Your domain name is the first thing visitors learn about your business. It’s the face of your online brand and website. Domain names should all be unique, and the best ones should be easy to remember, relevant and familiar.
That’s why it is imperative to choose an appropriate domain extension that easily captures the customer's interest. Extensions such as .org, and .com are familiar and significant to your online audience as they easily give visitors an idea about what your website is about.
In this guide, we review and explain extensions for your domain name and when to use them.
In most cases, .org extensions are used by non-profit organizations. However, other kinds of websites can also use them. For instance, those that provide the public with free resources and information but profit from the ads on their sites. Hook Agency notes that choosing the best domain name and extension is the first step for any business, organization, or institution that wants to build an online presence.
Below are some of the types of websites that typically use a .org extension:
The “dot-com bubble” made the .com domain extension trendy in the 1990s. As a result, more than 40% of registered domain names still use .com extensions. The .com domain is the most familiar domain name extension as it is easy to remember and makes your website look more professional. Furthermore, most mobile keyboards now have the .com button available for ease of searching.
Since .com domains are so popular, it can seem as if all the good domain names have already been taken. You could, however, try some of the listed tips below to get your perfect domain name:
You can also use a free online domain name generator. These can help you quickly find a unique and available domain name.
A .net extension is another popular extension option that stands for “network.” Originally, it was designed for umbrella websites used to serve smaller sites like web hosting companies. If you want a .com name and it is unavailable, check and confirm if the current owner is in the same industry as you before you settle for a .net extension.
Generally, this extension has a high level of trust and authority by consumers. People also tend to easily remember it since it has been around for quite some time. Consider your options carefully when choosing a domain name.
With a name available and a budget in place, you can’t go wrong with a .com domain. However, this isn't easy due to this domain's popularity. You should always avoid the need to change domain names. Choose a domain name that fits right from the beginning for long-term success online.