Should I choose a domain extension other than .com?

Hi there,

I'm at a crossroads in selecting a domain extension for my website, and I could use some valuable insights. While the classic .com extension is widely recognized, I'm curious about the new domain extensions such as .info, .hosting, .travel, .art, .best, and many others available today.

Can you share your experiences and opinions on which domain extension might be the best choice for different types of websites or businesses? Your input will be greatly appreciated as I make this important decision. Thank you in advance for your help!

Many users are more familiar with and may trust websites with common generic like .com, .net, and .org. But, these days one can gather equal attention and trust if a .blog domain is used for a blog site or a .app domain for a mobile app.
Obtain a specific domain depending on niche with a desired TLD. This can impact your overall SEO strategy and visitors attention. If a .com or .net extension may already be taken, considering alternative TLDs may be necessary.

Apart from all this, the service or the information that one provide is all that matters. Rest is all for a short period, means for the statring period. A good service grows organically, these extensions might not have long term effects.

I've been in this industry since 2006 ish, and .com is the best TLD to get, however if you're based in the UK a .co.uk may help you better because it's linked to the UK, etc same as .ca for Canada.

.net is good for Networking and .org is best for charities and organisations. However the new ones are great too however I'd recommend you get a main TLD and re-direct the new name to the main one.

For Example: yourawesomehosting.com as the main and then yourawesome.hosting redirects to the .com.

I think YES, other domain extension's price are increasing and very expensive, so if you can go with .com then it is bests choice for you.

Choosing a domain extension depends on your website's purpose and audience. .com is universal and trusted. Newer extensions can be creative and niche-specific, but may require more marketing. For businesses, .com is often safest. Creative projects or niches may benefit from unique extensions, but consider user familiarity and SEO implications. Tailor your choice to your website's identity and goals.

Imagine you're launching an online retail store selling handmade jewelry. You have two domain options:

Option 1: YourStoreName.com , Option 2: YourStoreName.art

Here's how the .com extension can be advantageous:

1. Credibility: Visitors tend to trust .com domains more as they are widely recognized and used by established businesses. Customers may feel more confident buying from YourStoreName.com.
2. Memorability: .com domains are easier to remember. People are more likely to recall and return to a .com website, potentially boosting repeat business.
3. SEO: Search engines often prioritize .com domains, making it easier for YourStoreName.com to rank higher in search results and attract organic traffic.
4. Email Trust: When you send emails from a YourStoreName.com domain, they are less likely to be marked as spam compared to less common extensions, ensuring your communication reaches customers' inboxes.

While .art could work well for showcasing your jewelry as art pieces, YourStoreName.com offers a broader appeal, trust, and better chances for online success, particularly if you plan to expand your business in the future.

Selecting the right domain extension is a crucial decision for any website or business. Let's explore some key factors to help you make an informed choice.
.com: Widely recognized and professional for all types of businesses.
.info: Suitable for informational websites.
.hosting: Ideal for web hosting and tech-related businesses.
.travel: Perfect for travel-related websites.
.art: Adds an artistic touch for creative ventures.
.best: Highlights top-quality products or services.
.org: Common for non-profits and community-focused groups.
.edu: Reserved for educational institutions.
.gov: Exclusive for government entities.
.io: Popular among tech startups and online platforms.
Choose one that aligns with your brand, industry, and target audience, and ensure it's easy to remember and check for availability.

Cheerag Nundlall said:

Hi there,

I'm at a crossroads in selecting a domain extension for my website, and I could use some valuable insights. While the classic .com extension is widely recognized, I'm curious about the new domain extensions such as .info, .hosting, .travel, .art, .best, and many others available today.

Can you share your experiences and opinions on which domain extension might be the best choice for different types of websites or businesses? Your input will be greatly appreciated as I make this important decision. Thank you in advance for your help!

Click to expand...

For a general or commercial site, go with ".com." It's widely trusted. If it's more about information or blogging, ".info" works well. For tech-related businesses, ".hosting" is sleek. And if it's a travel-related site, ".travel" adds a nice touch. Ultimately, it depends on your site's vibe and purpose! Good luck!

If ".com" is available for your brand, go for it. If you have to adjust your name to get ".com", consider an alternative extension, relevant to your niche.

Sure! Especially when you know what you're doing and you're building a brand over time. Of course, this is directly related to your budget. But in general, the registration of the usual additional extensions may not even be limited to countries zone! For example; although .GE is a ccTLD of Georgia, it is alternatively used for Germany and the US state of Georgia as well!

When choosing a domain extension, think about your website's purpose and target audience. For businesses aiming for a global reach and universal recognition, sticking with the classic .com is a safe bet. It establishes credibility and trust with users. However, if you're in a specific industry or niche, the newer extensions like .travel or .art can instantly convey your expertise. Consider the uniqueness and memorability of the extension, ensuring it aligns with your brand identity. Remember, the right choice can enhance your online presence and make your website more memorable to visitors.

As .com is a popular and trusted choice, alternative domain extensions can be suitable depending on your specific circumstances and goals. Consider your brand, target audience, and the purpose of your website when making your decision.

Choosing the right domain extension can really set the tone for your website. While .com is the go-to because it's so recognized, other extensions have their perks. For instance, .info is great for informational sites, .travel screams adventure and is perfect for travel agencies or blogs, and .art could be a fantastic fit if you're in the creative space. The key is to match the extension with the vibe of your website or business. It can also help with branding and making your URL memorable. Just think about what you want your site to convey and who your audience is, and that might help guide your choice. Plus, sometimes stepping away from the .com crowd can make you stand out!

Hi Chreerag,
It's seems like you are from India. I prefer to go for .co.in domain it will be cheaper