[KatherineSalazar]

A few years ago, I paid $800 for a website that was probably worth less than $200.

It wasn't a scam.

I simply skipped proper due diligence.

That mistake taught me more than any course ever could.

Now, before buying any website, I always check these five things.

1. Never Trust Traffic Screenshots​

Anyone can show screenshots from their best month.

Always ask for read-only access to Google Analytics or Search Console.

Real data tells the full story.

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2. Check Where the Traffic Comes From​

I prefer websites that get most of their visitors from Google search.

If nearly all the traffic comes from one source like Pinterest, Facebook, or a single viral post, that's a risk.

Algorithms change overnight.

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3. Review the Backlink Profile​

Before buying, I always check the backlinks.

If I see spammy links, gambling websites, or suspicious networks pointing to the site, I walk away.

Bad backlinks can destroy a site's rankings.

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4. Verify Revenue Properly​

Don't rely on PayPal screenshots.

Ask for proof from the actual affiliate dashboard or ad network account.

If the seller refuses to verify earnings, consider it a warning sign.

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5. Ask Why They're Selling​

Sometimes the answer is simple:

• No time

• Burnout

• Moving on to another project

Those are normal.

But vague answers or avoiding the question usually deserve a closer look.

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The Lesson That Cost Me $600​

The website I bought depended almost entirely on Pinterest traffic.

Two months later, Pinterest updated its algorithm.

Traffic dropped by around 80%, and so did the site's value.

It was an expensive reminder that buying a website isn't just about today's numbers it's about how sustainable those numbers are.

If you're planning to buy a website, spend an extra hour checking everything. That hour could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars later.