What Is a Domain Extension? What To Know

If you’ve ever used the internet (and we’re pretty sure you found your way here somehow), then you’ve seen a domain extension. You’re probably most familiar with domain extensions like .com and .org, but there are many others you can use to give your website character. In fact, there are over 1,500 domain extensions listed by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority.

So, just, what is a domain extension, and why does it matter? 

A domain extension is the set of letters after the final period of a web address. They help to classify websites based on factors like their category or country code. Domain extensions can affect everything from how your website is perceived by customers, how it ranks on search engines, and how it stands out from the competition. 

Importance of domain extensions

When you buy a domain name, you’ll probably have a choice of slight variations—think yourwebsite.com, yourwebsite.org, or yourwebsite.us. These domain extensions aren’t just random letters. They also serve several purposes:

• They can establish a sense of trust – Domain extensions influence how visitors view your website. Think of your domain extension as your chance to create an excellent first impression.

• They can help you stand out from the competition – It can be hard to find a unique and memorable domain name that matches your brand. By using a domain extension that reflects your industry, niche, or personality, you can create a distinct and catchy domain name. For example, a realtor trying to compete for clients might be better off using .realtor instead of the more generic .com.

Understanding different types of domain extensions

Different domain extensions are useful for different purposes, and some have rules and restrictions associated with them. Let’s take a closer look at each kind of domain extension and how it’s used.

Top-level domains (TLDs)

So, what is a top level domain, exactly? The top-level domain, or TLD, is another term for the letters following the last dot in a web address. When the internet began, there was only a short list of TLDs: .com, .org, .edu, .gov, .net, .mil and .int. The list of TLDs has expanded greatly since then, but .com is still the most widely used top-level domain.

TLDs fall into several subcategories.

Generic top-level domains (gTLDs)

These are the most common and popular domain extensions that are available for anyone to register without restriction. gTLDs always have three or more characters (unlike country codes, which are usually two letters). Some of the most familiar are:

• .com
• .net
• .org
• .biz
• .info

Country code top-level domains (ccTLDs)

These are domain extensions that represent a specific country or region, such as:

• .us (United States)
• .uk (United Kingdom)
• .fr (France)
• .jp (Japan)
• .ru (Russia)

They are usually used to target a local audience or market, or to show the origin or location of a website. Using a ccTLD doesn’t limit your site from displaying globally, but it will limit your geotargeting in your digital marketing efforts.

For example, if you run a Canadian business and only ship within Canada, you might opt for a .ca ccTLD. Your site will be available to users all over the world, but the country code will help Google target your site toward Canadian residents. However, if you want to ship to other countries down the road, you won’t be able to specifically geotarget your advertising toward those regions.

Sponsored top-level domains (sTLDs)

These are domain extensions that are overseen by a specific entity, such as a business, government, or organization. They have specific eligibility criteria and rules for registration and use. 

A few examples of sTLDs include:

• .edu (educational institutions)
• .gov (official government websites)
• .mil (United States military sites)
• .post (worldwide postal services)
• .aero (used by the air transport industry)

Brand top-level domains (brand TLDs)

These are domain extensions that are owned and operated by a specific brand or company, such as .google, .apple, .amazon, and .nike. Companies use these domains to create a unique and exclusive online identity.

Alternative top-level domains (alternative TLDs) 

Long gone are the days when .biz was as wild as domain extension options got. These days, with more than 1,500 domain extensions, your choices include options that are unconventional, creative, and niche-specific. Some examples include:

• .wtf
• .pet
• .movie
• .media
• .pink
• .fyi

You might choose a domain extension like this to express your brand’s voice, show your personality, highlight a passion or interest, or appeal to a specific audience or market. 

Popular domain extensions

.com

• The most popular and widely recognized domain extension is .com (short for commercial). It was originally intended for commercial entities, but now anyone can register a .com domain. 

• A .com domain can help you establish credibility and trust with your audience. It’s also the first domain name that comes to mind for many people, so it’s easy to remember. 

