Key takeaways:
- A .info is a domain extension designed for website focused on informing its users rather than selling.
- One of the biggest advantages of a .info is the credibility it provides your website, and the recognition users get about what your site is all about.
- But you need to consider the lower trust and the possible mismatch of your intent when you register a .info.
The internet is packed with too much information that it’s getting hard to look for reliable data and trustworthy websites. You want to be the one people notice and believe in when they search the net, and that’s not easy when there’s so much competition.
Generic domain names just don’t cut it. But a .info domain extension tells people right away that you’re all about sharing knowledge. It’s a simple way to make your information site look professional and reliable.
This article will outline the advantages of a .info for enhancing your professional online presence. You’ll learn how to choose an effective .info domain name and how Network Solutions’ services can support your website’s success.
What is a .info domain name?
The .info domain is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) in the domain name system designed specifically for sharing information. Unlike .com, .net or .org domain extensions, .info communicates the informative nature of your content.
If your work is to inform, advise, and guide, .info speaks your language. It’s perfect for consultants and knowledge-based professionals whose currency is information, particularly to groups such as:
- Educational institutions
- Government agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Financial advisors
- IT consultants
- Business strategists
- Public libraries and archives
- Healthcare providers
- Online encyclopedias and databases
- Online learning platforms and course providers
Should I buy a .info domain extension?
Domain names are like your online home address. They help people find your website, show what your brand is about, and make it easy for others to talk about you. The right domain is key to getting noticed and trusted online.
In this section, you’ll learn why a .info domain could be a game-changer for your online presence and what you’ll need to consider when registering one.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Improves your credibility and professionalism | Lower trust perception |
| Provides targeted traffic | Brand recall challenges |
| Promotes brand recognition | Possible mismatch of intent |
| Provides options when a .com is taken | |
| Optimizes your search engine rankings |
Pros of a .info domain
There are several benefits you can get from a .info domain, including:
- Improves your credibility and professionalism
- Provides targeted traffic
- Promotes brand recognition
- Provides options when a .com is taken
- Optimizes your search engine rankings
Improves your credibility and professionalism
.info domains set a tone of authority. It tells your clients that you’re a resource of valuable information in your field.
Picture a financial consultancy specializing in budgeting advice, and they decided to use a .info domain. It instantly tells people their site is all about giving information on finance and budgeting. It gives an impression of trustworthiness because it shows that the business is focused on sharing knowledge, not just selling services. As a result, more people visit their site, trust their advice, and build a reputation as the go-to expert for budgeting tips.
Provides targeted traffic
People searching for information are more likely to click on a .info website, expecting quality, detailed data—precisely the kind of visitors information sites need.
Let’s go back to our previous example. Let’s assume they named their website “smartbudget.info “. Because the domain name is clear and specific, it naturally attracts individuals and businesses searching for budgeting resources and advice.
Promotes brand recognition
With a .info domain, your brand identity is clear from the get-go. It’s memorable and creates an immediate association with knowledge and expertise.
The domain name “smartbudget.info” helps customers remember and recognize their brand, reinforcing their financial consultancy’s reputation as a source of both insightful money management tips and trustworthy financial advice.
Provides options when a .com is taken
Since .com domains have been around for decades, many of the most desirable names are already registered, often by businesses, investors, or domain resellers. This makes finding a short, meaningful .com increasingly difficult and expensive.
That’s where .info stands out. Since it’s less saturated, you’re far more likely to secure a clean, memorable domain name that perfectly matches your brand, topic, or keyword. For example, while a name like “smartfinance.com” might be taken, “smartfinance.info” could still be available.
Optimizes your search engine rankings
Search engines love relevance. .info domain names don’t only tell visitors what to expect but also help search engines find your site and match it to relevant search queries, making it easier to connect with your audience online.
It’s important to note that domain names aren’t a ranking factor, but if the site visitors know what your website is about, they click on your website more, and the more clicks your website gets, the more Google thinks it’s relevant. Search engines are all about finding the most relevant results for users’ queries. Therefore, the more relevant you get from all those traffic, the higher your ranking becomes on the results page.
Now, using “smartbudget.info” for our finance consultants’ website tells visitors that the website is a source for financial tips and resources. The more it matches what people are searching for (in this case, financial tips), the more their website climbs the results pages.
