Are you trying to figure out the right domain extension for your business website?
Whether you own a business or are yet to launch one, you need online visibility. Your visitors will often begin a search for your product online. So if your website is relatively simple to locate and use, it will boost your chances of making sales.
Did you know? A research conducted by Forbes found that 65% of people or users consider online search as the most trusted source of information about brands. |
However, you must select the correct domain extensions to have an effective website and lasting brand name. The reason is that it greatly influences your target audience. There are many distinct domain extensions available. And it could be challenging to select the one that best suits your niche.
In this article, we will explain the importance of domain name extensions. Also, we will discuss the common extension types. What’s more? There are free tips on how to choose the right domain name extensions. Let’s get to it!
Domain Name Extensions: What They Are & Why It’s Important to Get Them Right
Domain name extensions are also known as top-level domains (TLDs). They are the suffix of a web URL that comes after the domain name. Often, it begins with a dot (.) And the most popular suffix is “.com ” For instance, in Facebook.com, the domain name is Facebook, while its extension is .com.
In today’s digital environment, people perceive your brand by its domain name. For most people, a cheap startup domain name typically denotes a weaker brand. Hence, they will interpret your domain name this way, whether it applies to your company or not.
Therefore, it is best to take your time in selecting and registering domain names. An effective search and marketing technique should bring customers to your website. Hence, it is vital to consider all options. This might be the most crucial choice to make as you carve yourself a niche in the eCommerce industry. Other importance of choosing the proper domain names are;
- It gives your company a more professional reputation. And it distinguishes you from the other get-rich-quick scam websites out there.
- It boosts your brand visibility. An excellent domain will generate awareness and draw visitors, much like a shop display.
- A domain name gives your online presence versatility. Your name will remain the same, no matter what – whether you decide to switch web hosting companies, move to a new country, or start utilizing an internal server. So, you can keep developing your brand without starting from scratch.
- It improves your website’s position in search results. Search engines like Google will identify your startup domain name if you grow your site with high-quality content. And this will drive more clients to your business.
- As long as you continue paying the yearly fee on time, your domain name will not expire.
Recommendation: Are you starting a eCommerce business, then check out our premium domain names for sale here. |
Continue reading to discover the types of top-level domains.
Types Of Top Level Domain
Below are the common types of top-level domain or domain extensions.
Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD)
A gTLD is a three-character or longer internet domain name extension. It falls under the top-level domain (TLD) list in the Domain Name System (DNS), which the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority controls. Examples of gTLD are .org, .net, or .biz.
Country Code Top Level Domain (ccTLD)
Another type of top-level domain name is country code top-level domain. ccTLD is used to specify the domain for a certain nation or geographic region. Every region has a reserved domain name. And this is often two letters long.
Assuming your fashion brand is situated in London. Its domain name could be apparels.uk. As such, it will prompt Google to target the UK audience to your website. Examples of ccTLD are; .uk, .ca, or .au
Sponsored Top Level Domain (sTLD)
sTLD is an extension that is sponsored by a particular company, agency, or organization. For instance, .edu for educational institutions or .gov for websites connected to the government. Other examples are; .coop, .int, .tel, or .travel.
Having known the types, let’s head over to the next section, which reviews the popular domain name extensions available.
Did you know? Paul Mockapetris invented the domain name system in 1983. |
Popular Domain Extensions For Startup/Business Niche
There’s a wide range of domain name extensions available today. And there’s more! New ones are constantly being introduced. But, it is crucial to pick the most suitable startup domain name extensions. In light of this, we’ve curated ten popular domain extensions.
.Com
The .com domain extension is an abbreviation for commercial. When it first came into place, .com was meant for e-commerce websites. Today, it serves more than 50% of all sites. Making it one of the widely used domain extensions.
Its extensive use makes it the preferred option for most eCommerce businesses. Also, almost all websites often use .com, which is often regarded as the default domain extension.
However, there is a significant drawback to the .com domain extension. And because of its popularity, there is a likelihood that someone may have chosen your perfect .com name.
.Net
The second most popular top-level domain name extension is .net. “.net” domain name extensions are from the word “network.” This implies that it is for businesses using networking technology. Often, you will receive the .net name when the domain name purchased has been chosen by another person.
Well-known websites such as Sourceforge.net. and Behance.net use this domain extension. However, you can always buy extra domain extensions and redirect them to your primary domain. For instance, your browser seamlessly links to apparels.com if you write apparels.net.
.Io
In addition to the top-level domain, .io is adaptable for business and personal use. Even so, in the computer field, ‘IO’ or ‘I/O’ is often used instead of ‘input/output.’ Therefore, many people use a .io since it is a suitable extension choice for online businesses. This is similar to how a .app domain is a good match for a mobile app.
