business, consider checking domain and matching social media handle availability before finalizing your brand name. The perfect name won’t mean much if the matching domain or handle is already taken.
Being creative during your search can help you uncover unique, brandable options. Try mixing in industry keywords, locations, or modifiers to make your domain more relevant and memorable.
Choosing a domain that clearly reflects what you do can also give you an edge. A domain name like “greenpetsupplements” tells people exactly what to expect and can bolster your SEO efforts.
Individual consultation and domain brokerage services
Sometimes, the perfect domain name is already taken, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach. With GoDaddy’s domain brokerage service, you can work with a dedicated expert who will reach out to the current owner and negotiate on your behalf. If the domain is available for sale, our broker will do the legwork to help you secure it at the best possible price.
Looking for premium domains that are ready to go? Check out our curated collection of hand-picked, brandable domains. Each one comes with no-haggle pricing and guaranteed availability, so you can grab the right name and start building your brand right away.
How to get a premium domain name
Buying a premium domain might sound complicated, but it’s actually pretty simple, especially when you go through a trusted domain registrar like GoDaddy. Premium domains are often listed directly on our site, so you can search, buy, and register them just like any standard domain name.
Here’s how to purchase a premium domain name through GoDaddy:
- Search for your domain: Use GoDaddy’s domain name search tool to look up the name you want. If it’s a premium domain, you’ll see it labeled with the premium price and guaranteed availability.
- Add it to your cart: Once you’ve found the right domain, add it to your cart like you would with any other product.
- Choose your registration length: Consider registering your domain for multiple years (up to 10) to lock it down long-term. If you’re investing in a premium name, it’s smart to protect that investment and avoid missing a renewal.
- Sign in or create a GoDaddy account: You’ll need an account to complete your purchase and manage your domain. If you already have one, just sign in. If not, it only takes a minute to set up.
- Complete checkout: Enter your payment info and place your order. Once the purchase is complete, the domain will be added to your account.
- Access your domain: If the domain is owned and listed by GoDaddy, it’ll usually appear in your account right away. If it’s listed by a third-party seller, there might be a short delay while the transfer is finalized. Either way, our team will guide you through the process if you need help.
Transferring a premium domain
Already own a premium domain and want to move it to GoDaddy? We make transferring premium domains simple and secure, so you can manage everything in one place. Follow these simple steps:
Unlock the domain
Before you start, log in to your current registrar and make sure the domain is unlocked. This allows the domain to be moved to a new provider.
Obtain the authorization code
Also known as an EPP code or transfer key, this code is required to authorize the transfer. You’ll need to request it from your current registrar.
Initiate the transfer
Head to our domain transfer page, enter the domain you’re moving, and follow the prompts. We’ll walk you through each step and let you know what to expect.
Assistance from GoDaddy
If you hit a snag, our expert support team is always ready to help. We’ll make sure everything goes smoothly.
Premium domains and auctions
Sometimes, premium domain names aren’t listed with a fixed price. Instead, they’re sold through online auctions. With auctions, you have the chance to bid on premium domains and potentially score the perfect name at a lower price than a standard listing. Instead of paying a set amount, you and other bidders decide what the domain is worth.
GoDaddy Auctions® is a trusted platform that gives you access to thousands of domain listings, including premium names. It’s a great way to discover valuable domains and potentially snag them at a lower cost than a fixed-price listing.
Conclusion
Premium domain names can be a game-changer for your brand. Whether you're buying directly, browsing curated listings, or bidding in an auction, GoDaddy makes it easy to find and secure the right name for your business.
Ready to level up your brand? Start exploring premium domains today and take the next step toward building a powerful online presence.
