Steps To Buying A Website

Hey guys, IM newb here,
I was hoping someone could map out the steps they may use in deciding whether they want to buy a website. There is much to look for and I am wondering what I should be focused on. I never know what questions to ask the seller as well. What proof is necessary in the decision process? Usually the buyer is putting an offer in for the sellers website, how do you calculate how much the website is really worth? Especially if the website has no revenue currently. I know this is a lot to ask but any snippets of information are very much appreciated!

Thanks in advance,
Z

 

Hey Z,

I hate this answer, as I have been told it several times in the past:

A website is worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it.

Although this answer is strictly true, I can give you some tips which might be useful:

Things to ask the seller:

- Is the website and content unique
- What kind of after sales support they can provide
- Why are they selling the website
- How has it been monitized/Why has it not been monitized

The proof you should see:

- Traffic statistics
- Revenue statistics (if any)

Calculating the value:

- What is the PR? PR2 and above = $100+
- Age of domain? Less than a year old = $1+
- Unique content? No = Worthless
- Unique functionality or design? How much would it cost to make a clone?
- Domain value?
- Traffic?

Whatever you decide it is worth, offer the seller half. Then see how the negotioation process continues

 

Calculating the value very helpful! Thank you for the information, I did hate reading the part about it is worth as much some one is willing to pay, however very true :-/. "Whatever you decide it is worth, offer the seller half. Then see how the negotioation process continues " - I like that idea

TY!

 

These are exactly the things you should calculate before setting any price for your website. Then obviously the buyer will always try to get a better deal so negotiate as much with him and show him exactly how much your website's worth.
Then again it's all about the best negotiator.

 

"A website is worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it." - element 01

I have to agree with you on that.

 

Why don't you start a website from scratch ?

 

How exactly are you looking to benefit by buying a website rather than starting your own?

 

If you have more money than time or experience in starting a website, then buying an established site that has made it to whatever maturity can make a lot of sense. I would guess there are a lot more people capable of running and growing a business from an existing website, than there are those who know how to take one from scratch and build it to a certain level.

 

I think given below data must be check before purchase a website

Site Structure
Site Navigation
Site Content
Site Traffice