Does your Domain Extension Matter?
When launching your business online, there’s a good chance that you’ve experienced the frustration of trying to sign up for a domain only to find that it’s already taken.
There are currently more than 800 domain extensions out there. Shocked? It’s surprising considering most of us only think of the main ones: .com, .net, .org., .info or those exclusive to your country such as .co.uk or .ca.
But, along with some exclusive reserved codes such as .ac and .eu, there’s a variety of extensions that you can choose from that will allow you to use your ideal business name and get online right away—often for a cheaper price as well!
So, the question is: do you want to keep your name and sacrifice your .com or alter your name just to get that familiar extension? Does it matter?
Domain Names, Extensions, and SEO
Out of Google’s 200-odd ranking factors for websites, domain name is included. However, it’s not one of the most important ones. That being said, top level and second level domains can be used to boost your SEO.
To start off, your domain name should be relevant to your business and spelled properly. SEO is all about reputation and authority and getting this right will start you off in a positive way rather than a negative one.
There is such thing as domain extensions that rank with more authority, and those are the common ones we mentioned in the first section of this blog. But, when used properly, you can find your second level extension doing just as good of a job.
Location Targeting
If your top level domain extension isn’t available, try for one based around your location. Name, address, and phone number—or NAP—is an important ranking factor. By including your country, province, or state, right in your URL you’ll be helping search engines categorize you, and that’s something search engines love.
Industry Targeting
Can’t get a location-based extension? Aim for industry. Some industry-based domain extensions include:
- .club
- .design
- .photography
- .store
- .actor
- .accountants
Everything Relates to SEO
When it comes to launching your business online, everything counts towards your SEO. No matter how much or how little any ranking factor adds to your online presence, it’s important to take them all into account.
Your domain and extension are the first decisions you’ll make in regards to your new website. Choose wisely, keep it short and to the point, and if you can’t get the .com you’re dreaming of, give a location or industry extension a shot!
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