Building Your Watchlist: The Best Tools for Tracking Domain Expiry Dates

The process of finding a great expiring domain is only half the battle. Once you've done your research and identified a handful of high-potential targets, you enter a new phase: tracking. These domains might not "drop" for days or weeks, and in that time, it's easy to lose track of them amidst the constant flow of new opportunities.

A disciplined investor doesn't rely on memory. They rely on a system. Building and managing an effective watchlist is a crucial skill that ensures your research efforts pay off. It allows you to monitor your top targets, get timely reminders, and prepare your acquisition strategy well in advance. This guide covers the best tools and methods for the job.

1. Unowna's Built-in Watchlist: Your Home Base

What it is: A core feature of the Unowna dashboard that allows you to save and monitor domains.
Why it's essential: This is the simplest and most integrated way to manage your list. As you filter and browse the live feed of expiring domains, you can click a star icon next to any name that interests you. This action immediately adds it to your personal watchlist. This creates a curated, private list that separates your chosen targets from the public noise. The best part is that the countdown timers for your watched domains remain live, so you can see at a glance which of your targets are dropping next.
Workflow: Use the main dashboard for broad discovery. Use your private watchlist for daily monitoring and prioritization. It's your starting point and your central hub for tracking.

2. Google Calendar: For Proactive, Unmissable Alerts

What it is: Your standard digital calendar application.
Why it's essential: A watchlist is great for monitoring, but it's a passive system. A calendar provides proactive, push-button alerts that you can't miss. When you move a domain from a "maybe" to a "definitely want," you should add it to your calendar. Create an event on the day the domain is set to drop, and title it with the domain name. Then, set multiple notifications: one for 24 hours before, to remind you to do a final check and prepare, and another for 1 hour before the drop window opens, so you're ready to act. ⏰
Workflow: Once a domain on your Unowna watchlist becomes a high-priority target, transfer it to your calendar to create an active, unmissable reminder.

3. Backorder Services (NameJet, DropCatch): The "Set It and Forget It" Tracker

What they are: Professional drop catching services that also function as a tracking tool.
Why it's essential: When you are 100% certain you want a competitive domain, placing a backorder is the ultimate tracking method. Once you place the backorder, you can essentially forget about it. The service will monitor the domain's status, attempt to catch it for you at the drop, and send you an email with the result. It's a paid service, but it automates both the tracking and the acquisition attempt, making it the most efficient option for high-value targets.
Workflow: For your absolute top-tier, must-have domains, place a backorder. This moves the domain from a list you have to watch to a task the service will execute for you.

4. DomainTools WHOIS: For Detailed Expiry Data

What it is: A powerful tool for looking up the registration data (WHOIS record) of any domain.
Why it's essential: Sometimes, the expiry date shown on a list might be the date the domain enters the grace period, not its final drop date. For a high-priority target, it's wise to do a manual WHOIS lookup. The official record will show you key dates like "Registry Expiry Date" and "Updated Date." Changes in the "Domain Status" (e.g., from `ok` to `pendingDelete`) give you the most accurate possible information about where the domain is in its lifecycle. This is your tool for final, definitive confirmation.
Workflow: Use this tool for your top 1-2 targets in the final days before the drop to get the most precise and up-to-date status information.

Conclusion: Build Your System, Never Miss a Drop

An effective tracking system is what separates casual browsers from serious investors. By creating a workflow that combines a central watchlist, proactive calendar alerts, and a professional backordering service for top targets, you can manage your pipeline with efficiency and confidence.

This systematic approach ensures that no opportunity falls through the cracks and that your valuable research time translates into successful acquisitions. Stop relying on memory and start building your tracking system today.