How to Choose a Domain Name for Local Business?
The domain name of your website is like the physical address of your house. It is where people can find your website.
Today, I would like to share with you some of the tips to choose a domain name specifically for local business (country/region specific).
However, I'm not going to touch on the tips to choose your actual URL. You can check out Kyle's training on how to choose a brandable domain name here.
What I want to share here is more about the domain name extensions like .com, .org, .tw, etc...
General Top-Level Domain (gTLD)
gTLD are domain with the following 7 extensions:
- .com (commercial)
- .org (organization)
- .net (network)
- .int (international organizations)
- .edu (education)
- .gov (U.S.national and state government agencies)
- .mil (U.S. military)
Among the 7 gTLDs, only the first 3, .com, .org and .net can be registered by anyone without any permission or qualification.
Ideally, your website, be it for local business or not, the best is always to get a .com domain name. It's the best for recognition and ranking worldwide.
However, if you can't find a satisfied .com domain, you can still purchase the .org or .net if you like.
So far, what I've talked about is the general info. Next, I'll share with you more about domain names specifically for local businesses.
Country Code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD)
For local business, ccTLD is a very good alternative if the .com of the domain name you want is not available.
For example, I have a local business based in Taiwan, I can purchase DomainName.tw or DomainName.com.tw.
The Good Thing is...
You can directly purchase this kind of ccTLD within WA SiteDomains.
The Bad Thing is...
Not all ccTLD can be purchased. Some countries' ccTLD is restricted and you can only get it if you are qualified.
Please refer to the details here for the availability of each ccTLD. Or you can simply search directly in SiteDomains to see if it's available.
Also, the price of ccTLD may be more expensive than the normal .com .org .net. It depends on the specific country.
Conclusion
So next time when you're building a website for a local business, you can look for ccTLD. It usually has more domain name options for you to choose from.
By the way, domain name is not the most important thing of an online business. Your service, branding and contents are a lot more important. For domain name, aim for the ones that are easier to be remembered.
Refer to Kyle's training here if you have not done so.
Recent Comments
11
Hi, Jerry. Thanks for another informative post. I always learn something new from you. I was able to purchase my own name domain - debrajbeatty.com, and a website where I'm marketing a book for an author, the name of the book is the URL: operationwhiteterror.com. That one got index right away by Google because I put a couple of excerpts of the book into it. It's interesting content.
Wishing you much success.
Debra.
Thanks Debra for your kind words. Glad that you're able to get your name's .com domain. That's pretty awesome.
All the best to you!
Good Morning Jerry,
Have not seen you for awhile, I hope you are doing ok.
When I went .com I was lucky that the 2 names I wanted as they reflect my websites very well, were available. Thank you for the good post. I think you have not seen my monthly WA post, have a look.
Have a great weekend, Taetske
Alright, thanks Taetske, good to know that!
After my national service, I'm taking a short break.
You are quite right Jerry to take a break. Life is short and should not only be work. One should also take the time to enjoy things.
All the best, Taetske
Yea, thanks for the input. A good logo is indeed important for branding. But that's not the most important for people who just get started. They can get a logo later after setting up the foundation.
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Hi, Jerry.
Thank you for sharing this information on Domains.
Very useful moving forward. Your time is valued.
Kindest regards,
Paul.
My pleasure Paul!