So You Want to Buy a Website, Huh? Don't Worry, It's Not Like Buying a Used Banana (Unless That's Your Thing)
Let's face it, building a website from scratch can feel like assembling the Eiffel Tower with toothpicks. Time-consuming, frustrating, and likely to end with a vaguely pointy pile of metal on your floor. Thankfully, there's a whole wacky world of online marketplaces where you can snag a pre-made website, ready to unleash your entrepreneurial spirit (or at least stick a bunch of cat memes on it, no judgement).
But hold on there, turbo capitalist! Buying a website isn't quite like picking out a new pair of shoes (though some websites might be as stylish as crocs, which is a whole other can of worms). Here's a guide to help you navigate the weird and wonderful world of website buying, with a healthy dose of caution and laughter to avoid ending up with a digital lemon.
How To Buy Website Online |
Step 1: Dive into the Marketplace Jungle (Without Getting Eaten by Metaphorical Tigers)
Think of online marketplaces as the zoo for websites. You've got Flippa, the granddaddy of them all, with everything from sassy blogs to full-blown e-commerce empires. Then there's Empire Flippers, the place to go if you're looking for a website that's already rolling in the dough (figuratively, of course, unless it's a bakery website, then maybe literal dough too).
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.![]()
Pro Tip: Don't be afraid to shop around! Different marketplaces cater to different niches, so find one that aligns with your website goals.
Step 2: Become a Website Sherlock (But Hopefully with Fewer Deerstalkers)
Just like you wouldn't buy a car without kicking the tires (or at least pretending to), you don't want to buy a website without doing your due diligence. Here's what to check:
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.![]()
- Traffic: Is the website a ghost town or a bustling metropolis?
- Revenue: If you're buying a money-making machine, is it actually making money, or is it just a really good penny-collecting website?
- Content: Is the website content up-to-date and engaging, or does it look like it was written by a particularly grumpy chatbot in 1998?
Remember: You're basically buying a piece of internet real estate, so make sure it's not built on a foundation of broken links and outdated SEO practices.
Step 3: Don't Be Afraid to Haggle (Unless You Have Social Anxiety, Then Maybe Just Smile Politely)
Let's be honest, nobody wants to pay more than they have to. Many marketplaces allow for negotiation, so don't be afraid to put on your best charming negotiator hat (or metaphorical fedora, dealers choice).
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.![]()
Side Note: There's a difference between being a savvy negotiator and being low-ball insulting. Channel your inner diplomat, not your grumpy uncle at Thanksgiving.
Step 4: Get Legal (Because Nobody Wants a Website Lawsuit on Their Hands)
This might not be the most exciting part, but it's crucial. Get a lawyer (or at least someone who didn't get a C- in high school contract law) to review the purchase agreement. This ensures you're not accidentally buying a website with a bunch of hidden baggage (like copyright infringement lawsuits, yikes!).
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.![]()
Congratulations! You're Now the Proud Owner of a Website (Cue celebratory dance party with air guitar solo)
So you've done your research, negotiated like a champ, and now you're the proud owner of a website! Now comes the fun part: unleashing your creative vision and making it your own. Just remember, with great website ownership comes great responsibility (and hopefully, some website-related profits).
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a website to go play with (and by play with, I mean probably spend way too much time customizing the font).