written by
Joe Uddeme
How to Buy a Domain Name
How to Buy a Domain Name Owned by Someone Else
Negotiating a Domain Price
What is a Premium Domain Name & Why You Should Buy One
How to Choose a Domain Name
How to Value a Domain Name
Domain Names for Startups
How to Buy a .com Domain Name
Things to Watch Out for When Buying a Domain
Domain Name Investing
Buy & Selling Domains
Best Domains to Buy
There have been many ‘young pretenders’ such as .ai and .io, but .com reigns supreme in the world of domain names. NameExperts.com Director Joe Uddeme explains why a .com URL is still the one to aim for in most cases.
Using a .com domain offers several significant advantages that can positively impact your brand’s identity, visibility, and long-term growth. To this day, a .com domain registration transfer is often the best choice for a new domain and purchase in your desired price range.
Buying a domain name can be daunting and less secure without the proper knowledge of the transfer process, which is where a top domain brokerage service can help. Price range is a major factor when it comes down to buying your URL – or selling it – and a broker can streamline the whole process.
A .com website has the most-recognized Top Level Domain: The .com domain extension is known worldwide and widely respected. When users see a .com domain, they immediately associate it with a legitimate organization. It’s the default extension most people think of when typing a domain name or securing one for ownership and transfer. It’s a key consideration when you want to acquire a premium domain name.
Buyers tend to trust websites that have a .com domain over other top-level domains. Most International registrars support the transfer of .com and offer additional features.
Since it’s the most established and widely used domain extension, it adds an element of professionalism, security and reliability to your marketing plan. This helps visitors with peace of mind and makes them more likely to engage with your entity and feel more secure. If you’re involved in domain name portfolio management, it’s a good bet you’ll have one or more .com names in your collection.
A short, catchy .com domain is easier for people to recall. People are conditioned to associate websites with .com, making it more likely that they’ll remember your complete domain name when searching for your business or product suite.
This improves free direct visit traffic, where users type your domain into their browsers, leading to higher engagement and conversions on your site to protect your brand and keep you covered.
Because .com is the default TLD, potential individuals are more likely to accidentally type yourbusiness.com even if your actual website is on a different extension (e.g., .net or .org). Owning the .com prevents you from losing traffic to other sites and allows your client to complete the navigation. It’s all part and parcel of a great brand name strategy.
Customers often expect businesses to use .com for both websites and email addresses. If a site uses yourbusiness.com for its website but an alternative domain like .net or .biz for its email, it could create confusion or even raise questions about its legitimacy, even if it is catchy.
A professional email address ending in .com adds security and simplicity – and attracts more visitors to the domain to achieve success.
Using the same .com domain for both your website and professional email helps create a cohesive brand identity for your new domain and keeps you protected and ready to continue to build your organization.
If your website is hosted on a .com domain but your email uses different domain extensions (e.g., [email protected]), it can lead to confusion and undermine the consistency of your brand. Clients may accidentally send emails to [email protected] because they assume your email matches your website domain.
Perception of Success: Having a .com domain is often seen as a sign that a brand is more established, successful, and serious about its online presence.
Investors, acquisition partners, and other account stakeholders may view your brand more favorably if it has secured a .com domain, especially if you’re targeting a global audience or providing services or support.
Domain as a Digital Asset: A .com domain purchase that you intend to hold onto can also become a valuable long-term equity play. Premium .com domains tend to appreciate over time, adding value to your organization if you decide to sell or expand services to maximize the best price for transfer.
Register top keywords that identify with your services or product offerings or answer questions. Purchase a .org for your non-profit or a .net for your network platform.
Alternative TLDs such as .net and .org may each hold value to the domain name owner and may be attractive to the buyer as a cheaper alternative, based on the availability of domains.
Higher Click-Through Rates (CTR): A .com domain will ensure greater click-value in search engine results. Since users trust .com websites more, search engines like Google may favor them in search rankings, especially for advanced searches.
Even if a domain extension doesn’t directly impact SEO, user behavior (like click-through rates) does, and .com domains tend to perform better in this area.
