Domain Extensions Are More than What Meets the Eye
Technology
Domain name extensions are the tail to your brand name on the URL. Much like a real one, this tail has multiple use cases, and it serves to have one that fits our needs. So how do you differentiate between the many different domain extensions? Are only the popular domain extensions available, or can we pick an app domain? In this post, we will look at simple variations that aid you in picking the right extension for your brand.
Let’s Look at Our Options
Before we get into why they shape the future of our business, let’s look at what we can choose from.
Generic Top Level (gTLD)
The first and oldest gTLD are .com and .net. They are Generic, meaning they aren’t country-specific and are best for international businesses.
Sponsored Top Level (sTLD)
Sponsored extensions are the Internet address space used by particular groups and companies. These aren’t popular among the general people. Such as the.gov and.mil domains. And now, businesses can register their unique domain tail like .toyota according to a new policy implemented by ICANN, a regulatory body devoted to internet stability and security.
Country Code Top Level (ccTLD)
Country-specific tails, like .us or .ca, are used in that country. Each country’s ccTLDs have different rules. In certain countries, only government agencies can use it, so check before signing up for it.
Restricted Extensions
There are limits placed on some commonly used URL suffixes. This means certain criteria must be met to utilize and register them. For instance, the .jobs TLD can only be used by organizations that offer online job listings.
Special Use cases
Several options can only be used for technical purposes. The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) has reserved TLDs like .local and .test for internal usage only.
What’s the Big Deal about These New Names?
Domain extensions affect how users perceive your website. A website with an .edu extension is more credible in the eyes of the average visitor than one with a.zip extension.
Consider this name as a chance to make a good first impression. It ought to convey the right message about your company to potential customers and make them interested in checking out your website. In a nutshell, give serious consideration to your options before accepting an extension.
1. Assists in Diversification
The URL tail may need to be changed if the company’s focus has shifted away from its original niche and into a more general area, furthermore, the .guru TLD could be a good fit for a fitness trainer who has expanded their services to include yoga instruction.
2. Indirectly Affects SEO Optimization
Domain extension might specially affect your SEO. People often gravitate towards the more common extension. You need to make sure that your brand name does not become replicated by another company that uses the .com TLD.
Anyway, it’s not the reason to avoid the usage of some extensions. Let’s look at several of them to consider:
- .shop – suitable for an online store or a small online retailer;
- .tech – good for a tech company, businesses like intel and cisco use them;
- .xyz – if you offer any service or products. A very umbrella extension to use;
- .support – chosen by the companies which offer any kind of help.
Don’t be afraid to give a chance to new extensions. In some cases, they help to make a domain name look specific and more memorable.
3. Create a Brand for Your Company
A company’s web address should be instantly recognizable. You can analyze the competitors’ websites, and make your domain name look more exclusive with the help of the extension. As an illustration, a company that specializes in architecture would benefit from registering the .archi domain name.
As an added bonus, names that are simple to type have a lower potential for typos to occur during searches. Extension .shop, for example, in tea.shop is rather memorable, and you can hardly make an error in it.
4. Reach a Target Audience
The right domain extension will show up in the intended target location. Amazon.de doesn’t show up in Asian countries’ search results, despite it being an Amazon website, as they aren’t the audience they’re catering for. On the other hand, there are higher chances you may find it in your search results if you’re searching from Switzerland.
Conclusion
So, what is a domain extension? Now you know it and how its types are beneficial. Understand what your company needs, follow the above guidelines wisely, and pick your URL tail. If you do it right, there will be lots of advantages for your business.
Domain Extensions Are More than What Meets the Eye
