Is .App the Right Domain for Your Business?

For anyone who wants to start a business online, a domain name can help establish your online presence, enhance your credibility, and make your brand memorable. With a wide range of top-level domains (TLDs) to choose from—.com, .net, .io, and .app—it’s important to select one that aligns with your goals and resonates with your target audience. 

In recent years, the .app domain has gained popularity, particularly among developers and businesses in the tech industry, thanks to its focus on security and relevance to apps and software. While the TLD is not exclusive to tech-related businesses, it’s not always the best fit for every venture. 

As with any product, it has its benefits and drawbacks and understanding them lets you make a more informed decision that aligns with your business goals. 

In this article, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of the .app domain, compare it to other TLDs, and guide you through the process of registering the perfect domain for your business. 

What is a .app domain?  

The .app domain is a top-level domain or domain extension that was developed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in 2012. Three years later, it was acquired by Google through an auction, and they opened the TLD for public registration in 2018.  

Like the most generic domain extensions, .app can be registered by anyone. However, since the TLD itself is associated with the term ‘app’ or application, most registrants are web and software application companies operating within the tech landscape.  

What is the .app domain used for?  

A .app domain is an excellent choice for many businesses and professionals in the tech industry, particularly those offering mobile and website applications and other related services.   

eCommerce  

eCommerce platforms, online marketplaces, and digital product sellers can benefit from a .app domain. The digital marketplace is already swamped, you need to take extra measures to stand out. A .app domain is a straightforward way of telling customers that you’re offering tech-related products or services. Having the “app” domain ending ties your business to tech which will naturally attract the right people to your business.  

Personal branding  

For software developers, web designers, and other entities in the tech industry, .app domain can help boost their personal brand and portfolio. A well-crafted website with a .app extension is more memorable and noticeable as it easily signals employers or clients that you’re working in the field of technology.  

Niche businesses  

Outside of tech, there are several niche areas that can use a .app domain to boost their credibility and online presence. Educational platforms are a good example. They can use .app domain names to show off the digital and innovative side of their learning tools. An online tutoring service might go with “learnsmart.app” to emphasize its app-based, user-friendly vibe.  

The benefits and drawbacks of using a .app domain 

When used correctly, a .app domain can work wonders for a site’s security, branding, and SEO. However, not everyone can take advantage of all the benefits this domain extension can offer. Below are some of the reasons why you should or shouldn’t choose a .app domain for your website. 

Reasons to Choose a .app Domain 

If your brand or company is aligned with what the .app domain is intended for, you should use this TLD. You’ll then experience the following benefits: 

Security and trust  

Google released the .app extension with a key benefit in mind—security. By default, .app is part of the HSTS preload list, making HTTPS required for all .app websites. HSTS or HTTP Strict Transport Security is a mechanism that tells web browsers to only load .app websites using a secure protocol HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) instead of just HTTP. This prevents web traffic from being intercepted or altered by hackers.  

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) advantages  

Domain extensions don’t have a direct impact on SEO. However, due to some factors, using .app top-level domain will give you an advantage in search engines. 

Since all .app domains require HTTPS (SSL encryption) by default, users and search engines will view your website as more secure. Google has confirmed that HTTPS is a ranking signal. Secure sites are prioritized in search results, giving your .app site a boost in SEO.   

Another factor is higher click-through rates (CTR). A well-chosen .app domain name could more likely attract clicks, especially if it’s relevant to the content of the website. Based on a 2016 experiment, organic click-through rates have a correlation with search engine ranking. So, a higher CTR may indirectly boost your SEO.   

Exclusivity  

Domains with .app extensions are open to anyone, but not everyone. These domains can only be most beneficial if used where they’re most relevant—app websites, mobile applications, software products, tech startups, and other tech-related ventures. Because of this, it’s easier to attract the right target audience for your content, product, or service seeing that the domain is associated to a specialized space. 

