.BIZ Domain: What It Is and Why It Can Work for Your Business

Key takeaways: 

• A .biz domain is a business-oriented gTLD that can signal “commercial website” to visitors and search engines. 
• Use .biz when your preferred .com is taken, for brand protection, or if you want a more descriptive domain name. 
• Be mindful of trust perception and maintain strong on-site branding, SSL, and credibility signals when using .biz. 

You’ve got your business idea nailed down. Now comes the tricky part: finding a domain name that’s still available. With more than 1.12 billion websites online, it’s easy to see why so many good names are already taken. For small businesses, that search can be even harder. But here’s the thing: choose the perfect domain name that truly represents your brand before it goes live. 

You don’t have to squeeze your idea into something awkward, though. The .biz domain gives business websites a clean, professional option when your .com is already taken. 

And that’s what this guide is here for. We’ll go over what a .biz domain is, its top benefits and drawbacks, and how to register one through Network Solutions. 

What is a .biz domain? 

A .biz domain falls under the generic top-level domains (gTLDs) and is mainly used for business websites. It’s short for “business,” which helps visitors know what your site is about. That’s why it’s a practical choice for brands looking for a professional domain when their desired domain name isn’t available. 

The .biz domain extension works well for all kinds of small businesses and organizations that want something that says “we mean business,” such as: 

• Small and medium-sized businesses 
• eCommerce stores and online retailers 
• Startups and tech companies 
• Freelancers and consultants 
• B2B service providers 
• Marketing agencies 
• Trade and professional associations 

There are no formal restrictions on who can register a .biz domain, but it’s widely recognized that the domain should be used for a “bona fide business or commercial use”. You may be required to declare that the domain will be used for a legitimate business purpose when registering.  

Now that you know what a .biz domain is, let’s break down the main reasons businesses choose it. 

4 key benefits of using a .biz domain extension 

.biz domain was created in 2001 to provide an alternative to the crowded .com namespace. It was introduced as part of a wider initiative by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to diversify available domain options as more businesses moved online.  

While the .biz domain opened new doors for businesses online, here’s what else it has to offer: 

• Improves credibility and professionalism 
• Drives targeted traffic  
• Boosts search engine rankings  
• Promotes better brand recognition  

Improves credibility and professionalism  

A .biz domain helps your brand look more established and tells visitors they’re dealing with a real business.  

So, let’s imagine someone named Alex. He owns a small makeup company and wants to create a shop online. At first, he named his website “alexmakeupcorner.com,” but it sounds more like a blog than a professional business. Wanting to make a better impression, Alex switches to “alexsmakeup.biz.”  

This small change makes the website more like an official business where customers can buy makeup.  

Drives targeted traffic  

The .biz extension directs relevant visitors to your site. Because .biz is short for “business’, people looking for business services and products know right away that you’re an online store.  

Let’s go back to Alex’s makeup shop. Before he changed his domain name to “alexmakeup.biz”, his online store didn’t really give the impression of an eCommerce website. After the change, he gets more traffic from people with the intention to purchase makeup and cosmetics—exactly the type of traffic he wants.  

Boosts search engine rankings  

Domains are also a crucial part of your SEO strategy. Your domain name can influence how easily people find you online. We’ve talked about how having a .biz extension helps viewers find your business website faster. However, it doesn’t just help potential customers.  

Search engines acknowledge the relevance of your domain extension. Since Alex’s domain name “alexmakeup.biz” is clear and relevant, search engines easily understand what your site is about. Then, your website can show up higher on search results for queries with purchasing intent, such as “cheap makeup deals” or “where to buy makeup”.  

Promotes better brand recognition  

With a .biz domain, your brand stands out as a distinct and memorable entity. Using the right keywords in your domain explains what your business is about. In Alex’s case, “alexmakeup.biz” explains two things:  

• First, .biz is distinct from a .com or a .net, instantly making your site stand out as a business website.  
• Second, it helps people remember the name better because it matches his business name and reinforces what he sells: makeup.  

Now, when people think of buying makeup, they remember “alexmakeup.biz” easily because the domain name reflects the brand perfectly.  

Things to consider before choosing a .biz domain name 

Before registering your .biz domain, it helps to follow a few simple rules to make sure your name looks professional, easy to recall, and fits your brand online. 

