How to Value a Domain — The TIGM 7-Factor Scoring Model

Published on TIGM.com — Where Domains Become Headlines

The TIGM 7-Factor domain valuation model. Score TLD, length/structure, brandability, demand/intent, comparable sales, buyer universe, and risk/history—with a calculator and price bands.

7-Factor Model

Score each 0–10 (0 = poor, 10 = excellent). Weights reflect real-world impact on liquidity and achieved prices.

1. TLD Strength & Liquidity (20%)
   How liquid is the TLD in the aftermarket (.com, .io, .ai, strong ccTLDs)?
   • 0–3 low-liquidity TLD • 4–6 alt but active • 7–9 highly liquid • 10 elite .com
2. Length & Structure (15%)
   Words/chars, phonetics (radio test), hyphens/digits, plural/suffix noise.
   • 0–3 long/awkward • 4–6 serviceable 2-word • 7–8 short 2-word/clean 5–7 chars • 9–10 short premium
3. Brandability & Memorability (15%)
   Say/spell/remember; title-case aesthetics.
   • 0–3 spelling traps • 4–6 some friction • 7–8 clear brand • 9–10 instantly brandable
4. Keyword Demand & Commercial Intent (15%)
   Search demand, CPC signal, monetizable context.
   • 0–3 low intent • 4–6 moderate • 7–8 solid buyer intent • 9–10 high-intent category
5. Comparable Sales (Comps) & Price Bands (15%)
   Strength and freshness of relevant comps (same structure/vertical/TLD).
   • 0–3 weak • 4–6 some mid-tier • 7–8 multiple solid • 9–10 strong comps in band
6. Buyer Universe & Use Cases (10%)
   Count of real buyer types for this exact brand/keyword.
   • 0–3 narrow/novelty • 4–6 niche viable • 7–8 several verticals • 9–10 cross-industry
7. Risk & History (10%) (inverse—higher score = cleaner)
   TM risk, premium renewals, spam/penalty history, confusables.
   • 0–3 collision/ugly history • 4–6 minor risks • 7–8 generally clean • 9–10 clean/generic

Weighted Score (0–10) =
(TLD×0.20)+(Length×0.15)+(Brand×0.15)+(Demand×0.15)+(Comps×0.15)+(Buyers×0.10)+(Risk×0.10)

Quick Reference

Price Bands

Brandable .COM
• 9.0–10.0: $50k–$250k+ • 8.0–8.9: $15k–$50k • 7.0–7.9: $5k–$15k • 6.0–6.9: $2k–$5k • ≤5.9: sub-$2k or hold

Two-word .COM (exact/strong phrase)
• 9.0–10.0: $35k–$150k • 8.0–8.9: $10k–$35k • 7.0–7.9: $4k–$10k • 6.0–6.9: $1.5k–$4k • ≤5.9: sub-$1.5k or hold

Alt TLD (.io/.ai/strong ccTLD)
• 9.0–10.0: $15k–$75k+ • 8.0–8.9: $7k–$20k • 7.0–7.9: $3k–$7k • 6.0–6.9: $1k–$3k • ≤5.9: sub-$1k or hold

Tip: Start near the top of the band with strong inbound buyer fit; shade lower for investor/budget buyers or faster turnover.

Worked Examples

A) Affisa.com (coined 6-letter .com)
TLD 8.5, Length 9, Brand 8, Demand 6, Comps 6.5, Buyers 7, Risk 9 → 7.8 → Brandable .COM $5k–$15k (ask ~$12,888; floor mid-$k).

B) BlockPolicy.com (two-word .com, fintech/insurtech)
8.5, 7.5, 7, 7.5, 7, 7.5, 8 → 7.6 → Two-word .COM $4k–$10k (ask ~$9,888; floor $5–6k).

C) ETDX.com (4L .com)
9, 9, 6.5, 6, 7.5, 7, 9 → 7.5 → Brandable/abbr .COM $5k–$15k (ask ~$12.5k; floor $6–7k).

Calculator

How to Use

1. Score the 7 factors honestly.
2. Calculate the weighted score; choose TLD type.
3. Map to a band; set your ask near the top if buyer fit is strong.
4. Set floor at 20–40% below ask, based on urgency/hold cost.
5. Review quarterly—refresh comps and inbound quality.

FAQs

Why is .COM weighted highest? Liquidity and buyer preference.
Can strong comps override the band? Yes—update the Comps factor and re-run.
Dictionary-word .COMs? Often above these bands—treat as special cases.
Coined names? Emphasize Length, Brandability, Buyer Universe.
Does risk cap value? Yes—TM issues, spam history, or premium renewals slow sales and cap price.