Top Level Domain (TLD): How to choose the right domain extension for your website

A domain name is a helpful pointer that allows your visitors to find your site in the vastness of the internet.

Your domain name choice can have a significant impact on the future success of your website (and your brand).

You can not just choose the first domain that pops into your head; you want the best domain possible for your company!

A domain name consists of two parts:

1. Second Level Domain (SLD): This is your brand name, and it consists only of alphanumeric characters ( from a-z and/or A-Z and 0-9) as no spaces are allowed.
2. Top Level Domain (TLD): This is the extension of your company/domain/SLD name. It thus denotes the purpose of the entire domain name or the entity to which the domain belonged.

Types of Top-Level Domains (TLDs)

1. Commonest TLD (.com)

The general rule is to use the .com extension for the vast majority of websites.

This is by far the most popular domain extension, accounting for approximately 75% of all domains on the internet.

Even if you chose a different TLD, you should still buy the .com equivalent to ensure that your visitors can find you.

Because the .com is so common, visitors expect to see it at the end of your domain and may end up at a competitor’s site if you do not use it.

2. Local or country-specific TLDs

If you know your audience is limited to a specific region of the world or country, you can demonstrate trust in your brand by using a country-specific TLD.

You must, however, purchase the.com domain and redirect it to the country-specific domain, not only because many people will assume your domain name is a.com when they type it into their web browser but also because you do not want your site to be confused with another.

This ensures that you receive all traffic directed at your domain and gives you the option of expanding globally in the future.

1. .ng: for Nigeria
2. .uk: for the UK
3. .ca: Canada
4. etc.

3. Niche TLDs

Using a niche TLD can help you obtain a specific domain that would otherwise be unavailable, as well as provide a trendy feel to your domain.

However, they are not available from all registrars; therefore, check with your registrar to see if they offer the TLD you want.

For the vast majority of websites, the .com extension would suffice.

If you must use a different extension, buy the.com and redirect it to your desired domain.

Examples are included below…

1. .org: for organizations
2. .net: network projects
3. .biz: for business
4. .io: for tech startups
5. Etc

4. Exclusive TLDs

Some TLDs are not available for general use because they are reserved for specific entities.

They are listed below.

1. .gov: reserved for the United States government
2. .edu: reserved for educational institutions.

Conclusion

Always go for the .com TLD first before considering other options except if your site falls under exclusive or niche categories.

Even in this case, purchase the .com equivalent of your domain name and redirect it to your primary domain.