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Ln.run is a fast and free URL shortener that lets you quickly shorten long links into short URLs. Share your short links on social media, websites, emails, and more. Ln.run is powered by Shorten World

How to Sell Branded Short Domains to Businesses?

In the digital era, branded short domains have become a powerful tool for businesses looking to establish a strong online identity. From marketing campaigns to social media, these concise URLs deliver a clean, memorable, and brand-centric experience that helps companies stand out in a crowded digital landscape. But for domain investors, digital marketers, and entrepreneurs, there lies a golden opportunity: selling branded short domains to businesses can be highly profitable—if done right.

This in-depth guide will show you exactly how to identify valuable branded short domains, target the right businesses, pitch your domain effectively, and close high-ticket sales. Whether you’re a domain flipper, URL shortener service provider, or just exploring passive income online, this article will walk you through the full sales process.

What Are Branded Short Domains?

A branded short domain is a custom, typically shorter version of a business’s main domain name. For example:

  • Instead of using a long URL like examplecompany.com/blog/launch2025, a company could use exco.io/launch2025 or ec.ly/2025launch.

These domains are often used in:

  • Social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram)
  • Email campaigns
  • SMS marketing
  • Affiliate links
  • Print media and QR codes

Companies love them because they’re brandable, trackable, and aesthetically clean.

Why Businesses Buy Branded Short Domains

Before you learn to sell, you must understand the buyer’s motivations. Here’s why businesses are increasingly purchasing branded short domains:

1. Brand Visibility

Short branded domains help businesses maintain brand consistency across all platforms, especially on Twitter and LinkedIn where character limits exist.

2. Trust & Credibility

Using a custom domain instead of a generic URL shortener like ln.run makes the brand appear more professional and secure.

3. Better Click-Through Rates

People are more likely to click on URLs they trust. Custom domains reduce skepticism.

4. Improved Tracking & Analytics

With a branded short domain and link shortening platform, businesses can track engagement in real-time.

5. Memorability

Short domains are easier to remember, spell, and share—ideal for offline marketing too.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Sell Branded Short Domains to Businesses

Step 1: Build a Portfolio of Branded Short Domains

Before selling, you need inventory. Build or acquire a list of premium, short domains that mimic existing brand names or abbreviations.

Tips to Build a Strong Portfolio:

  • Focus on short, pronounceable, and memorable domain names (ideally 3-6 characters).
  • Include brand abbreviations (e.g., nyt.ly for New York Times).
  • Use popular TLDs such as .io, .ly, .to, .co, .sh, and .ai.
  • Check expired domains on marketplaces like GoDaddy Auctions or NameJet.
  • Use domain name generators for creative ideas.
  • Secure variations: singular/plural, hyphenated versions, or acronyms.

Examples:

  • mkto.co → for Marketo
  • tmblr.io → for Tumblr
  • strbks.ly → for Starbucks

Note: Avoid trademarks unless you're targeting generic names or offering the domain with full transparency.

Step 2: Research and Identify Potential Buyers

Now that you have domains, the next step is to identify companies that would benefit from them.

How to Identify Targets:

  • Look for businesses using long, unattractive URLs on their ads or social media.
  • Search Twitter or Facebook for common links using ln.run, bit.ly, tinyurl.com, etc.
  • Analyze competitors in industries like eCommerce, media, tech, SaaS, and crypto.
  • Use tools like Hunter.io or Clearbit to gather contact information.

Target Ideal Buyers:

  • Medium to large brands in digital marketing
  • Startups with aggressive branding strategies
  • Influencers and content creators
  • Affiliate marketers and agencies
  • Government or educational institutions with long URLs

Step 3: Craft a Compelling Value Proposition

When pitching a domain, don't just say “I have this domain, do you want it?” Instead, sell the benefits. Show how the domain solves their branding or marketing pain points.

Value Proposition Points:

  • “This domain makes your links shorter and cleaner for social media.”
  • “Boost your CTR by 30% with a trustworthy branded URL.”
  • “Control your link branding and improve your ad performance.”
  • “This domain matches your brand initials, making it perfect for campaigns.”

Use visuals: mock up examples of how the URL could look in real marketing campaigns.

Step 4: Reach Out with a Personalized Email or Message

Outreach is everything. Avoid spammy blasts. Instead, craft custom, relevant, and professional messages.

