If you’ve got a website making money — whether it’s a content blog, Shopify store, YouTube channel, or even a micro‑SaaS — the question eventually pops up: Where’s the best place to sell it?
And here’s the thing — the Best Places to Sell Websites? question doesn’t have a one‑size‑fits‑all answer. It depends on your deal size, business model, how much confidentiality you want, and how much you’re willing to DIY versus having a broker hold your hand.
This guide cuts through fluff and shady hype, showing you the real platforms sellers use in 2025 — what it costs, how long it takes, and how to avoid tire‑kickers who just want to peek behind the curtain.
| Key Point | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Empire Flippers: tiered commission (15% to $700K; 8% $700K–$5M; 2.5% above $5M) | Predictable fees on large deals with escrow + migration support |
| Flippa: huge reach, self‑service listings, success fees from 3% with paid plans | Ideal for <$100K deals; you control diligence, but expect more noise |
| Curated vs Open marketplaces | Curated = quality control; Open = faster eyeballs |
| Be Doc‑Ready | Clean P&L, proof of traffic, escrow readiness = faster closes |
Understanding “Selling a Website” in 2025
When people talk about “selling a website,” they’re really selling an online business — often with multiple moving parts:
- Content sites (ad‑based or affiliate revenue)
- Ecommerce/Shopify stores
- SaaS or digital products
- YouTube channels, newsletters, or social media accounts
Your platform choice matters because buyers come with different goals and risk tolerances.
- Curated marketplaces screen both sides, offer migration, and reduce scams — but charge higher fees.
- Open marketplaces let anyone bid, maximizing reach but requiring you to filter out tourists and copycats.
🛠 Pro tip: Decide early if protecting the URL is critical. Confidentiality immediately removes half the platforms from consideration.
The Best Places to Sell Websites in 2025
Empire Flippers – Vetted Buyers, Clear Fees, Smooth Migration
Empire Flippers is the king of curated marketplaces, especially for mid‑to‑high‑value sites. They:
- Verify buyers before they can see your URL.
- Handle transaction funds (acting like escrow).
- Manage migration to avoid post‑sale chaos.
Fees:
15% on the first $700K → 8% from $700K–$5M → 2.5% above $5M.
This means the bigger your sale, the less painful the percentage.
Best for: $100K+ content, ecommerce, or SaaS with clean books.
⚡ Pro Tip: Their commission calculator is a sanity check before you list — it helps set expectations and avoids “fee shock.”
Flippa – The Biggest Marketplace for Small & Mid‑Market Deals
Flippa is the internet’s open bazaar for buying and selling websites, ecommerce stores, apps, domains — you name it.
- Reach: Millions of registered buyers.
- Listing costs: Packages from $49–$599/6 months.
- Success fee: From 3% (with certain plans) to 10%.
- NDA Option: Pay extra to keep your URL gated.
Best for: Sites under $100K or if you want max exposure fast.
🚨 Heads-up: Public listings are a magnet for “What’s the URL?” messages. Use proof‑of‑funds requirements and NDAs to protect your asset.
Curated vs. Open Marketplaces — Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Curated Marketplaces (Empire Flippers, Quiet Light) | Open Marketplaces (Flippa, Motion Invest) |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer Screening | ✅ High | ❌ Low |
| Confidentiality | ✅ Strong | ⚠ Optional |
| Speed to Market | ❌ Slower | ✅ Faster |
| Fees | ⚠ Higher | ✅ Flexible |
| Migration Help | ✅ Yes | ❌ No / Optional |
A hybrid strategy works best for many sellers:
Start curated for the first 30 days → if no strong offers, go public to widen exposure.
How to Win on Any Platform
- Stage the Reveal: List without showing the domain; unlock only for vetted buyers.
- Build a “Data Room” with:
- P&L for the last 12 months.
- GA4 & Search Console screenshots.
- Proof of revenue (Stripe, PayPal, affiliate dashboards).
- Use Escrow: Always. No exceptions.
- Price Realistically: Multiples based on trailing net profit, not top‑line revenue.
The 60–90 Day Two‑Lane Sale Plan
- Days 1–30: List on a curated marketplace → focus on buyer calls and clean negotiation.
- Days 31–60: Add an open platform listing with NDA/proof‑of‑funds gate.
- Days 61–90: Either close with your top buyer or adjust the price/presentation based on the market response.
Real‑World Examples
- Content Site (~$6.5K/mo net): Empire Flippers → 3 buyer calls in week 2 → LOI → closed in 45 days.
- Small Ecom Brand (~$1.8K/mo net): Flippa with NDA → heavy inbound but filtered → closed in 30 days.
- Micro‑SaaS (~$3K MRR): Hybrid → curated first, then public with anonymized screenshots → buyer found via niche Slack.
Pattern? Good docs + buyer gating = real offers faster.
Pricing Without Guesswork
- Content & Ecommerce: Often trade at 30–40x monthly net profit if stable.
- SaaS: May price higher if churn is low and ARR growth is strong.
- Always show why your multiple is fair — buyers respect numbers over “gut feel.”
Guardrails Against Tire‑Kickers & Copycats
- Use watermarks on sensitive docs.
- Delay full asset reveals until proof of funds is shown.
- Keep all communication on‑platform.
- Be ready with a post‑sale handover kit to speed closing.
Final Word
The Best Places to Sell Websites? in 2025 are the ones that fit your asset’s value, your risk tolerance, and your need for speed or confidentiality.
- Go curated (like Empire Flippers) if you want vetted buyers, help with migration, and less hassle.
- Go open (like Flippa) if you want huge reach, faster listing times, and can handle screening buyers yourself.
- Or go hybrid to get the best of both.
Whatever you choose, protect your data, get your numbers airtight, and let a strong TTM story do the talking. The right buyer is out there — and they’ll find you faster when your listing is bulletproof. 💼