Backlink Value: When other sites link to you, they may be more willing to link to a .com site due to its perceived authority and security. High-quality backlinks are essential for SEO performance, and .com domains tend to naturally attract more of those links.
Global Acceptance: If your organization operates globally or plans to expand internationally, a .com domain is universally recognized and accepted across borders and everyday life.
Country-specific domains (like .co.uk or .de) can limit your reach or cause confusion in markets outside that specific country. They can also cause transfer issues.
Consistency in Branding: As your organization grows, maintaining a consistent identity across different regions is essential. A .com domain helps establish a unified web presence, making it easier for customers worldwide to find and recognize your branding and url.
Competitor Safeguard: Owning the .com version of your entity name prevents competitors from using it. Even if you currently use a different extension for your account, a competitor could purchase the .com and use it to divert traffic, confuse clients, or dilute your message or image and hurt security. Always be sure to check out a .com’s history before buying, though – there could be some nasty surprises if it has been used before.
Professionalism: Many well-established businesses, particularly in competitive industries, prefer .com domains. If a competitor has the .com version of a similar name, they may be seen as more professional or legitimate than a business name using a less common extension. Having a .com gives you an edge in appearing professional and trustworthy.
As your network grows, the .com extension is flexible enough to accommodate expansions into new products, services, or geographic markets. Unlike some niche TLDs, which may be associated with specific industries (like .tech or .store), a .com can grow with your entity and remain relevant in any market.
Premium .com domains can become valuable assets if your organization is ever sold or merged. The high demand for .com domains, especially short, brandable ones, means they often increase in value over time and make them an easier sale for the seller in a reasonable range. Some names exceed all expectations, however, and command seven-figure price tags or higher.
Clients ask regularly if there are decent top-level domain alternatives to the .com for transfer. There are many, including .org, .net,.co, .io, .ai, .xyz and .club domains that a degree of power and authority.
These extensions are popular for use in the crypto and web 3 space. There are many organizations that capitalize on the generic value such as the banking industry with the .bank top-level domain.
With more than 2,500 new GTLD domain extensions, you can now register and transfer anything from .legal to .car for your business, which is worth knowing if you’re securing a unique domain name for a startup in particular.
Here are a list of some top extensions and how they’re often used:
You definitely don’t need to use a website builder for every domain name you purchase. Make sure you forward any additional domain names you register to your primary site and add a secure server to protect your organization.
When we talk about long-term investing and ROI, we think about the stock market, commercial or residential real estate investing, gold bullion and Forex – but domain investing is a legitimate business pursuit, too. Domain names hold value and add instant equity to the branding strategy and ownership in the purchase and sale of domain names.
There are hundreds of thousands of prime opportunities to invest in the domain space – and as the last 30 years have shown, the .com is the most credible TLD on the market, both domestically and abroad. This holds true if you are buying your domain for your business or to hold and transfer at a later date.
Whether this is your first domain or you own many, the .com creates easy accessibility for consumers and brands alike.
Companies work hard to protect their domain brands, accounts and marketing tactics. They invest millions of dollars and countless resources at building that beach-front real estate and maintaining their Internet presence in the world. As leaders in the domain space, the NameExperts.com team continues to recommend the .com as the superior domain with considerable upside and long-term equity potential.
Here’s a case study of a .com domain acquisition transfer that highlights the importance and benefits of acquiring a premium .com domain for a business. The study involves Tesla’s acquisition of Tesla.com.
For many years after its founding, Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer, operated under the registered domain TeslaMotors.com. Despite its growing success, the entity didn’t own the highly sought-after Tesla.com domain. TeslaMotors.com was functional, but having Tesla.com would better align with the company’s image as it expanded beyond cars to include energy products like solar panels and batteries.
The domain Tesla.com was originally owned by a man named Stuart Grossman, who had registered it long before the organization existed. Grossman wasn’t actively using the domain, but he also wasn’t interested in selling it easily, making the acquisition a challenging and lengthy process.
