Are you about to create a website? If so, one of the first and most crucial decisions you’ll need to make is choosing the right domain extension. But what exactly is a domain extension, and why is it so vital?
Let’s find out which domain name extension is best for your business.
In this article, we’ll discuss how your domain extension shapes your online success. We’ll delve into the unique features and benefits of the two most popular domain extensions, .com and .net, assisting you in making an informed decision that aligns with your vision.
What is a domain extension?
Domain names have two parts: the name and its extension. Combining these parts makes up a website address that’s commonly referred to as a domain name.
From a more technical standpoint, the second-level domain is the unique identifier of a web address. It usually signals a business’ online brand name, like Amazon.com, Network Solutions, and Slideshare.net among others.
Domain extensions, also called top-level domains (TLD), are located at the end of your web address. For example, yourbrand.com, “yourbrand” is your brand’s name while the “.com” is the domain extension. It signifies the type of organization the website belongs to.
Why you should allocate time deciding on a domain name
Your domain name and extension is the address people will use to find you on the internet. As business owners, whether a startup or not, it’s important to secure a domain name that is:
- Brandable
- Descriptive
- Unique
- Future-proof
Why? Domain names are the first thing people see when visiting a website. It must make an impression that attracts website visitors. Domain extensions ensure that domain names serve their purpose, especially if your business website targets a specific audience, locale, or niche.
Taking the time to choose the right domain name can help you establish a strong online presence, attract more visitors to your site, and avoid the hassle of changing it later.
Additionally, choosing the right domain name can also impact your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. A domain that ties closely with your brand and expertise can generate more visits from your target audience, which makes search engines rank your website higher.
Your choice of a domain extension can shape user expectations and influence their perception of your website’s purpose and industry focus.
However, since most people are short on time, most domain registrars now offer a free domain name generator. This tool can quickly suggest domain names, so you can focus on selecting the one that best suits your website.
Popular domain extensions
There are a variety of top-level domains (TLDs) available for use, but some are more popular than others. The .COM TLD is the most commonly used and recognized, while .ORG and .NET are also popular choices. Other TLDs, such as .EDU, .GOV, .IO, .CO, .ME, .BIZ, and .INFO, are also used for specific purposes and can be great options for certain types of websites or businesses.
.com vs .net domain: What’s the difference?
Now that you understand the significance of a domain name, let’s explore two of the most popular domain extensions for online businesses: .com and .net. Both are widely recognized but serve different purposes that can potentially impact your website’s branding and reach.
.com domain extension: An overview
When it comes to creating a website, the “.com” extension is often the first one that comes to mind.
The “.com” domain extension stands for “commercial,” and it’s the most widely used domain extension in the world. So why do so many people opt for it?
- Recognition. It’s familiar and instantly recognizable. Chances are, if you ask someone to guess a website’s address, they’ll probably add a “.com” at the end. It’s synonymous with the internet itself!
- Trust factor. People tend to trust .com websites. It’s been around since the dawn of the internet era; its longevity creates a sense of reliability.
- Best for commercial entities. As its name implies, .com is particularly suited for commercial endeavors. It immediately tells your visitors that your site means business.
Although originally intended for commercial businesses, it has also become a go-to for various types of personal websites, from personal blogs to multinational corporations. If you’re running a business or planning to create a website with a commercial appeal, .com is typically the top choice.
.net domain extension: An overview
Now, let’s take a look at another compelling option: the .net domain extension. It stands for “network” and was initially designed exclusively for organizations involved in network and networking technologies, such as internet service providers and infrastructure companies. But over time, its usage expanded as a versatile choice for various online platforms.
So why choose a .net when you create a website?
- Great for tech-related sites. If your website revolves around technology, networking, or online services, a .net domain name sends a clear message about your field of expertise. It’s like wearing a badge that says, “Tech-savvy here!”
- Often available when .com is not. Ever come up with the perfect domain name only to find the .com version is taken? Don’t fret; .net might be available, offering you a reputable alternative.
Seen as modern and innovative. There’s something fresh and forward-thinking about .net. It appeals to innovators, creators, and those looking to stand out in the digital crowd.
Popularity and statistics: COM vs NET domain extension
Both .com and .net domains were available during the early days of the Internet. Both extensions were so popular that they’ve become synonymous with the Internet.
Today, it’s obvious that the digital landscape is no longer the same. So, are they still in the running for being the most popular domain extensions?
Recent statistics show that the .com remains on top of domain registration with over 233.6 million .com domain registered, while there’s over 20.6 million of the total .net domain names registered globally.
Before, domain extensions were used to categorize websites based on their intended purpose. The .com domain extension was among the first TLDs created. As the Internet gained popularity, online businesses flocked to .com domains. Its early adoption and widespread use contributed to its reputation as the go-to choice for businesses of all kinds.
On the other hand, .net extensions were originally intended for network-related websites and have evolved to serve a broader range of organizations. While .com became the dominant extension, .net continued to find its place, especially among tech companies and businesses seeking memorable domain options.
When to choose .com
The .com domain is undeniably the most recognizable. Because of this reputation, it’s become a domain extension that people trust.
Aside from that, unlike country code top-level domains (ccTLDs), this domain name extension is not exclusive to a specific country code locality. In fact, many websites across the globe use it.