• Add relevant keywords. Use words that describe your business, products, or services. It tells both visitors and search engine what your website is about. You can also try tools like Network Solutions’ AI Domain Name Generator to find names that fit your online identity. 
• Keep it simple. Names that are short and simple to spell are easier for people to recall and pass along. They also make your brand appear more professional and help boost search performance. 
• Avoid numbers and hyphens. These can make your domain confusing or harder to type. Clean names look more professional and are easier for potential customers to recall. For example, “alexmakeup.biz” is much simpler than “4lex-makeup.biz.” 
• Make it easy to pronounce. Choose a name that sounds natural when spoken. Pronounceable domains help your site reach more people through word-of-mouth and digital mentions. 
• Check its availability. Before you settle on a name, confirm it’s open for registration. Use a reliable registrar to search, or look into other extensions like .net or .org if your first pick’s taken. 
• Register your domain immediately. Good names go fast. Once someone else registers it, you can’t have it unless they let it expire or agree to sell it to you. It’s a first-come, first-served system, so when you find a domain that fits your business, don’t let it slip—make it yours. 

Still not sure if .biz is right for your website? Compare it with other extensions like .org vs .com.  

.biz vs .com, .net, and .co: How does it compare? 

The .com domain remains the most popular choice for businesses, but it’s also the most competitive—meaning many names are already taken. The .biz extension offers a professional, business-focused alternative that’s often easier to register. Compared to .net, which is commonly associated with technology or networking companies, .biz directly signals “business” to your audience. And unlike .co, which can be mistaken for a typo of .com, .biz carries a clear commercial meaning. 

When to use a .biz extension 

Now that you know what a .biz domain can do, the next question is when it actually makes sense to use one. The .biz top-level domain extension fits best when your website revolves around doing business, such as selling products, offering services, or building your brand presence online. Below are a few times when choosing a .biz domain is a smart move. 

• When your .com is taken 
• When you want to highlight your business focus 
• When protecting your brand name 
• When building credibility for a growing company 
• When introducing a new product or service 

When your .com is taken 

If your preferred .com is already off the market, a .biz domain gives you a solid, business-driven backup. It helps you keep your brand name clean and consistent without forcing awkward spellings or added words. 

Example: Instead of “alexmakeup-online.com,” you could own “alexmakeup.biz,” which is shorter, cleaner, and still aligned with your brand. 

When you want to highlight your business focus 

The .biz TLD instantly signals that your website is built for legitimate businesses, services, and commercial activity. It gives visitors the confidence that you’re offering something real, not simply blogging or sharing generic information. 

This is especially useful for small businesses that rely on local clients or service-based industries like marketing, construction, or consulting. 

When protecting your brand name 

Many companies register multiple domain extensions to safeguard their brand from competitors and copycats. Owning your .com, .net, and .biz versions helps maintain consistency and trust across your online presence. 

A .biz extension can also redirect visitors from similar other domain extensions, preventing confusion and lost traffic. For more ways to secure your brand online, check out our guide on brand name protection in five steps. 

When building credibility for a growing company 

A .biz TLD gives growing companies and entrepreneurs a credible space to present their business online. It’s ideal for those who want a trusted domain that looks professional without the high cost of premium domain extensions. For startups still establishing their reputation, a .biz domain helps build confidence and recognition as the business expands. 

When introducing a new product or service 

If your company already owns a primary domain, you can use a .biz domain for a new product line, regional branch, or niche campaign. This helps separate different services while keeping your brand under one recognizable umbrella. 

Note: If you work in a high-trust field such as finance, healthcare, or education, you may still prefer .com or .org, which carry a longer history of credibility. 

Ready to see if your name is available? Try the Network Solutions .biz domain search and claim your business identity today. 

How to register a .biz domain name with Network Solutions 

Getting your .biz domain is quick and easy. Here’s how to secure yours with Network Solutions: 

1. Search for your preferred domain name using the Network Solutions domain search tool.  

2. Add Domain Privacy + Protection to keep your personal information safe. 

3. Choose your registration package and select how long you’d like to keep your domain. 

4. Include helpful add-ons like professional email or web hosting if you’re ready to build your site. 

5. Review your cart and complete checkout. 

6. Confirm your details and activate your domain to start building your brand online. 

Tip: Use our domain search tool to check if your .biz domain is still available and lock it in before it’s taken. 

Frequently asked questions 

Embrace the power of a .biz domain name  

A .biz domain tells people you’re here to do business. It’s easy to find, easy to remember, and built for brands that mean it. It helps your business or personal brand earn recognition and credibility online. 

Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Register your .biz domain in minutes, not days with Network Solutions today.