In 2016, Tesla successfully acquired and completed the transfer of the Tesla.com domain and immediately rebranded their website and digital assets. This acquisition allowed Tesla to secure its concept and image across all its product lines and simplify its online presence and customer support tools.
Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Joe’s specialty is helping clients secure .com domain names that appear unreachable – and at the right price, too. Contact Joe at: [email protected]
From Amazon to Coca-Cola, strong brand names have helped propel businesses to stratospheric heights for centuries. Here’s how to find one that will take yours to the next level and ensure you have a domain name that supports it.
One of the most common questions we are asked is, ‘Can I own my domain name forever?’ While the simple answer is ‘no’, Name Experts director Joe Uddeme explains a reliable workaround... While it’s not possible to buy a domain name forever in the classical sense, there are ways to ensure long-term control over your domain. Website registration typically involves leasing a domain name for a specific period, usually between one to ten years. However, some registrars offer lifetime domain registration options or auto-renewal features that can help you maintain ownership for an extended period to buy a domain name. By opting for these services, you can avoid the hassle of frequent renewals and ensure that your domain name remains yours for as long as you need it. This approach provides peace of mind and stability for your online presence, allowing you to focus on building and growing your website without worrying about losing your domain. It’s an especially important consideration when you want to buy a premium domain name. Key Takeaways Understand the truth about “ownership” of a domain name Know your rights and responsibilities as a domain name owner Learn about settings and protocols that can help protect you
The finer details of domain name architecture can be pretty overwhelming to the uninitiated. In this post, domain name expert Joe Uddeme unravels the secrets behind TLDs, second-level domains and more. In today’s digital landscape, domain names serve as the cornerstone of online identity. They are not just web addresses; they encapsulate your brand, convey professionalism, and influence user trust. Understanding the actual domain is crucial, as it helps in structuring sub-domains effectively without confusing web visitors. One of the most critical aspects of domain names is their structure within the domain name system and their organization in the dns hierarchy, including top-level domains (TLDs) and second-level domain names as well as third-level domain names. This guide will explore the various types of TLDs, their implications for your online presence, and how to choose the right URL for your business when you want to buy a premium domain name. Key takeaways .com TLDs remain a prized asset Up-and-coming TLDs such as .ai have a place in the market A strong second-level domain is crucial for the success of your business Discover some tips for registering a domain name that works for you What Are Top-Level Domains? Understanding TLDs A top-level domain (TLD) is the last segment of a domain name, appearing after the dot. Domain extensions, such as generic top-level domains (gTLDs) and country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs), play a crucial role in website visibility and branding. For example, in the domain name example.com, the TLD is .com. The second-level domain (SLD) is the component of a domain name located directly to the left of the TLD. This becomes essential for creating memorable and relevant domain names that enhance SEO by better describing website content. Third-level domains, or subdomains, exist to the left of second-level domains in a domain hierarchy and help in structuring website content, indicating different sections or language versions of a site. TLDs categorize domain levels and can significantly influence a website’s branding and marketing efforts. The Role of TLDs in the Domain Name System TLDs provide crucial information about the nature of the entity associated with a domain. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) regulate and allocate domain names, ensuring that assigned names adhere to specific regulations and maintain uniqueness within the domain name system for internet infrastructure purposes. They help users understand the purpose of a website, whether it’s commercial, organizational, or country-specific. Choosing the right domain extensions can enhance brand recognition and trust. Types of Top-Level Domains (TLDs) Second-level domain names refer to the target before the dot. Test.com is the second level domain with the keyword match–“test” in this example. Second level domain names can help consumers and individuals remember your brand. Top-level domain names are generally categorized into several groups: .com: Originally designed for commercial entities, it is now the most widely used TLD and is often the first choice for businesses and private agencies. .org: Primarily used by non-profit organizations, this TLD conveys trust and community focus. .net: Initially intended for network providers, it has become a versatile option for various types of websites. .info: Designed for informational sites, this TLD is often used by resource-based websites. Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs) Country-code top-level domain names are a specific type of domain extension designated for particular countries or regions, emphasizing their implications for search engine optimization and regional, country-specific targeting. Country code TLDs are the only top-level domain not governed by ICANN internet corporation for assigned names, differentiating them from other domain types and underscoring potential legal and usage restrictions based on geographic location. ccTLDs represent specific countries or territories. Examples include: .uk: United Kingdom .ca: Canada .de: Germany .au: Australia .ai: Anguilla .co: Columbia .io: Indian Ocean (British Indian Ocean Territory) .ai: Anguilla – though it has been appropriated by tech and AI companies and is rapidly growing in popularity. It is treated as a generic TLD for search ranking purposes. The .gov domain is a specific top-level domain (TLD) exclusively reserved for the American government and government agencies. There are similar restrictions applying to other domains like .EDU, which is limited to educational institutions in the U.S. Using a ccTLD can enhance local SEO, making your website more appealing to audiences in specific regions. SEO Consideration: If your business serves a local market, opting for a ccTLD can improve your search rankings and visibility within that area. New Generic Top-Level Domains (New gTLDs) New generic top-level domain names (generic tlds) have emerged to provide more specific options for niche markets. Some examples include: .tech: Ideal for technology companies and startups. .shop: Great for e-commerce businesses. .blog: Perfect for bloggers and content creators. .design: Suitable for design-focused websites. Additional examples of GTLD’s include: .LAW, .GO, .XYZ, .ART, .CLUB are some of the most recognized. These new generic top-level domain names can provide unique branding opportunities but should align closely with your business’s mission and audience and be target generic top-level domains. Ensure they reflect the content and purpose of your site, as this can influence user engage specific for your generic top-level domain. SEO Consideration: While .com domains are the most popular, various gTLDs can also rank well if the site’s content is relevant and high-quality Domains not controlled by DNS System Web3 domains are a new class of domain names designed for the decentralized web, often built on blockchain technology. Unlike traditional domains, which rely on centralized registrars and the DNS (Domain Name System). These are typically tied to the Blockchain system and not associated with standard ip addresses. Web3 domains offer unique features and benefits including, Decentralization, NFT Integration and Smart Contracts. Popular Web3 Domain Providers Ethereum Name Service (ENS) A decentralized naming system built on the Ethereum blockchain, allowing users to register human-readable domain names (e.g., example.eth). Unstoppable Domains Offers blockchain-based domains that can be used for websites, cryptocurrency payments, and decentralized identities. Handshake A decentralized, permission-less naming protocol that enables users to own their top-level domains. The Importance of Choosing the Right TLD Brand Identity and Trust The top-level domain you choose can significantly impact your brand identity. Having your own domain is crucial as it allows you to create subdomains for various purposes and highlights the domain name as a vital element for website navigation and URL formation. A recognizable and trusted top-level domain can boost your credibility among users. For example, a second-level domain keyword-match URL ending in .com is often perceived as more legitimate than lesser-known extensions. SEO Impact While a top-level domain is not a direct ranking factor, they can influence click-through rates and user engagement. Familiar top-level domain names ending in .com or .org can improve trust, leading to higher conversion rates with these domain extensions. Local vs. Global Reach If your business targets a specific country or region, a ccTLD can enhance local SEO and attract a more relevant audience. Conversely, global businesses might opt for a top level domain to appeal to a broader market for widespread use. Best Practices for Selecting a TLD 1. Know Your Audience Understanding your target audience is crucial in selecting the right top-level domain. If your primary customers are local, a ccTLD may be the best choice. If you aim for an international market, consider a popular gTLD or only top-level domains. 2. Keep it Short and Memorable A shorter domain name is easier to remember and type. Avoid overly complex names and choose a TLD that complements your brand. Find the perfect domain name for your organization. 3. Avoid Hyphens and Numbers While it may be tempting to add hyphens or numbers to secure a domain, these can confuse users and reduce memorability. Stick to simple, clear names. The second level domain is critical for customer recall. 