Greetings.

Occasionally, active websites with domain names present themselves. In the event that the owners do not respond to inquiries and the domain goes up for sale, what course of action should be taken?

1) Register the previous DNS (allowing visitors to view the website, but not showing the sale offer).
2) Register the DNS of a store or parking page (showing the sale offer, but not the website).

In the effort to sell the domain, is it worthwhile to temporarily restore the website while the hosting is still functional?

Alternatively, can one purchase a domain for its previous contents?

While good websites are typically not abandoned, unforeseen events may occur.

There is little point in maintaining someone else's website, particularly if the intention is to sell the domain. The responsibility for the site lies with the domain owner. In rare cases where the site is charitable, highly useful, or greatly needed, it may be worth supporting and returning the domain to the original owner for reimbursement, but typically such domains should not be acquired for resale.

While the goal may be clear - obtaining a domain from an active website rather than a parking page - a new owner may not have any interest in the old site and may even prefer to remain ignorant of its contents. It is best to notify administrators promptly if a domain is accidentally dropped but the site is still operational, rather than risk the site being transferred to a new administrator along with the domain.

Furthermore, during the purchase process, there may be a risk of hosting ending abruptly and content being lost, so it is important to retrieve it promptly.

Although taking over an abandoned website may seem exciting, it is not always without its challenges.

Many users find that they can just take and close the site, saying that it will stop working on its own. There is only one thing, but if the registration period has expired, then you can safely register it and place your projects on it or just information about the sale of the domain.

The most effective approach would be to generate fresh pages on the same website and gradually link them to the old site. This will create semantic links, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of the promoted website.

It is important to note that redirecting the entire site to the main page of a second website will not have the same impact as a page-by-page redirection. In situations where not all pages need to be redirected, creating targeted redirects to relevant sections of the new website is also a viable option.

In addition, when updating a website, it is important to consider not just the technical aspects of redirection, but also the user experience and the overall purpose of the site. A well-crafted redesign can lead to positive outcomes beyond simply maintaining search engine rankings.

When a domain goes up for sale and the owner is unresponsive, you basically have two paths to consider:

1. You might want to register the previous DNS. This option allows visitors to still access the original website's content, which could keep the site's traffic flowing and provide some legitimacy should potential buyers come across it. However, there's the risk that if the original content has specific branding or intellectual property tied to it, you might run into legal issue down the line.

2. On the other hand, registering the DNS for a store or parking page is a more straightforward approach. This option would showcase the domain for sale and could generate inquiries from interested buyers. But it might lack the trust factor because new visitors wouldn't see any existing content that makes them believe in the value of the domain.

In terms of restoring the previous website temporarily, if the hosting is still functional, it could be a smart move. Instead of just holding onto the domain, having an online presence could help retention of any previous traffic or SEO value tied to the domain. It shows potential buyers that the website had value and can offer them a working platform should they buy it.

Now, regarding purchasing a domain for its previous contents, it gets a bit more complicated. If the original website is still live and functional, you would need to reach out to the owner directly for potential negotiations. If the content is abandoned and the domain is truly up for grabs, you might have a case for acquiring the domain, but this could also introduce legal hurdles relating to trademark or copyright if you plan to restore or utilize the previous content.

While it's rare for valuable websites to be abandoned, things do happen—like the original owner's loss of interest or financial difficulties. Thus, always keeping an eye on these opportunities can sometimes lead to a good investment if approached thoughtfully. It's a game of timing, marketing, and legal considerations. Always be prepared to approach these situations with caution and respect for the original brand.