If you’ve ever stumbled upon a domain name that’s not being actively used for a website or email, you’re looking at what’s called “domain parking.” Essentially, to “park” a domain means to register a domain, but not use it right away. While this might seem like wasted space, parking a domain can actually be a strategic move. If you’re eyeing a parked domain for future use, or you’re unsure how to make the most of your own, we’ve got you covered. This guide will explore the value of parked domains, the options available when your perfect domain is already parked, and whether parking a domain could be the right decision for your business goals.
Why park a domain?
There are a few reasons why parking a domain can be a smart decision. Most importantly, it lets you register a great domain name for future use, keeping competitors or any one else from claiming it. Maybe you’re waiting for the right time to build your website, or waiting for your business to officially launch. Either way, parking a domain allows you to lock it in now. Parked domains can actually make you a bit of passive income through ads, so even if you’re not using the domain yet, it could still pull its weight. Plus, parking acts as a placeholder to keep your online presence active until you’re ready to bring your ideas to life.
Different kinds of domain parking
When you come across a parked domain, what you see can vary depending on how the owner is handling it. It might just be a placeholder while they map out future plans, or it could be set up to bring in some cash. Either way, the content or lack of it can give you clues about what is going on. Let’s dive into the different types of domain parking you might bump into:
“Coming Soon” or “Under Construction” page
Some parked domains feature a custom landing page with a message like “Coming Soon” or “Under Construction.” While this requires a bit of web hosting setup and doesn’t strictly qualify as “parked” in the traditional sense, it serves as a placeholder to keep visitors informed of future plans for the domain.
For sale notice
If the domain owner is hoping to sell the parked domain, they may display a “For Sale” sign on the page. This typically includes contact details and an asking price, making it easy for potential buyers to reach out and negotiate.
Error page
When a domain is completely inactive with no content or hosting set up, visitors may see a standard error page. This page often displays a message that the site can’t be reached, which is similar to what you’d see if the domain didn’t exist in the first place.
Advertisements
Many domain owners choose to park their domains with ad services that place ads on the page. These ads can generate passive income for the domain owner when visitors click on them, offering a way to monetize an otherwise idle domain.
Default parking page
Some domain registrars automatically create a default parking page for newly registered domains. This page lets visitors know that the domain has been registered, but it hasn’t been set up with any content yet. It’s a simple way to acknowledge that the domain is owned and not available for registration.
How to Set Up Domain Parking at Epik
To set up domain parking with Epik, first log in to your account and go to your Domain Dashboard. Select the domain you want to park, then click “Park This Domain” under the Build tab. A pop-up will allow you to choose “Epik Premium Parking” and select a theme. After that, you’ll be directed to the Parking Setup page, where you can customize taglines, upload images, and modify the meta information for SEO purposes.
Further customization options include adding text, links, images, videos, and HTML through the Content & Media section. You can set the page’s default language and currency, then choose to hide certain elements like social media icons and widgets. Once you’re happy with your setup, click “Save Changes” to activate the parked domain and preview how it will appear to visitors.
Frequently asked questions
Parking your domain helps secure a great name for future use, prevents competitors from claiming it, and can generate passive income through advertisements.
To park your domain, log into your Epik account, navigate to your Domain Dashboard, select your domain, and click “Park This Domain” under the Build tab. Follow the steps to customize your parked page.
Yes, many parking services allow you to earn money by displaying ads on your parked domain. You’ll earn a small fee when visitors click on these ads.
Absolutely! You can use a “For Sale” sign on your parked domain page, allowing potential buyers to contact you with an offer.
No, parking a domain does not require a hosting plan. You only need to set the domain’s name servers to a parking service like Epik.
You can park a domain indefinitely. Some people park domains for a few months, while others may keep them for years.
Parking a domain does not usually affect SEO since the domain isn’t actively being used. However, if you add content or ads, make sure it’s relevant to avoid any negative impact in the future.
Yes, Epik offers a selection of themes to customize the look of your parked domain. You can choose the one that best fits your needs and style.
Once you’ve completed the setup, you can preview your parked domain. With Epik, you’ll also see a confirmation when the domain is parked, and it will be visible in your Epik Domain Dashboard.