.org

• The .org domain extension stands for organization. It’s typically used by nonprofit organizations, charities, foundations, educational institutions, and other social or civic groups. 

• A .org domain name can help you convey your mission and values, as well as show your commitment to a cause or a community. 

.net

• The .net domain extension stands for network. It was originally designed for network providers and internet service providers, but is now open to anyone. 

• A .net domain name can be a good alternative to a .com domain name if your preferred one is taken or if you want to emphasize your online presence and connectivity. 

.io

• If your business is on the tech side, you might want to check out the .io domain extension. It stands for input/output, and it’s popular among startups, apps, games, and anything digital. 

• A .io domain name can show off your tech-loving side and impress your audience looking for the latest and greatest in technology. 

• .io can cost you more than other domain extensions, and some people might not get what it means or where it comes from.

.biz

• The .biz domain extension is short for business, and it can be a perfect domain extension for anyone who wants to sell something online. 

• Whether you’re a small business owner, an entrepreneur, a freelancer, or anything in between, a .biz domain name extension can help you get noticed and stand out from the crowd. 

.co

• The .co domain extension was originally the country code for Colombia, but is now available to anyone. It’s often treated as simply a shorter version of .com. 

• It’s a good fit for anyone who wants to create a catchy, short, and easy-to-remember domain name that works worldwide.

How to register a domain with the right extension

Luckily, once you’re ready to register your domain name, the process is painless. We’ll go over each step below.

#1 Research and choose the best domain extension

Start by thinking about your niche, your audience, your goals, and your brand. Ask yourself:

• What kind of domain extension would suit your website best? 
• What kind of domain extension would appeal to your audience and convey your message? 
• What kind of domain extension would help you rank higher on search engines and stand out from the competition?

If you’re feeling stuck, Name.com offers a domain search tool that can help you brainstorm a list of ideas and variations based on any keywords you choose. 

#2 Find a reputable domain registrar

Purchasing your domain is done through a domain registrar—a company that sells and manages domain names. This may or may not be the same company as your hosting provider.

Choosing a domain registrar from the hundreds available can be daunting, so be sure to:

• Check user reviews and ratings on reputable sites
• Don’t choose based on cost alone—many domain registrars offer temptingly low initial prices for a domain, only to tack on fees or raise prices each year
• Weigh price against factors like security, downtime, and customer support 

#3 Register your domain and set up DNS

Once you’ve chosen your registrar, you’re ready to register your domain. Registering your domain is simply another term for purchasing it. Complete the checkout process with your registrar, and voilá—you’ve registered your domain.

Lastly, you’ll set up DNS for your new domain. DNS stands for Domain Name System. It’s essentially the connection that allows visitors to access your site via your domain name instead of a long and complicated IP address.

The steps to set up DNS will vary depending on the domain registrar and hosting provider you choose. Your web hosting provider will provide step-by-step instructions for completing this process.

Get started with Name.com today

Ready to buy a domain name? Choosing the right domain extension seems simple, but it can make a difference to the long-term success of your website. When you’re ready to find a reputable domain registrar that offers the domain extension you want—along with the best web hosting services, plus unbeatable customer support—Name.com is here to help. 

Name.com offers all the domain extensions available, including .com, .org, .net, .io, .biz, .co, and many more. We’ll also help you with web hosting, email hosting, SSL certificates, a website builder, and everything else you need to get your online presence up and running today. 

Sources: 

CNET. From .coffee to .email to .xyz: The Web’s crazy new reality is here. https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/from-coffee-to-email-to-xyz-the-webs-crazy-new-reality-is-here/ 

Internet Assigned Numbers Authority. Root Zone Database. https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db 

Search Engine Journal. Does domain extension affect SEO? Google’s John Mueller explains. https://www.searchenginejournal.com/does-domain-extension-affect-seo/431956/ 
Verisign. Domain name industry brief. https://www.verisign.com/en_US/domain-names/dnib/index.xhtml