The global pandemic has changed the landscape of brands and businesses in so many ways. Consumers are now actively participating in e-commerce transactions rather than frequenting a brick-and-mortar option. In this way, shopping and day-to-day exchanges are safer and within the confines of our homes.
The best domain extensions and a perfect domain name must be a top priority nowadays for an online shop, personal blog, and freelance portfolio website.
The search for the best domain extensions
The domain name must be your brand name. It will be a waste if it is not. Establishing the domain name is the first step because changing it later can have adverse effects that could hurt your brand and your search rankings.
It is similar to changing your shop’s signage in the middle of a business run. Brand building and recall will be affected.
A domain extension is a series of characters following a period in a web address. Similar to the importance of building the domain name, the proper domain extension matters as well. Domain extensions’ purpose is to assign a category or a country code for a website.
Here is a guide on the five resources for the best domain extensions for your brand’s website.
1. Familiarity is gold: .com
In selecting a domain extension, it is best to go for familiarity and the commonly used in your space. In addition, it should be cohesive with the brand and the consumer’s expectations from your website.
The .com extension is a relic. Yet, it is one of the oldest and common domains. Since it is the most desired and preferred, it is by muscle memory to input .com in their searches. This extension favors search rankings, especially for commercial and profit-based brands.
This domain extension conveys trust in the World Wide Web. Smartphone keyboards have an automatic button for .com. With this, the .com domain extension is a go-to address for internet surfing that can positively impact your brand.
2. The next top-level domain alternative: .net
Frequently, your bright domain and extension idea is most likely taken, and it comes with a premium price. The next big thing is the .net extension. Unfortunately, it does not work for all industries and brands. This domain extension works best with technology and web-based companies due to its network and technology name implications.
3. The .org domain extension
This extension is available to anyone. It is widely utilized for non-profit organizations, online communities, political parties, and associations unrelated to the government. The popularity of this extension rivals .com. It is not associated with profit and commercial brands chances are better with a .org extension being available than a .com alternative.
4. The rise of .co extension
This extension was originally intended as a country code (Colombia). However, in recent years the .co popularity has grown with the name implication as an acronym for company, corporations, and commercial ventures. Business savvy entrepreneurs are milking this opportunity and build their brands on a .co domain extension.
5. Other domain extensions
A .us extension is also a popular option. This extension, however, is only for U.S. citizens and entities. A significant limiting factor.
In connection to this, there are still extensions available for everyone like s .xyz, .ly, .site. These are free for all and available to anyone.
With these resources, in no time, the most creative brand name that represents you will have a perfect pair and much-coveted domain extension.
A perfect domain name and a suitable domain extension can be an end-all and be-all of a powerful online brand. The solid online presence of your brand highly depends on it. Therefore, the domain name and the domain extension should mesh together and play as a brand ambassador for your online profile, blog, and business.