One of the first steps when you are going to create a website is the acquisition of a domain, being that you usually have the name clear, but what should be the extension?
Let’s remember that the domain is not only a web address, but also a representation of your site’s identity, and an essential part of this choice is the domain extension.
But what exactly does the term refer to and how can it affect your web presence?
Below, we will explore this topic in detail to make it clearer.
Domain extension What does it mean?
The domain extension is the final part of a web address that follows the domain name.
For example, in “miweb.com,” “.com” is the domain extension or the way the domain ends.
Usually the “.com” is the most popular, but there are more and each extension has its own meaning and purpose, which can influence visitors’ perception of your website.
Types of domain extensions that exist
There are a number of domain extensions, each designed to meet different needs and purposes, as mentioned above.
Among the most common extensions we have:
- “.com”
Suitable for commercial and business or generic websites, being a favorite among all. - “.org”
Traditionally used by non-profit organizations. - “.net”
Initially intended for companies related to technology and the Internet. - “.edu”
Reserved for educational institutions of any type or platform with educational content. - “.gov”
It is usually exclusive to government websites. - “.co, .io, .ai”
Often used by startups and tech companies. - “.online”
It is an option for those who offer something purely online. - “.store”
Excellent alternative for online stores, to identify yourself as such.
Tips for choosing a suitable extension
When choosing your domain extension, it’s essential to consider several factors.
Here are some tips to help you in this decision:
- Relevance to the content. The extension should reflect the content and purpose of your website.
- Target audience. Know your audience and choose an extension that inspires trust and credibility.
- Geographical location. If your target audience is local, consider country-specific extensions.
- Type of organization. If it is a company, choose .com; If you’re a nonprofit, .org may be more appropriate.
- Brand protection. Register multiple extensions to prevent others from using your domain name with different extensions.
How much do they matter in web SEO?
The choice of domain extension can affect your website’s SEO, but it’s not the only determining factor.
However, it is ideal that you know how it can affect it so that you can make the best possible decision, because once acquired, it is not possible to make modifications, unless you acquire another, and make redirects or other changes:
- Credibility. Popular extensions like .com are often perceived as more trustworthy, which can influence search rankings based on how users act. For example, an extension that does not generate trust with the user is usually .xyz, therefore, it may be better not to use it.
- Geolocation. Country-specific domain extensions can improve visibility in local searches, so it’s a factor to think about whether the website will be related to a geographic location.
- Relevance of the content. Although not directly related to SEO, a relevant extension can attract a more interested audience, which can increase retention and engagement, which are valuable aspects for SEO.
There’s no doubt that choosing a domain extension is an important step in creating your online presence.
Carefully consider your goals, audience, and content to make the best decision, and even though the extension is not the only SEO factor, there are others such as content, the acquisition of a link building service, etc., can the domain contribute to the credibility and visibility of your website in the vast digital world.
