The Beginner’s Guide to Domain Investing: How to Buy, Sell, and Flip Web3 and DNS Domains

Domain investing is the practice of buying domain names with the intention of selling them later at a profit. In the Web2 world, this typically involves traditional DNS domains like .com, .net, or .xyz. With the rise of Web3, investors now also have access to onchain domains (also called Web3 domains, NFT domains, or blockchain domains) that offer new utility and value.

Unstoppable Domains supports both sides of the market: over 160+ DNS domain extensions and a growing list of Web3-native TLDs like .x, .crypto, and .wallet. Web3 domains are onchain by nature—but we also place DNS domains onchain through tokenization, unlocking Web3 utility and enabling onchain trading via the Unstoppable Marketplace. This gives domain investors powerful tools across both Web2 and Web3.

A great investment domain isn’t just about speculation—it’s about scarcity, relevance, and future use. Both DNS and Web3 domains offer unique value:

DNS Domains:

• Widely recognized and used for traditional websites and email.
• Professional credibility for businesses and brands.
• ICANN-accredited registration through Unstoppable, with the option to tokenize domains for onchain utility.

Web3 Domains:

• Permanent ownership with no renewal fees (on Web3-native TLDs).
• Built-in utility like crypto payments, dApp logins, and messaging.
• Fully onchain and user-owned with instant transferability.

By diversifying across both types, investors can position themselves for opportunities in both the traditional internet and the evolving Web3 ecosystem. If successful, they will be officially recognized in the traditional DNS namespace, bringing functional parity to both Web3 and DNS domain offerings.

Domain name trading involves identifying and acquiring domains that are likely to increase in value. Here’s how to start:

1. Pick your strategy: Are you focusing on short brandable names, niche keywords, or future tech trends?
2. Choose your domain type: Browse both DNS and Web3 options on Unstoppable Domains.
3. Check availability: Use the search tool to find available names across multiple TLDs.
4. Monitor drops and sales: Stay updated on new releases, high-activity names in the Marketplace, and premium drops when exclusive inventory is made available for purchase.

Whether you’re into long-term holding or short-term flipping, domain name trading rewards research and timing.

Purchasing either a DNS or Web3 domain is easy on Unstoppable:

1. Search for a domain using your preferred keywords.
2. Select a TLD from over 160 DNS options or a wide range of Web3-native choices.
3. Register the domain (DNS domains include at-cost renewals; Unstoppable Web3 domains are one-time purchases that come with lifelong ownership).
4. Mint onchain for onchain functionality like crypto payments, Web3 login, messaging, onchain trading, and more.

All domains can be managed in one place, whether you’re building a site, setting up email, or preparing to resell.

If you’re wondering how to sell a domain name or curious about how to sell a domain, here’s the process with Unstoppable Domains:

• List your domain on the Unstoppable Marketplace.
• Set a price or accept offers.
• Pay a low 3% commission when your domain is sold.
• Enjoy instant transfers onchain for Web3 domains and tokenized DNS domains.

Listing on the Unstoppable Marketplaces removes the need for third-party escrow or lengthy handovers—making it easier and faster to realize profits.

Domain flipping refers to buying domains at low prices and reselling them at a later date for a profit. Whether you’re flipping Web3 domains or DNS domains, the fundamentals apply:

• Focus on emerging trends: AI, crypto, and community-based terms can drive demand.
• Keep names short and memorable: 3-4 character domains are consistently valuable.
• Monitor partner TLDs: New launches often present early-access investment opportunities.
• Be patient: Sometimes holding a domain for 6–12 months (or more) yields the best returns.

Domain name flipping has long been a profitable niche in digital real estate. In the Web3 era, it extends beyond traditional DNS names to include onchain, Web3-native domains with added functionality.

Flipping now includes:

• Conventional domains like yourname.xyz or brandname.com
• Web3 domains like identity.x or store.crypto

The shared advantage? Both can be bought and sold via the Unstoppable Marketplace and transferred instantly when tokenized onchain.

All Unstoppable Domains—both DNS and Web3—can be listed on the Unstoppable Marketplace. Benefits include:

• Instant ownership transfer (thanks to tokenization)
• Low seller fees (3%)
• Global visibility to thousands of buyers
• One unified platform for managing your entire portfolio

No matter your domain type, you’ll benefit from a seamless, onchain transaction flow.

Rewards:

• One-time costs (for Web3 domains)
• Global liquidity via onchain trading
• Growth in digital identity and brand demand
• Diversification across DNS and Web3

Risks:

• Speculative market
• Potential low liquidity for niche names
• Value perception can shift over time

That said, combining DNS and Web3 domains in your portfolio offers balance and upside.

The domain space is evolving. Traditional DNS domains remain vital for business, branding, and email. Meanwhile, Web3 domains are unlocking new use cases in identity, communication, and crypto transactions.

Platforms like Unstoppable Domains give investors access to both worlds:

• ICANN-accredited DNS domains with onchain functionality
• Web3-native domains with no renewals and enhanced utility

Whether you’re new to domain name flipping, exploring domain investing, or just curious about how to sell a domain name, now is a great time to dive in. The tools are here. The market is growing. And the opportunities are just beginning.