Hand Registered (or hand reg) refers to the process of registering a new domain name that hasn’t been owned or registered by anyone else before.
This is done directly through a domain registrar such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, or any other ICANN-accredited registrar. The cost of hand registering a domain is typically the standard registration fee set by the registrar, which can vary but is usually quite affordable.
Hand registration is often the first step in domain investing. Domain investors might hand register a domain with a catchy, brandable name or a term they believe could become popular in the future. The goal is to sell the domain at a profit later on, either to an interested party who finds value in that particular domain name or when the specific term or industry associated with the domain gains popularity.
However, it’s important to note that the success of hand registered domains can be unpredictable and requires research, foresight, and sometimes a bit of luck. It’s crucial to understand market trends, keyword popularity, and potential demand in various industries to make informed decisions when hand registering domains.