If you’ve spent much time registering domains — or exploring the industries built around them — you’ve probably come across the term domain parking.
In short, domain parking is when you’ve bought a domain but haven’t built a website on it yet. That domain can be a placeholder, a way of keeping your name safe for the future, or even a cheeky way to earn a bit of money online.
What is domain parking?
Domain Parking is when you’ve bought a domain but haven’t built a proper website on it yet.
In practice, that usually means assigning the domain to a single, static page instead of a fully developed site. That page might be as basic as a “coming soon” or “under construction” notice (bonus points if it’s got that classic 90s roadworks graphic), or something a bit smarter like a teaser for what’s to come.
Why choose domain parking?
Before launching a full website, many domain owners use parked domains to show a simple info page, so the address isn’t just sitting idle. It’s a simple way to hold your place online and let visitors know a full site is on the way.
Others use domain parking to display adverts, which can bring in a small income while the domain isn’t in use. As we’ll explore, some owners also park domains indefinitely as a way to generate profit.
If you’re thinking of grabbing your own domain, a quick search with 123 Reg Domain Search can show what’s available.
How does domain parking work?
Parking starts with owning a domain that doesn’t yet have a full website. Instead of leaving it blank, you point the domain to a single, static page so it has a visible presence online.
Setting this up usually involves changing the domain’s nameservers to wherever you want the page to appear. Once that’s done, anyone visiting your domain will see the assigned page — but there’s no complex website behind it.
Some providers also offer domain parking as a dedicated service. These make it easier to display ads and earn revenue, handling the setup for you, letting you choose which adverts appear, and paying you a share of the clicks. Most don’t charge upfront, though you’ll still need to cover domain registration and renewal.
To keep your domains safe, use a trusted registrar like 123 Reg. Always use strong, unique passwords, and check if the provider allows filtering of certain ad types. If you’re after a domain that’s already owned, you can make an offer, go through a broker, or backorder it in case it expires.
How do people earn money from domain parking?
Many domain names are parked in a way that brings in cash for the owner. Revenue usually comes from adverts displayed on the page, with a small payment for each click.
Those who make meaningful revenue tend to focus on:
☐ Recently dropped domains. These are domain names that a previous owner has allowed to expire. They often have an established history in search engines and some residual ‘type-in traffic’ from visitors who already know the domain.
☐ Generic domain names: Domains containing common words or phrases can attract visitors typing them straight into the address bar. Even a low click-through rate can generate a steady income if traffic is consistent.
☐ Earnings from “Pay per click” ads: Earnings per click vary and are usually small. How much you make depends on visitor numbers and the relevance of the adverts. Steady traffic is key for meaningful income.
Make sure any dropped domains you buy aren’t protected by a trademark. For more, check out: Domain Names and Trademarks: A Guide for Your Online Brand
How much money can you earn from domain parking?
There’s no set figure — it depends on the domain. Some parked domains earn a small income through adverts, with each click usually paying just a few pennies. This means steady, relevant traffic is key if you want regular returns.
Others may be valuable for resale, where the domain itself is the asset. Short, memorable, or high-demand names can sometimes be sold on for far more than their registration cost.
In most cases, domain parking offers a modest income, whether from ad clicks or from eventually selling the name. With the right domains, it can be a handy way to make a little extra while holding onto digital real estate.
See also: The Most Expensive Domain Names Ever Sold
Parking vs. Cyber squatting (or the dark side of domain parking)
Not all domain parking is done in good faith. Some people — known as cybersquatters — buy up domain names that are tied to existing brands, popular names, or even misspellings of big websites.
The idea is to hold the name hostage and then sell it on at a much higher price to the business or individual who actually needs it. It’s a shady practice and, in cases where it infringes on a trademark, it might be illegal.
Legitimate domain parking is about holding onto your own digital real estate until you’re ready to use it. Cybersquatting is about exploiting someone else’s.
How AI is changing domain buying
Today, AI tools are being used to spot trends and predict which domain names might become valuable in the future. This allows some buyers to snap up potentially popular names before anyone else even thinks of them.
Some domain investors and parking platforms are now using AI to manage large portfolios. Instead of manually checking each name, AI can scan thousands at once, highlighting those with the strongest potential. It looks at factors like keywords, traffic history, and backlink profiles to identify which domains are likely to perform well or attract buyers.
AI is also being used in a more forward-looking way, spotting emerging trends in industries or shifts in language that could make certain names more valuable down the line. For example, if a new technology or phrase suddenly gains popularity, AI can help investors identify domains linked to that trend before the market catches on.
That’s why it’s more important than ever to secure your own domain name early. If there’s a domain you’re looking for, run a quick check with our domain search right now and grab yours before it’s gone!
See also: How to Buy a Domain Name: A Step-by-Step Guide (and Useful Tips)
Wrap up
Domain parking can be as simple as holding onto a name until you’re ready to build, or as involved as earning passive income from traffic and exploring the resale market. While it won’t make most people rich, it’s a practical way to put unused domains to work and keep your digital real estate secure in the meantime.
Whether you’re buying a domain for a future project, investing in names with resale value, or just curious about the possibilities, the key is choosing wisely and staying on the right side of the rules. Above all, if there’s a domain you’ve got your eye on, it’s best not to wait too long — the best names rarely stay available for long.