Even though most tech companies use .io, it is still suitable for anyone, irrespective of the business niche. A photographer might choose to use stud.io while an artist who wants to showcase his arts may use portfol.io
Did you know? For Chinese users, Google has one of the shortest domain names — g.cn. |
.Co
Colombia’s .co domain extension serves as its distinctive identity and country code top-level domain (ccTLD). A .co domain name is precise, professional, and unique. And it helps your brand stand out from the crowd. A .co domain is meant for you if you are a resident of Colombia, a small company owner, or a banker.
The .co name is similar to .com. If the name you desire is already taken on .com, don’t settle for it. You will rank better in search engines and people’s hearts if you have a .co domain name.
.Biz
The .biz domain extension is quite popular. It is a top-level domain that was formed due to .com’s limited access. The first word that comes to mind while looking at this suffix is “business.” Hence, this is a fantastic option for your company.
The Biz domain is still not well-known as .org, .net, or, of course, dot-com. This add-on, on the other hand, is relatively brief and user-friendly. For example, if you run a photography business, a .biz domain extension puts you forth as a business enterprise. The extension is readily connected with enterprises, lending credibility to your brand.
.Edu
Educational institutions and universities use the .edu extension. The .edu domain name is a sponsored top-level domain (sTLD). And to use this domain extension, you must run or be affiliated with an approved educational institution. Also, you must validate accreditation. Educause, a third-party entry manages the registration of .edu domain names.
.Us
The top-level domain (ccTLD) on the Internet for the United States is .us. The .us domain registrants must be citizens or full-time residents of the United States of America. Also, it must be a global corporation in the US.
In the United States, most registrants chose .com,.net,.org, and other gTLDs over .us. For this reason, it has been used by state and municipal governments. However, private companies can now also register .us domains. Thus, it is an excellent choice if you have an American-focused website.
.Ai
.Ai domains were launched in 1995 as the island of Anguilla’s country code top-level domain (ccTLD). In case you skipped geography class in school. Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean. Typically, any ccTLD would need a company to be headquartered in or have relations with the represented nation.
However, the .ai domain has been accessible internationally without limitations. It is essentially open to ownerships just like .com or .net. Because AI means artificial intelligence, many tech business owners with AI products have taken advantage of the chance to make .ai the home of their websites. But, more innovative ones have discovered various methods to make the .ai domain work for their business.
.Info
.Info is a generic top-level domain (gTLD). The term “info” comes from the word “information.” Since its introduction in 2003, many believe that .info sites do not rank well on search engines. Though they are not bad for SEO, many individuals do not trust them. The reason is that many scam sites use the same domain extension. Moreover, a major benefit of .info is that anyone can get it at a reasonable cost.
.Org
The .org domain name extensions are preferable for charity websites, and however, it is now available to many digital entrepreneurs. This is a standard domain registration extension used by NGOs and political parties. Also, website owners that wish to portray themselves as a credible source of information make use of it.
The.org domain extension integrates with well-known brands such as Wikipedia and WordPress.org. Many other domains like .com are more popular than .info. Thus, it may have the right domain name.
Tips To Consider Before Choosing The Right Domain Name Extensions
When deciding on the best domain name extensions, consider a few factors that will affect your website and budget. Here are some points to consider:
Branding
Your domain name and its extension must convey what your brand stands for. So, a .com suffix is the most reliable domain extension for eCommerce retailers. But consider a .org extension if you own a non-profit organization.
Recommendation: Domain names for brands should be unique and memorable. Are you searching for one which has those qualities, then check our premium brand domain name for sale. |
Cost
The cost of domain name extensions automatically affects your selection. A domain name typically costs between $2 and $20 per year. Not only that, the price of a domain name registration may vary depending on the domain extensions you select.
An annual fee of $10–15 is typical for a .com domain. However, some of the more recent TLDs, like .blog and .app, might cost $30 to $40 a year or even more. Also, the cost will depend on the domain registrar.
Domain Registrar
A domain registrar is a business where you purchase and register your domain name. You want someone you can trust to look after your website. Hence, any quality domain name and extension have a reliable registrar behind it. A tested and trusted startup domain registration company is ideal for building your website. Your website’s fate depends on choosing the best domain name registrar.
Popularity
If the domain name is well-known, it might be used for another website. But do not fret! Take advantage of a domain name generator tool, and use it to check the availability of your domain name and compare it to other websites.
Also, your domain name extensions might help you here. For example, if you want to acquire a domain that was already taken but not the .com, just change the URL extension.
Location
If you run a local industry, use a country code top-level domain (ccTLD). And it will aid in the geographic search. On the flip side, customizing the domain name extensions might help you grow your regional customers if you have a physical storefront. Assuming you run a business that sells hot air balloons in New York. An excellent name for it will be hotairballons.ny.
Final Thoughts
The domain extensions you choose for your startup are crucial since it is one of the first things customers see and recall about your company. You may discover the ideal domain name extensions if you conduct your homework.
However, ensure to act quickly because the best domain extensions tend to get scooped up rapidly!
