Expired Domain Surge: A Curious Post Pandemic Phenomenon

When Bill Hartzer tweeted about the increasing trend of expired domain names, it hit home for us at Stan Ventures. We were on the front lines during the pandemic, witnessing firsthand how the global crisis pushed many to embrace the digital realm, launching businesses and side projects they’d only dreamed of before. 

However, as we move further away from those uncertain times, the effects of that wave are becoming clearer. Expired domain names are up, and it’s not just a statistic—it’s a narrative about the digital ventures that rose and fell with the tides of the pandemic.

The Pandemic Business Boom We Witnessed

During the pandemic, Stan Ventures experienced an unprecedented 59% increase in new revenue. 

The reason – entrepreneurs and local businesses who’d never ventured online before saw this as their golden ticket. 

And why not? 

With physical stores closed and people confined to their homes, moving online was a matter of survival. 

We worked with clients selling everything from beds and mattresses to daily food essentials, helping them carve a place in the digital marketplace.

But what happened when the lockdowns were lifted and restrictions were removed? 

The story took a different turn. Many of these businesses, especially those dealing in physical products, found that their newfound digital ventures were less essential once the world returned to in-person shopping. 

For some, maintaining an online presence no longer made sense. And now, we’re seeing that reflected in the uptick in domain expiry.

 In the United States, the domain name landscape has experienced notable shifts in recent years. As of July 2024, there were approximately 130.8 million domain registrations attributed to U.S.-based registrars.  

This figure reflects a 0.21% increase from the previous period, indicating a modest growth in domain registrations. However, this growth is tempered by a significant number of domain expirations. 

While precise figures on expired domains are challenging to ascertain due to the dynamic nature of domain management, industry observations suggest that domain expirations are outpacing new registrations. 

This trend is particularly evident among small businesses and individual entrepreneurs who established online presences during the pandemic but have since ceased operations, leading to a rise in domain deletions.

Why Are Domains Registered During the Pandemic Expiring?

The reasons are varied, but they make sense when you consider them:

1. Economic Shifts: The economy is no longer on a pandemic footing. What thrived during lockdowns doesn’t always have a place in today’s market.
2. Back to Full-Time Work: Many entrepreneurs who started side gigs returned to their day jobs or found more secure employment as the world normalized.
3. Market Saturation: The pandemic created an explosion of online businesses, making it hard for many to stand out once the digital rush settled.
4. Cost vs. Return: Keeping a domain, along with its hosting and maintenance, comes at a price. For many, it was a cost not justified by the return, leading them to let their domain expire.

The Ripple Effect of Expired Domains

These are more than just numbers. They represent the rise and fall of digital dreams. And with that, there are consequences:

• Cybersecurity Risks: Expired domains can become playgrounds for malicious actors, potentially used for phishing or scams.
• Link Building: Specifically regarding the impact on SEO, these expired domains—once having traffic and a strong online presence—are often purchased and repurposed for building backlinks. 
• Loss of Branding: For those who walk away, there’s the chance someone else could pick up their domain, which might impact their branding if they ever plan to return.
• Opportunities Amid Expiry: On the flip side, the wave of expired domains means valuable domain names are up for grabs, creating opportunities for new businesses.

The Perspective Shift for Entrepreneurs

Seeing this firsthand at Stan Ventures has been an eye-opener. While the pandemic spurred incredible creativity and resilience, it also underscored how different launching a business is from sustaining one. The initial push might come from necessity or inspiration, but keeping it going takes ongoing strategy and adaptation.

For perspective, I registered two domains during the pandemic with a 3-year validity, anticipating a solid business plan. However, both expired last year as my idea failed to take shape in the post-pandemic era. Looking back, I attribute this to my shortsightedness and the influence of the bandwagon effect that swayed my decisions—an experience I’m certain many others can relate to today.

If you’re weighing whether to let your domain go, think long-term. Ask yourself if it holds potential for future use. If so, auto-renewals or reminders can prevent accidental expiration. For those who are stepping away, exploring ways to sell or park the domain can be a smart move, keeping the door open for monetization.

Bill Hartzer’s insight into this trend isn’t just an industry tidbit—it’s a stark reminder of the lifecycle of business ideas born out of extraordinary times. 

At Stan Ventures, we’ve watched businesses rise with hope and fall with changing circumstances. This wave of expired domains is a story about resilience, adaptation, and the realities of entrepreneurship in a post-pandemic world. 

Whether you’re starting a new venture, closing one, or looking for new opportunities in this shifting landscape, understanding this trend is key to navigating what comes next.

Dileep Thekkethil

Author

Dileep Thekkethil is the Director of Marketing at Stan Ventures, where he applies over 15 years of SEO and digital marketing expertise to drive growth and authority. A former journalist with six years of experience, he combines strategic storytelling with technical know-how to help brands navigate the shift toward AI-driven search and generative engines. Dileep is a strong advocate for Google’s EEAT standards, regularly sharing real-world use cases and scenarios to demystify complex marketing trends. He is an avid gardener of tropical fruits, a motor enthusiast, and a dedicated caretaker of his pair of cockatiels.