Should Your Brand Go With .Business? A Closer Look at Business Domains

 Key takeaways: 

• Business domains like .business, .store, and .biz are rising as modern alternatives to .com. 
• A .business domain name gives your brand a clear, professional identity from the start. 
• .business offers better name availability and strong global appeal across industries. 

Picking a domain name is one of the first things you’ll do when building your online business—and it’s a big one. While .com is still the top pick for many, modern business domains like .store, .biz, and .business are catching on fast. In fact, new domain types grew by 15.9% in 2024, which shows more businesses are choosing fresh, brandable domain names that better reflect who they are.  

.business sounds like a great option, but is it the right call for your brand? First, let’s get clear on what business domains really are and why your choice matters from day one. 

What are business domains?  

Business domains are domain names used for professional websites, like company pages, portfolios, or online stores. They often end in top-level domains such as .com, .net, .biz, or .business to show the site is business-related.  

You’ve probably seen these domains in action even if you didn’t notice. For example, tech companies might go with a .biz, while design studios or local shops may use .store or .business to show what they do. Just seeing the extension tells people what kind of site they’re about to open. 

And now that you’ve got a sense of what business domains are, let’s zoom in on one of the rising choices: the .business extension. 

What is a .business domain extension?  

A .business domain is a top-level domain (TLD) designed for anyone who wants their website to look professional and business-focused. It tells visitors right away that your site is about business—whether you’re a consultant, analyst, school, or blogger.  

.business joined the list of domain extensions in 2014, and it’s made for brands that mean business. It gives your web address a clear, professional identity. And with open domain registration, anyone can claim a .business domain name to show exactly what their site is about. 

Why buy a .business domain name? 

If you want your website to look professional and trustworthy, .business says it up front. It tells the world your website has a clear brand and purpose.  

And so, let’s talk about what makes it a power move. 

Clear and professional branding 

.business says you’re here to serve, sell, or scale. No guessing. It helps reinforce your business name and makes your brand appear more legitimate and professional—something that matters when you’re trying to earn trust from new customers, clients, or collaborators.  

Better domain name availability 

Because .business is a newer domain extension, you have a better shot at securing your ideal name—especially if your preferred .com name is already taken. This gives you more room to claim a catchy domain that reflects your brand without compromising. 

But keep this in mind: the best names don’t wait. Waiting too long can lead to domain squatting, where someone else grabs your ideal domain name—not to use it, but to sell it back to you at a higher price. That’s why it pays to register your domain early to protect your brand and avoid those extra costs. 

Global recognition and reach 

The word “business” is universally recognized, which gives the .business domain strong international appeal. Whether you’re a startup in one city or a company with customers across continents, this domain helps you look credible to people everywhere. 

Using a .business domain tells visitors your website is focused on commercial services, no matter where they’re from. It helps remove geographic barriers and supports your global outreach efforts.  

And because your domain name is important, it’s smart to choose one that instantly shows what you do. That clarity builds trust and makes your brand easier to remember, especially when reaching international audiences. 

Industry-friendly and flexible 

From consultants and agencies to financial analysts and business coaches, a .business domain works across a wide range of industries. It keeps your brand looking professional and your message crystal clear. 

Your company name can be traditional or creative—.business fits either way. It’s also a smart alternative if similar domains like .com or .net are already taken. This flexibility makes it easier for all types of professionals and businesses to secure a domain that feels like the right fit—without sacrificing clarity or identity. 

Built for branding—not algorithms 

.business puts your name out there, loud and clear. It gives your web address a clean, professional identity that’s easy to remember and hard to ignore—something search engines and real people can both appreciate.  

If you’re looking to buy a domain that tells visitors exactly what your site is about, this extension is one of the clearest, most brand-focused options available. It makes your name easy to remember and hard to forget—without needing SEO tricks or keyword stuffing.  

What are the downsides of a .business domain? 

No domain is perfect, and while .business has a lot going for it, there are a few things you’ll want to think about before making it your final choice. It mainly comes down to how people see it, along with a few technical or cost-related factors worth noting. Here’s what to consider: 

Targeted domain use 

.business works best for websites with a clear commercial focus. It’s a strong option for brands offering services or selling products—but not all .business domain names are a perfect fit for every industry. If your brand leans toward education, the arts, or nonprofit work, this extension might not reflect your purpose clearly. That mismatch could confuse potential customers or make your message less impactful. 

Brand identity issues 

If your company name or industry vibe doesn’t naturally align with “business,” the domain can feel off-brand and lead to confusion. A .business domain name might not suit creative fields, nonprofits, or brands with a playful image. Even if it’s available, it may not be the perfect domain to reflect your tone, values, or audience expectations. 

Limited public awareness 

Because the .business extension is newer, it doesn’t have the same instant familiarity as .com or .org. While it’s a valid custom domain, some users may hesitate if they’ve never seen it before, which could affect how quickly they trust your site. 