Cons of a .info domain
But while a .info extension have benefits, there are also considerations to think about such as:
- Lower trust perception
- Brand recall challenges
- Possible mismatch of intent
Lower trust perception
Historically, some low-quality or spammy sites have used .info domains because of cheap registration costs, or to imitate famous brands for malicious actions. While this doesn’t affect legitimate sites, it can influence user perception — some visitors may view .info domains as less trustworthy than .com or .org.
Brand recall challenges
People are used to typing “.com” by default. Even if your domain name is memorable, users might forget it ends in “.info” and land on another site instead. If you look at the most common TLDs registered on the internet, .com still reigns superior.
Possible mismatch of intent
If your site’s main goal is selling products or services, a .info domain might feel misleading. It’s best suited to websites that genuinely provide information rather than push sales.
How to pick a .info domain name for your business
You can’t register a .info extension if you don’t have your domain name ready yet. So, to help you choose, you can follow these simple steps to create your own domain name.
- Choose a relevant domain name.
- Keep your domain name short and simple.
- Avoid numbers, hyphens, and special characters.
- Make your domain easy to pronounce.
- Check your domain’s availability.
- Register your domain.
1. Choose a relevant domain name
It’s crucial to choose a domain name that reflects the heart of your business. It must instantly communicate your area of expertise and set the expectation of professional, informational content.
Generally, you want to match it with your brand name, but if you don’t have one ready, you can use Network Solutions’ free AI Domain Name Generator tool to help you pick the perfect name.
2. Keep your domain name short and simple
Choosing a short and simple domain name is vital—it’s about being concise and memorable. A domain like “finance.info” is quick to type, easy to remember, and immediately gives a sense of what your business offers.
3. Avoid numbers, hyphens, and special characters
It’s best to avoid any elements that could confuse or slow down potential visitors. Numbers, hyphens, and special characters often complicate things. They can be misunderstood or forgotten, leading to typos and frustration.
For example, instead of “finance-4-u.info,” go for something smoother like “moneywise.info.” Keeping it clean and uncomplicated ensures a smoother journey for your clients to reach you online.
4. Make your domain easy to pronounce
If you can’t say it easily, chances are it won’t spread easily. Take an NGO that focuses on environmental education; a domain like “greenlearning.info” is instantly clear and memorable, while a contracted version like “grnlearn.info” could be a stumbling block.
When a name is easy to say, someone might tell a friend, “You should visit greenlearning.info to understand climate change better!” That’s how a pronounceable domain helps your website’s name through your audiences’ word of mouth. Make it smooth, make it shareable.
5. Check your domain’s availability
Your perfect .info domain could be a click away. But before you get too attached, you need to see if it’s actually available.
With a simple search on Network Solutions’ domain name search, you can quickly find out if your chosen “.info” domain is up for grabs. If it’s already taken, you’ll need to think creatively and come up with another name that’s just as catchy and relevant to your brand.
6. Register your domain
So you’ve checked your chosen .info domain name and saw it’s available. Great! But it won’t be available forever. Register your .info domain quickly and secure it before someone else does.
Frequently asked questions
The .info extension is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) that stands for “information.” It’s open to anyone and was created for websites that provide factual or educational content to the public.
A .info domain is used for websites that focus on sharing information, resources, or education. It’s best for blogs, guides, documentation, or nonprofit sites that focuses on informing rather than selling.
Yes, but perception matters. Because .info domains were once popular among spammers due to low cost, some users may hesitate. Building credibility with professional design, HTTPS, and quality content offsets that bias.
It can be, if your goal is to share knowledge or resources. However, for purely commercial or eCommerce sites, extensions like .com or .biz may feel more fitting.
Anyone can. There are no restrictions — individuals, organizations, and businesses worldwide can register a .info domain instantly.
The .info domain was introduced in 2001 as one of the first new generic TLDs meant for unrestricted global use.
It depends on your purpose. .com is more universally recognized and trusted, while .info is better suited for informational or educational sites where clarity and availability matter more than commercial appeal.
Yes. You can create professional email addresses like [email protected] — it works the same way as any other domain.
Your expertise deserves a .INFO domain
.info domains are synonymous with information-rich content. For professionals and firms, a .info domain is a mark of expertise. If you’re serious about sharing knowledge and standing out, register your .info domain with Network Solutions now and build a credible, recognizable, and high-performing online presence.
