Do you want to start your own business? And wanted to figure out where to start. Let us help you with that. First, choose a business name and then secure a domain. The choice of domain extension depends on the type of your business, like building a blog, running a non-profit organization, or a digital marketing agency.
The domain extension you choose —like .com, .org, or .net—can affect how people see your website. In this blog post, we’ll understand domain extensions and the differences between .com vs .net and .org, and we will help you choose the best one for your website.
What is a domain extension?
The domain extension is part of your website address, like .com, .org, or .net. You see domain extensions all the time and probably give them no thought. But It shows what kind of website it is. So, it’s essential to understand every single extension before securing a domain for your business.
For example:
- .com is for businesses and general use.
- .org is for organizations, especially non-profits.
- .net is often used for tech-related sites.
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Types of Internet Domain Extensions
There are three main types of domain extensions. Before securing any domain for your website, you need to be familiar with the generic, sponsored, and country codes.
- Generic Domain Extensions: This is one of the most common categories of extensions, like .com, .org, and .net. Most of the business owners use this domain ending in their website. They are not tied to any specific location or industry, so that anyone can use them. Some of them are free, too. Ideal for businesses, blogs, and personal websites.
- Sponsored Domain Extensions: This type of domain is commonly used by organizations, like .edu for schools or .gov for government websites. This is different from generic domain extensions. Ideal for organizations like education, government, or the military.
- Country Code Domain Extensions: Extensions like .uk (United Kingdom) or .ca (Canada) are for websites in specific countries. If you want to establish a country-specific business. This extension will be a better choice for your business. But in future, if you want to be internationally available, then go with the generic domain extension from the start of your business. Ideal for companies that focus on a localized audience.
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What does a .org domain extension mean?
A .org domain extension is one of the top-level domain(TLD) that stands for “Organization”. This domain is most commonly used by non-profits, charities, and the groups that serve the community.
The most popular examples of the .org domain extensions are Wikipedia.org, RedCross.org, and UNICEF.org.
Pros:
- This extension makes your website trustworthy and focused on helping others.
- A good fit for non-profits, educational sites, and open-source projects.
- It’s easier to find an available name compared to .com.
Cons:
- People may type.com when trying to visit your website.
- It’s not the best choice for businesses or e-commerce.
- It costs money
What does a .com domain extension mean?
A .com domain extension is one of the top-level domain(TLD) that stands for “commercial”. This domain is most commonly used in web and email addresses. If you want to start your own business, always choose the .com domain extension. This is the most popular domain extension in the whole world.
The most popular examples of the .com domain extensions are Google.com, Amazon.com, Facebook.com, and Apple.com.
Pros:
- This extension is recognized and trusted by nearly everyone.
- Easy to remember.
- Works well for every business’s website.
- It gives your business better visibility globally.
Cons:
- Many .com domain names are already taken. So, you need to be creative when choosing a domain for your business.
- It can cost more to buy a .com domain if the name is in high demand.
What does a .net extension mean?
A .net domain extension is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) that stands for “network”. Tech companies, internet service providers, and similar businesses commonly use this domain extension.
The most popular examples of the .net domain extensions are Slideshare.net, SpeedTest.net, and Behance.net.
Pros:
- It will be a good option if your website is about technology or online services.
- It’s easier to find a name compared to .com.
Cons:
- It’s less well-known or trusted than.com.
- People may type .com instead of .net.
- People cannot remember your business URL for that long period. So, it affects the visibility of your business.
Which is more popular- .org vs .net vs .com
Every single domain extension has unique benefits and disadvantages. For example, .com is most commonly used in web and email addresses, .net is for Tech companies, internet service providers, and similar businesses, and .org is most frequently used for organizations, especially non-profits.
Every single extension has its pros and cons. So, the best one depends on the type of your business.
However, .com is the most popular domain extension choice for websites. It’s what people usually think of while typing web addresses. And this is the reason why it’s most trusted and widely used.
However, you should always understand your business goals first and choose the domain extension accordingly.
.com vs .org: Which is best?
Both are the best choices; which works well for you depends on your business.
.com is best for commercial companies, building an e-commerce store, starting a personal blog, and general use.
On the other hand, .org is for organizations, especially non-profits, charities, or community groups.
First, understand what you want to achieve through your business, then choose the domain extension.
Key Points to remember:
- Perception: .com is most commonly used for commercial businesses. At the same time, .org is for non-profit organizations.
- Availability: Finding a .com domain might be challenging compared to the .org.
- Credibility: .com is more trustworthy and authorized than the .org domain extension.
How to get the domain extension that is right for your business?
It depends on various factors like:
- Know Your Website’s Purpose: First, understand your website’s purpose and what you want to achieve through your website.
- Think About Your Audience: Pick an extension that fits your audience’s expectations and whom you want to help.
- Check Availability: If your preferred domain name extension isn’t available as a .com, see if it’s free as a .net or .org.
Does Domain Extension Affect SEO?
Your domain extension has a negligible impact on your website’s SEO. What matters is your content and how well your website serves visitors. The type of marketing you are using to make your business stand out from your competitors. .com domains often perform better because people trust and click on them more.
So, start choosing the right domain name based on your business today. Always remember your domain name and extension should reflect what your website is about.
Always choose the one which is easy to remember, fits your goals, and makes sense for your audience.
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Rishabh Sharma (Rish)
Founder, ICONIER Inc.
Over 7 years of experience in managing digital products with a specific focus on branding, lead generation, and delivering custom IT Solutions. Graduated from the University of London (U.K) in Business & Management. Rish saw the opportunity to improve and digitalize operations for small and large businesses by providing simple and innovative online solutions.