4. Check Availability Before settling on a domain name and TLD, check its availability. Many popular domain names may already be taken, so be prepared to explore variations. If you need help negotiating a name that appears to be off-market, it’s a good idea to partner up with an experienced domain broker. The Impact of TLDs on SEO User Perception Research indicates that users are more likely to trust and click on websites with a familiar top-level domain. A well-known second-level domain can enhance perceived credibility, leading to increased traffic for your company’s success in their respective country. Local SEO Advantages For businesses focused on local markets, ccTLDs can improve local search rankings. The root domain, represented by a dot (.), is at the top of the DNS hierarchy and contains all the top-level domains (TLDs), organizing domain names into different levels. Search engines often prioritize local relevance, making ccTLDs a valuable asset for local businesses. Content Alignment While TLDs themselves don’t directly impact SEO rankings, aligning your TLD with your content can improve user experience. A TLD that reflects your content’s focus can lead to better engagement. Common Misconceptions About TLDs Misconception 1: TLDs Are the Primary Factor for SEO Success While TLDs play a role in user trust and engagement, they are not the main determinant of SEO success. High-quality content, backlinks, and technical SEO are far more critical. Misconception 2: All TLDs Have Equal Value Not all TLDs are created equal. The second-level domain, which sits immediately to the left of the top-level domain, plays a critical role in defining the domain’s identity and is significant for branding and SEO purposes. An experienced domain name appraisal expert can help you find the true value of a name you’re interested in. Misconception 3: New gTLD’s are cheaper alternatives Familiar TLDs like .com and .org often carry more weight in terms of trust and user recognition than obscure or new gTLDs. While new gTLD’s are typically cheaper, they do tend to hold a larger renewal cost and lack credibility and equity that .com domain names add to any brand. How to Register a Domain Name with Your Chosen TLD Step 1: Choose a Domain Name Brainstorm a potential web address that align with your brand and audience. Ideally, it should match your brand name – which should be strong brand name that is representative of your business. The second level-domain and dns hierarchy are good examples of properly choosing a domain name. A well-chosen web address can significantly impact user perception and SEO, making it crucial to select one that is effective and resonates with your target audience. Make sure to keep it short, memorable, and relevant, especially the second-level domain. Step 2: Select Your TLD Decide on the most appropriate TLD based on your target audience and business goals. Second-level domains are critical to top-of-mind awareness for your customer when finding the perfect domain. A third-level domain, also known as a sub-domain, can be used to organize different topics or language versions within your website while keeping the core domain name intact. Historically, third-level domains were significant for structuring website content, though they are less common in modern usage. Consider whether a gTLD or ccTLD best serves your needs. Fourth level domain levels involve rerouting the sub domains with a more specific field. Example: create.sub.agent.com. Step 3: Check Availability Use a domain registrar to check the availability of your chosen domain name with the desired TLD. Many registrars offer search tools to assist with this. Internet corporation for assigned names and numbers also offers a search tool to check Whois information. Second-level domains also become synonymous with your brand image and perception. Step 4: Register Your Domain Once you’ve found an available domain name, proceed with registration through a reputable domain registrar. Be prepared to provide necessary contact information and payment details. Step 5: Set Up Domain Privacy Consider enabling domain privacy protection to safeguard your personal information from public databases. Top Registrars for Domain Names and TLDs Choosing a reliable domain registrar is crucial for managing your domain name effectively. Here are some top registrars to consider: GoDaddy: One of the largest and most popular registrars, offering a wide variety of TLDs and excellent customer service. Namecheap: Known for its affordability and user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for new domain owners. Bluehost: Offers free domain registration with hosting plans, ideal for beginners. Google Domains: A straightforward option that integrates seamlessly with Google services. Conclusion Understanding top-level domains (TLDs) and their significance in domain names is vital for establishing a strong online presence. By selecting the right TLD that aligns with your brand and audience, you can enhance your credibility, improve SEO, and attract more visitors to your site. Whether you choose a traditional TLD, a country code TLD, or a new tlds, ensure it reflects your business’s identity and goals. By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions about your domain names and TLDs, setting the stage for online success in search results. About the author Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]
Name Experts offers personalized domain brokerage services, assisting clients in buying or selling premium domain names with expert appraisal, negotiation, and complete transaction management while ensuring confidentiality.
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