Sample Email Template:

Subject: [BrandAbbr.ly] – A Custom Domain Perfect for Your Brand

Hi [First Name],

I noticed your brand is actively promoting content through [ln.run URLs / long links] on [platform]. I own the short branded domain [BrandAbbr.ly], which aligns perfectly with your brand name and would make your links cleaner, more memorable, and on-brand.

Imagine replacing links like:
https://ln.run/3abcXYZ  
with:  
https://yourbrand.ly/summer25

This enhances trust, boosts CTR, and keeps your brand front-and-center in every link you share.

Would you be open to discussing how [BrandAbbr.ly] could benefit your marketing team?

Best,  
[Your Name]  
[Your Website or Marketplace Profile]

Bonus tip: Include an example branded link preview using tools like Shorten World, Bitly or Rebrandly.

Step 5: Price It Right

Domain pricing is an art. Short branded domains often sell from $500 to $15,000+, depending on the brand value.

Pricing Strategies:

  • Use tools like NameBio.com or GoDaddy Appraisal to estimate value.
  • Offer a range: e.g., “$2,000–$5,000” and negotiate.
  • Offer flexible payment options (installments, escrow, etc.).
  • Provide added value: 1 year of hosting, setup support, or link shortening platform.

If you're offering it alongside a branded link shortening service (like Rebrandly or your own SaaS), price it as a full branding package.

Step 6: Use Marketplaces and Escrow Services

To build trust, especially with cold leads, list your domain on trusted marketplaces and use a reputable escrow service.

Recommended Platforms:

  • Dan.com – Great UI and secure transactions
  • Sedo – Strong international presence
  • Afternic – Connects to GoDaddy
  • BrandBucket – Premium names only
  • Efty.com – Custom landing pages

For escrow, use Escrow.com or Payoneer Escrow.

Step 7: Close the Sale

When a buyer shows interest, move fast:

  • Answer questions professionally
  • Be transparent and helpful
  • Offer limited-time pricing to create urgency
  • Follow up without being pushy

Once agreed, initiate escrow and transfer the domain swiftly. Guide the buyer if they’re not tech-savvy.

Step 8: Offer Upsells or After-Sale Services

This is where the smart money is.

After selling the domain, offer to:

  • Set up a branded URL shortening service for them (via Shorten World or your own system)
  • Manage their branded links
  • Track analytics and offer monthly reports
  • Handle custom redirects and link automation

These services can bring recurring revenue and deepen client relationships.

Bonus: Turn This Into a Business Model

Once you master the flow, scale up:

  • Launch a white-labeled URL shortener using open-source tools like YOURLS or Polr.
  • Build a brand called something like Shortify, LinkHero, or URLBoost.
  • Partner with agencies, influencers, and marketing teams.
  • Package domains + link shortening as a branding solution.

This hybrid of domain investing + SaaS can generate thousands in MRR and scale indefinitely.

SEO Benefits of Selling Branded Short Domains

Let’s not forget: branded domains can enhance SEO indirectly.

  • Clean, keyword-rich links can get shared more and clicked more
  • Lower bounce rates from recognizable domains
  • Consistent branding leads to more backlinks and shares

Your potential customers can benefit from these perks—make sure to highlight them in your pitch.

Real-Life Examples of Branded Short Domains

  • nyti.ms → The New York Times
  • tcrn.ch → TechCrunch
  • amzn.to → Amazon
  • fb.me → Facebook
  • go.nasa.gov → NASA

These examples show how global brands use custom domains to strengthen digital presence. You can use these as social proof when approaching potential buyers.

Conclusion

Selling branded short domains is more than flipping domains—it’s about offering a high-value branding solution that businesses need in a fast-paced digital environment.

By:

  • Curating a strategic domain portfolio
  • Identifying the right business targets
  • Delivering a value-packed pitch
  • Pricing wisely and supporting the buyer

—you can build a thriving business in domain sales or add an extra income stream to your existing ventures.

Start small, build credibility, and always prioritize long-term client relationships over one-time deals.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

  • Branded short domains boost brand visibility, trust, and marketing performance.
  • Identify valuable short domains and pitch to businesses that use generic shorteners or long URLs.
  • Use personalized outreach, offer solutions not just domains, and close sales through secure platforms.
  • Upsell branded URL shortening services to generate recurring income.
  • Make this into a scalable business by blending domain sales with link shortening tools.