Reasons not to choose a .app domain 

One of the main reasons why you shouldn’t get a .app domain is if your business is not even remotely related to technology or applications. Besides that, these are the following drawbacks that make other TLDs worth considering: 

Mandatory SSL certificate 

Because a .app domain forces its website to load on HTTPS, it’s imperative to get an SSL certificate along with the web hosting service. Otherwise, your .app site won’t function and won’t be visible online. While purchasing an SSL certificate for your website may be a no-brainer nowadays, for those who prefer not to, it’s better to look for other top-level domain alternatives, such as .com. 

Relatively new and less recognized 

The .app TLD was introduced to the public in 2018, so not many people know that this domain extension exists. Because of this, potential visitors may be unfamiliar with or even suspicious of sites with such a TLD. 

Limited branding flexibility 

The TLD can provide branding benefits to companies and entities in the technology space. But for those that are not closely related to technology or applications, a .app domain might not align well with their brand’s identity, making it less effective for branding purposes. 

Potential higher costs 

Apart from premium domains and other unique cases, a .app domain today is more expensive than other popular alternatives. The .com and .net extensions typically start at $11/year while .app domains sell at $25/year. 

Registrar availability 

Not all known domain registrars offer .app domains. There are only a few selected domain registrars that offer this TLD. Because of this limitation, there is a chance you’ll be purchasing a domain from a provider different from where you’re hosting your website. This will require a more complicated process to connect your domain to your website hosting through Domain Name System (DNS) configuration. 

How does .app compare to other domain extensions?  

Selecting the right domain extension can boost your online presence and drive user engagement. While traditional TLDs like .com and .net remain popular, the .io extension is growing in the tech space. How does .app compare against these established TLDs in the industry? 

How to register a .app domain  

Google handles and manages the .app extension. You can get your .app domain directly from them at get.app or look for a registrar that sells this unique domain. From there, it’s a straightforward process. 

Step 1. Search for your desired .app domain. Use the registrar’s search tool to check the availability of your preferred .app domain. In their website, locate the domain search bar typically found on the main page. Enter your desired domain name. The system will check its availability and inform you if the domain is available or suggest alternatives if it’s already taken. Tip: If your first choice is unavailable, try different variations or consider using an AI Domain Name Generator.  

Step 2. Select the available preferred .app domain. Click the option to add the domain to your shopping cart. Review the pricing and make sure you understand the registration cost, renewal fees, and any additional charges. Also, you might want to add services like WHOIS privacy protection and an SSL certificate to improve your domain’s and website’s security.   

Step 3: Proceed with the purchase. Some registrars require account creation before purchasing their services. Do that if you’re prompted to do so otherwise, proceed with the purchase by filling in necessary details such as your name, email, and credit card details.   

Step 4. Configure your DNS settings. After purchasing your .app domain, you need to set up DNS (Domain Name System) settings to point your domain to your website or app’s hosting server. DNS configuration depends on the registrar, but generally these are the steps for configuration:

• Look for the DNS settings or DNS management section in your registrar’s dashboard.
• Then find the ‘Add DNS Records’ option.  
• In that option, find the A Record and CNAME Record. Your website service provider provides you with the information for these DNS records, so you should reach out to them for this information.  
• Input the A Record and CNAME Record on their respective fields and then select ‘Create record.’ 

Once your DNS is configured to connect your .app domain to your website, it will take you at most 24 hours to see the live site. 

Choose the right TLD for your business 

The .app domain is a unique TLD that can take your business to new heights. It can enhance your online visibility, reinforce your commitment to security, and showcase your passion for innovation. 

However, this domain may not be right for you if your business doesn’t revolve around the tech space. You could be limited in how much you can position it as a brand true to its identity. Also, it may be harder for non-technical users to recognize your domain due to its recent release to the public. 

While the .app domain may not be the right fit for every business, there are plenty of domain extensions that offer the recognition and flexibility you’re looking for. Network Solutions has a wide selection of popular domains perfect for your brand. Start searching now using our lookup tool and secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks! 

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