While you probably haven’t considered it before, not all domain name extensions are created equal. The extension .com, for example, is the most popular and widely used extension in the United States, but there are a number of other extensions that might be more appropriate for your site, such as .ca, .org, .net, and many others.
You might be surprised to know that there are actually more than 250 other domain name extensions in addition to the five mentioned above. Some of these extensions include .tv, .biz, .info, .me, and many more. Some businesses might elect to register the same domain name with all possible extensions in order to eliminate the possibility of an outside entity capitalizing on their already well-established brand.
While you should certainly take some time to research the many domain name extensions available out there, here are a few important points about the most common extensions:
.COM
The .COM extension is most commonly used by businesses of all sizes because of it is easily recognized as a symbol of business and commercial presence. Most registered domain names today utilize the .COM extension because of its’ international status as one of the most popular generic top-level domains.
While an extension such as .biz or .info might be more appropriate for your business, the simple fact is that most people will automatically type in a .COM extension when looking for your website. Unfortunately, .COM extensions can now be more costly than you’d like as a result of so many desirable .COM domain names already being registered.
.NET
The .NET extension is more popular amongst companies that offer web-based services. Some examples include Internet service providers, web hosting companies, and any sites that represent part of a larger infrastructure of Internet-related businesses.
.NET extensions are available worldwide, just as a .COM extension would be, and there are no restrictions on registering a domain with this extension, which can often become an issue when trying to register a domain with a .GOV or .EDU extension.
.ORG
The .ORG extension is also available globally and they are most commonly used for the website of non-profits, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and trade associations. If you elect to go with a .ORG extension for your website, you should make sure that no one owns the same domain name with the .COM or .NET extension.
Many businesses have benefited from registering their domain with multiple extensions in order to prevent another company fro piggybacking on their brand. Additionally, having your domain registered with multiple extensions will help you redirect traffic to the actual site where interested users will find the products, services, or information they’re looking for.
When selecting an extension for their domain name, many people elect for one of these three options because of the relatively minimal restrictions stipulating their use. However, there are a great deal of domain extensions available, so it requires research to know just what will be best for your specific business.
If you’re trying to select a domain name extension and you’re having difficulty, or you’re experiencing any other marketing or web design issues, please don’t hesitate to give us a call today!
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