Credibility perception gap 

Even with a professional look, some users still associate .com with more authority and trust. That bias can affect how your website name is perceived, especially by first-time visitors who are unfamiliar with your brand. If you’re building your reputation from scratch, a newer extension like .business may not carry the same weight yet. 

How .business compares to other business domains 

Not all domain extensions deliver the same punch. Here’s how .business compares to other business domains—based on branding, trust, and availability: 

Domain Extension	Brand Perception	Trust Level	Availability	Best for
.com	Universal and traditional	Highest	Often taken Very competitive	Most businesses and legacy brands
.business	Specific and professional	Growing	Higher chance of getting the name you want	New businesses and service providers
.net	Tech-related Generic	Moderate	Better than .com but still limited	Tech firms Secondary domains
.store	Clear eCommerce signal	Niche, but strong	Good availability	Online shops and product-based brands
.biz	Budget-friendly but may seem outdated	Lower	Good availability	Budget-conscious small businesses

Tips for choosing a domain name for your business website  

Nail your domain name, and your online presence gets a head start. Here’s how to choose the best domain name for your business website. 

Keep it short and simple  

Choose a .business domain name that’s easy to remember and type. A shorter name with seven to15 characters is ideal. It should also be simple to spell and pronounce, so visitors can find you without friction. 

Short domain names are less likely to be mistyped, especially when they don’t look too close to similar domain names already in use. This helps your audience avoid confusion and land on the right site the first time. 

Avoid numbers and hyphens  

Using hyphens, numbers, and repeated letters in a domain name may lead to confusion and make it hard for people to remember.   

For example, a name like “expert-4-u.business” may sound clever but can trip people up when typing or sharing it. If you’re aiming for clarity and trust, it’s best to choose a clean, straightforward .business domain name instead. 

Choose the right extension  

While .com is still the most popular and recognized domain extension, it may not always be the best fit for your business. Consider alternatives like .business, .net, or .org depending on your brand type, availability, and goals. Each extension gives your website a different tone, so choose the one that best matches your online identity and the message you want your address to send. 

Check for trademarks  

Before completing your domain name registration, watch out for copyright and trademark issues with domain names. This quick step can protect your brand, reduce legal risks, and keep your business reputation intact. A proper trademark check also helps you avoid future conflicts with similar or identical names. 

Be unique and on-brand  

Keep your business name and what you sell in mind and think about your target audience to make sure your domain name attracts the right visitors.   

A distinctive name also helps in building a strong brand image and supporting your marketing efforts.  

Think long-term  

Aim for a domain name that keeps up as your business grows. Take Amazon, for example. Its broad name allowed it to grow from a bookstore to a huge online marketplace. When you get a domain name, aim for something flexible that won’t box you in later. 

Avoid very specific names that might restrict your future growth. To stand out without limiting yourself, find a balance between being specific and general. This saves you from having to rebrand in the future and keeps your business flexible.  

Research availability on social media  

Before you purchase a domain, check if your name is also available on social platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or X. Matching handles help unify your brand presence across the web. 

Keeping your website and social media consistent makes your brand easier to recognize online. Think of it like wearing a uniform—when all your online platforms have the same name and look, it’s easier for people to recognize and remember you.  

Use domain name generators  

If you’re struggling to come up with a perfect domain name, try using a domain name generator. This tool can provide creative suggestions based on your keywords and preferences. It filters out unavailable names and gives you options that match your brand.   

How to register your .business domain  

Ready to claim your .business domain? Here’s how you can register yours with Network Solutions: 

1. Enter your desired .business domain name in the domain name search bar, and then click SEARCH to check availability. 

2. If it’s available, it goes straight to your cart. Click CONTINUE to lock it in. NOTE: Domain Privacy + Protection is added by default for your safety. You can remove it, but it’s your first line of defense against spam.

3. Pick a package that fits your needs. You can go with Domain Only, Domain + Essential Hosting, or Domain + Premium Hosting.

4. Customize your domain with tools you need, then click CONTINUE TO CART.

5. Take a final look at your cart. If all’s set, click CONTINUE TO CHECKOUT.

6. Enter your contact and billing details. Review all information carefully, and then click SUBMIT PAYMENT.   

Go from domain to domination with .business   

A .business domain gives your brand a name that’s clear, credible, and built for real-world impact. If you want your website to look serious from the start, a .business domain sends that message clearly. 

But of course, your domain is just the start. To really show up online, you need the tools to back it up. At Network Solutions we don’t just help you find a domain—we help you build your brand from the ground up. Once you secure your .business domain, you can launch faster with our website builder, web hosting, and professional email—all in one place. 

Ready to start? Claim your .business domain today and own your space with authority. 

Frequently asked questions