If you’re creating a website that appeals to a broad audience, especially within the commercial realm, then the .com extension might be your perfect match. It’s also ideal scenarios for:
- eCommerce sites. commercial websites, and service providers.
- Personal blog. Personal brands and individuals who want to share their interests with a wide audience.
- Charity sites. For projects that require an instant trust factor with the audience, such as nonprofit organizations and charities.
- Portfolios. Website for professionals and freelancers to showcase their work.
When to choose .net
On the other hand, if your website leans towards technology, innovation, or serves a niche community, .net could be the ideal home for your online business presence.
Because it’s less popular than the previous domain extension, .NET offers more domain availability. So, it’s easier to find a domain through this domain extension.
It’s also an ideal option for creating a strong online brand for businesses. Especially if you are a technology company, a .net domain can help to convey that message to your customers.
Consider .net when you’re making:
- Tech-oriented sites. a .net domain extension is beneficial for software companies, tech blogs, or networking services.
- Product and project sites. Developers and tech focused projects use .net domain extension to highlight their work and product offering
- Alternative website domain. If your domain name is taken, .net provides a reputable alternative. h-oriented sites. Feel free to let me know if any adjustments or additional details are needed!
Tips for choosing the right TLD
Just like anything else, you need to do your due diligence prior to choosing a domain name. It’s something you shouldn’t do without consideration. Remember, your desired domain name must be brandable, descriptive, unique, and future-proof.
To come up with that, understanding the industry where your business belongs and who your target audiences are is necessary. Here are tips on how to do that:
Tip 1: Do research
Learn as much as possible about your industry and target audience. The web is a gold mine for resources that helps you understand your audience. Here are key points to consider in your research:
Domain name availability
Always check if your ideal domain name is available. Nothing’s worse than finding the perfect name only to discover someone else has already claimed it. To avoid this, use a domain name search tool early in your creative process to ensure their availability before you get too attached.
Domain cost
A domain extension’s cost can vary by the domain registrar and the extension’s value itself. So, it’s important to look at the price range of your desired domain from various registrars and hosting providers. Plus, you might get lucky to find the best domain name registrar that offers free domain name in selected plans.
You also need to consider additional costs, such as yearly renewals and security features. Diong this will help you choose the right TLD that fits your budget.
Tip 2: Reflect your brand
Make sure that your domain name and extension aligns with your brand and goals. A TLD that matches the nature of your business reinforces your expertise to your audience.
Tip 3: Future-proof it
Your business can evolve at some point in your career, so make sure your domain name and domain extension are adaptive. This allows you to grow your website without having the need to change your domain name to adapt to the changes of your offers.
Protect your domain
Whether you’re using a .com or a .net, your domain is still prone to different types of threats, such as phishing attacks, domain hijacking, and domain spoofing. This could disrupt your website or business’ operations. Here are several tips that can help you protect your domain:
- Domain locking. Prevent unauthorized transactions with your domain name by locking your domain at your domain registrar.
- Domain privacy protection. Use privacy protection to prevent hackers from getting your personal details through your website domain name, that might lead to misuse of identity and information.
- Enabling DNS security extensions. Prevent attackers from redirecting your website’s traffic, hijacking your domain and launching phishing attacks by authenticating DNS security measures.
- Domain expiration protection. Automatic renewals of your domain can prevent cybercriminals from registering your domain upon its expiration date.
Popular domain extensions
Before we give you our official recommendation, here’s a variety of domain name extensions and their specific purposes; some of which are more popular than others.
- .org – a .org extension is intended for non-profit organizations, community groups, and such.
- .edu – used for accredited educational institutions.
- .gov – reserved for government entities and agencies.
- .io – it’s popularly used among web developers and tech companies.
- .co – the .co used as abbreviation for “company” or “corporation.”
- .me – used for personal websites, blogs, and other services where a personal touch or identity is required.
- .biz – a .biz extension is intended for business-oriented websites.
- .info – often used by sites that provide data, resources, or detail on specific topics.
These are just some of the popular alternative domains that you can use for your website. You can visit your domain registrar to look for other domain extensions.
Secure the right TLD for your online success
Choosing the right TLD shouldn’t be stressful. Both .com and .net have their own strengths in different areas. For businesses that are trying to make a commercial impact, .com is your go-to. If you’re nurturing and developing tech solutions, .net is the one for you.
Both domain extensions can serve different purposes. So, it’s important to learn about their uses and limits. This allows you to be mindful and make the most out of your online address name. Our guide to domain names for a small businesses goes into more depth on this topic.
Purchase the right TLD and start making your mark online.
Frequently asked questions
Both domain extensions can be used for different purposes. However, both have their own expertise, .com is for commercial use, while .net is for network and technology services.
Prices can vary depending on the registrar. However, .com and .net extensions generally have minor difference in cost. Go to Network Solutions to check your ideal .com or .net domain name’s price.
Yes, .net can be a solid alternative for .com and vice versa.
Yes, websites with a .net extension are credible. It was originally created for network and technology companies.
There’s not much of a difference between .com and .net domains. Your overall SEO strategy matters more for Google and other search engines than the domain extension itself.
