How to Start Blogging on an Expired Domain and Earn More with US Traffic

Starting a blog on an expired domain can help you gain a competitive edge in SEO and attract high-RPM US traffic, leading to more ad revenue. Many bloggers struggle with ranking new domains, but an expired domain with existing backlinks and authority can jumpstart your blogging journey.

In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to buy an expired domain, set up a blog, attract US traffic, and monetize it effectively.

Step 1: Find and Buy a Quality Expired Domain

The first step is to find a high-quality expired domain with existing backlinks and authority. The best free tool for this is ExpiredDomains.net.

How to Find a Profitable Expired Domain:

✅ Look for aged domains (5+ years old) – Older domains usually rank better.
✅ Check for existing backlinks from high-authority sites (use Ahrefs, Moz, or Semrush).
✅ Avoid spammy or penalized domains (check Google blacklist and Wayback Machine).
✅ Choose a niche-relevant domain – If you plan to blog about finance, don’t pick a domain that was previously about pet care.

Where to Buy Expired Domains:

Once you find a good domain, buy it from:

• GoDaddy Auctions – Popular for bidding on premium expired domains.
• Namecheap or Dynadot – Great for affordable expired domains.
• Flippa – A marketplace for domains and established websites.

💡 If you’re unsure whether a domain is good, drop me a comment—I’ll write a short guide on evaluating expired domains!

Step 2: Check If the Domain is Still Indexed by Google

Before setting up your blog, check if the domain is still indexed by Google.

🔎 How to check indexing status:

• Go to Google and search: site:yourdomain.com
• If you see results, the domain is indexed. If not, you may need to rebuild its authority with fresh content and backlinks.

If the domain was de-indexed due to penalties, reconsider using it.

Step 3: Set Up Your Blog (Hosting + WordPress)

Now, it’s time to install WordPress and launch your blog.

Best Hosting Providers for Expired Domains:

💻 Cloudways – Fast hosting with built-in caching for SEO.
💻 Hostinger – Budget-friendly and beginner-friendly.
💻 Bluehost – Recommended by WordPress, but slightly expensive.

After setting up hosting, install WordPress and choose a lightweight theme like GeneratePress, Astra, or Kadence for speed.

Must-Have WordPress Plugins:

🔹 Rank Math or Yoast SEO – Helps with on-page SEO.
🔹 WP Rocket – Improves site speed.
🔹 UpdraftPlus – Backup your site regularly.

🚀 Need help with WordPress setup? Drop a comment, and I’ll write a short article on it!

Step 4: Create US-Focused Content for High RPM

To maximize your revenue, you must target US traffic because:

✅ US traffic has a higher RPM than other countries.
✅ Advertisers pay more for US-based visitors.
✅ Ezoic, Mediavine, and AdSense offer higher payouts for US traffic.

How to Find US-Specific Blog Topics:

• Google Trends – Check trending US topics.
• Semrush or Ahrefs – Find high-volume, low-competition keywords.
• AnswerThePublic – Discover what US users are searching for.

Example: Instead of writing “Best Laptops Under $500”, write “Best Laptops for College Students in the USA” to attract US readers.

✍ Not sure which topics work best? Let me know in the comments!

Step 5: Monetize Your Blog for Maximum Earnings

Once you get traffic, it’s time to monetize your blog.

1. Google AdSense (Basic Monetization)

Sign up for Google AdSense and place ads on your blog. Focus on US traffic to get higher CPM (Cost Per 1,000 Impressions).

2. Ezoic or Mediavine (Higher Earnings)

Once you reach 10K+ monthly pageviews, apply for Ezoic. At 50K+ pageviews, switch to Mediavine for even better RPM.

3. Affiliate Marketing (Extra Income)

Promote Amazon US products, digital courses, or tools like Bluehost, Hostinger, and ConvertKit to earn commissions.

Example: A blog about tech gadgets can promote Amazon deals on trending US products.

4. Sponsored Posts

Once your blog gets traction, brands will pay you for sponsored content.

💡 Want to know the best affiliate programs for US blogs? Drop a comment!

Step 6: Scale Your Blog for More Earnings

Now that your blog is set up and monetized, it’s time to scale up and grow faster.

🚀 Keep publishing at least 2-3 high-quality posts per week.
🔗 Build backlinks to increase domain authority (guest posts, HARO, Quora).
📢 Promote on social media (Pinterest, Twitter, and LinkedIn for US audiences).
🔍 Improve SEO by optimizing old articles and adding internal links.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Starting a Blog on an Expired Domain?

Absolutely! Buying an expired domain gives you an SEO advantage, helping you rank faster and earn more with US traffic. However, choosing the right domain and creating US-focused content is key to success.

If you get stuck anywhere, drop a comment – I’ll write a short guide on it! 🚀