Key takeaways:
- If your ideal .com is taken, strong alternatives like .net and .online can still help you build a credible, professional business website when domain availability is limited.
- Choosing the right domain extension is about fit and clarity for your audience, not chasing a perfect domain that’s unavailable
- With the right tools and guidance, you can get a domain that supports your brand where it’s currently standing.
If you’ve tried to register a domain name for a business or product recently, you know how competitive it can be. As a matter of fact, the global market for domain names is projected to reach 459.9 million registrations by 2030; great names do get claimed fast, and viable .com alternatives matter.
There’s nothing more frustrating than coming up with the perfect name for your new business, only to find that it isn’t available as a domain because it’s already taken. But don’t worry, because you have choices. In this article, we’ll explore alternative options when your ideal .com domain is taken.
Find the perfect domain
Ready to register a domain name? Check domain availability and get started with Network Solutions today.
What to do when your ideal .com is unavailable
When your preferred .com isn’t available, you still have solid options. These steps can help you move along and choose an alternative that still fits your brand.
- Use an alternative domain extension
- Check new TLDs
- Drill down into industry-specific domain extensions
- Try country-specific domain extensions
- Get more local support with city-based domain extensions
Let’s learn more about each step.
Use an alternative domain extension
Domain extensions are also known as top-level domains, or TLDs for short. While the .com TLD is by far the most popular for businesses, it isn’t the only option. Other popular domain extensions can work for a for-profit business, including .net, .expert, .company, and .guru. For non-profit organizations, the .charity and .org domains are solid choices
Tip: Does your business run on a global scale (for example, an eCommerce website that sells products globally)? Then try the .global extension. However, be cautious with using alternative domain extensions, as some online visitors consider them spammy.
Check new domain extensions
In addition to these alternative generic top-level domains, new ones are being added as of this writing. Recently, Google released .foo, .zip, .mov, .nexus, .dad, .phd, .prof, and .esq.
Internet users will most likely appreciate it when you launch with a URL address that’s radically new and relevant to your industry. It shows your willingness to adapt and consider new domain extensions.
Check out a TLD launch schedule, so you’re updated with other extensions you can choose from. As we’ve mentioned earlier, practice caution on choosing your new TLD. You can refer to Spamhaus’ list of TLDs with the worst reputations before picking your domain name so that you don’t get a bad rep online.
Drill down into industry-specific domain extensions
There are numerous domain extensions tailored to specific industries, which can help your website stand out and establish credibility within your niche. If you sell auto parts and accessories or own an automotive repair shop, consider .auto or .car.
If you provide tutoring services to students, then the .academy extension might work for your business. A CPA could use .accountant or .accountants, and a consultant could use .consulting.
These industry-specific extensions also help your target market quickly identify what your business does, which is especially helpful if your business name doesn’t spell that out. For instance, www.davidson.consulting is immediately clear, as compared to www.davidson.com.
Try country-specific domain extensions
A country code top-level domain (ccTLD) is a domain extension tied to a specific country or territory. Using a ccTLD like .us can make sense if you sell globally but want to show that you’re based in the United States. For some audiences, a U.S.-based identity can help with branding, especially when “American-made” is part of your brand identity.
You can also register a country code TLD for the countries you primarily sell to. For example, if most of your eCommerce business customers are in Canada, registering a .ca domain extension will help you develop a website with a Canadian flavor tailored to those customers.
Customers also seem to trust eCommerce sites with country-code domains when shopping. Using ccTLDs can improve buyer confidence by assuring them of the availability of goods or services in a specific location. Country-specific domain names also help protect your brand overseas.
Get more local support with city-based domain extensions
Believe it or not, .nyc is one of the most popular domain extensions on the Internet. If your business relies on a local customer base, these city-based domains can indirectly improve your searchability for people searching for your business in their local area.
Aside from improving search quality, a city-based TLD can also encourage individuals to act locally. It’s a chance for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to foster camaraderie and community spirit.
Furthermore, it signals that you’re a local business, making potential buyers feel it’s easier to purchase from you. City-based TLDs offer high value, top quality, and genuine online identity.
If I already have a .com, should I consider other domain name extensions?
Even if you’ve been in business for a while and already have a .com domain, it’s a good idea to purchase alternative domain extensions for your business name. When you register multiple domain extensions, you can help customers find you easily and protect your brand from domain trolls and cybersquatters.
With multiple domains, you can use web forwarding to redirect visitors to other online destinations associated with your business, such as social media accounts. This broadens your web presence and gives your customers more opportunities to explore your business.
If you need help finding similar domain matches for your current domain name, you can try our free Website Grader tool, and it will automatically churn out similar domain names that will benefit your brand online. Not only that, but you also get a full report on how your website works for you.
If you need more help evaluating the free report generated for your business, you can always call our support team and they will be more than happy to help you with your domain questions.
5 alternative domain extensions
There are thousands of TLDs to choose from, so let’s narrow it down to five alternatives that can serve as worthy replacements for a .com extension.
- .net
- .online
- .tech
- .store
- .us
.net
The .net TLD is the most popular alternative to the .com extension. Originally for networking websites, it has evolved for wide adoption across industries and purposes. While it’s usually for networking and internet services, any type of website can now use .net.
Curious whether the .net domain is a perfect fit for your business? Check out how .net compares to .com.
.online
The term “online” is understood in over 24 languages worldwide. This makes the .online TLD suitable for businesses with an international audience and those expanding into the digital space.
Whether you’re a startup tech company, a freelancer, or a brick-and-mortar store, the .online TLD is an easily-recognized and versatile domain name for building global recognition.
.tech
The .tech domain is globally recognized as dedicated to all things technology, making it perfect for tech startups, tech bloggers, or communications companies. It’s a professional and industry-specific domain extension that immediately resonates with your target audience.
When your website has a .tech domain, it becomes easier for anyone sourcing tech-related needs to pick your website among the search results. To learn more about this domain, read more about the .tech domain’s pros and cons, and how you can get one for yourself.
.store
“Store” is a word that anyone associates with the act of purchasing and the place where transactions take place. By choosing the .store domain extension for your website, you immediately let everyone know you’re running an online business.
If you already have an existing domain name for your online services or products, consider registering a .store domain as a secondary web address. This will enable you to direct customers to your website’s shopping section.
.us
The .us domain is a ccTLD that’s specifically associated with the United States. This means it’s location-specific and you can only register a .us domain if your business is in America.
Registering a .us ccTLD clearly signals country targeting to search engines, which can help align your site with U.S.-based audiences. Therefore, if your brand or business targets people in the U.S., a .us domain extension helps establish a strong connection with your audience and solidify your branding.
Frequently asked questions
There’s no single best option, but extensions like .net, .online, and .store are strong alternatives when they match your business and audience.
.com is still widely recognized, but many businesses thrive using other brand-related and available domain extensions.
Not directly. Google confirmed that your TLD isn’t a ranking factor on its own.
True ccTLDs are recognized by Google as country-targeted. If you’re global, use a gTLD like .com or a ccTLD that Google treats as generic.
.us has basic requirements (citizens, permanent residents, U.S. entities, or a bona fide U.S. presence). Check the official .us policy before registering.
Secure other .com alternatives with Network Solutions
If your ideal .com isn’t available, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. The right domain extension can still help you create a strong online presence and move your business forward. We’re here to help you find your ideal domain and give you tools to turn it into something bigger.
Once you’ve secured your desired domain, the next step is putting it to work. If you’re wondering what comes after domain registration, check out the next step after buying a domain name for practical guidance on launching and growing your online presence.
