If you’re thinking about starting a website or already have one, then you’ve probably already stumbled across generic top-level domains (gTLDs) at some point. They’re the letters that appear at the end of your domain name, like .com, .org, or .net.
But, did you know that there are now a ton of new gTLDs to choose from? And they’re not just the usual ones you see all the time—think .store, .tech, .online, and many more!
So whether you’re a small business owner or a blogger who wants to stand out online, understanding gTLDs and how you can use them to your advantage will be important. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of gTLDs!
What Are TLDs?
You’ll find TLDs at the end of a domain name. (Source: Janet Barclay)
When you type a website address into your browser, you’re entering a domain name, which is made up of several parts. As you may have already inferred from earlier, the top-level domain (TLD) is the part of the domain name that comes after the final dot, such as .com, .org, or .net.
TLDs were introduced in the 1980s to categorize different types of websites and help organize the growing number of domains on the internet. In addition to TLDs, there are also country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs), which are two-letter domain extensions specific to a particular country or territory, such as .ca for Canada or .uk for the United Kingdom.
What Are gTLDs Specifically?
Now, a generic top-level domain (gTLD) is a type of TLD that’s not associated with a particular country or territory. Instead, it’s meant to be used by anyone, anywhere in the world. ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is the organization responsible for managing and regulating the allocation of both gTLDs and ccTLDs.
With so many new gTLDs, you’re sure to find one that fits your brand to a tee. (Source: Sitecozy)
And in 2012, ICANN introduced a new program to expand the number of gTLDs available, opening up a whole new world of domain extensions beyond the traditional .com, .org, and .net. New gTLDs can be categorized by their purpose, such as location-based gTLDs like .nyc or .tokyo, industry-specific gTLDs like .tech or .travel, or even fun and creative gTLDs like .ninja or .pizza!
What Are Some Popular New gTLDs?
The introduction of new gTLDs has greatly expanded the options available to website owners. Here are some examples you can explore:
- .app
Perfect for mobile app developers who want to create a clear and memorable domain name for their app.
- .blog
Ideal for bloggers who want to create a catchy domain name for their blog.
- .shop and .store
Perfect for e-commerce businesses who want to create a direct and easily comprehensible domain name for their online store.
- .online
Great for businesses who want to create a strong online presence and establish themselves as an authority in their industry.
- .club
Ideal for clubs, organizations, and communities who want to create a sense of belonging and community among their members.
- .global
Perfect for businesses and organizations that operate on a global scale and want to emphasize their worldwide reach.
- .tech
Ideal for technology-related businesses and startups who want to create a distinguished online identity.
These are just a few of the many new gTLDs available. There are now over 1,000 gTLDs to choose from, each with their own unique purpose.
What Are The Advantages Of Using New gTLDs For Your Website?
The right gTLD can make your brand’s marketing more effective.
Using a new generic top-level domain (gTLD) for your website can provide several benefits, such as:
- Greater availability
With the introduction of new gTLDs, website owners now have access to a much broader selection of domain name options. This means that you’re more likely to find the perfect domain name for your website that’s available for registration.
- Improved branding
By choosing a gTLD that’s specific to your industry or niche, you can create a more targeted and memorable brand for your website. This can help to differentiate your business from competitors and increase brand recognition among your target audience.
- Enhanced search engine optimization (SEO)
Using a gTLD that’s related to your business or industry can help to improve your website’s search engine rankings. This is because search engines often view gTLDs as a signal of relevance and authority.
- Increased credibility
Using a gTLD that’s specific to your industry or niche can help to establish your website as a credible and trustworthy source of information. This can help to build trust with your audience and increase conversions.
- Better customer targeting
By choosing a gTLD that’s specific to your industry or niche, you can more easily target and attract customers who are interested in your products or services. This can help to increase website traffic and generate more leads and sales.
Overall, using a new gTLD can help to improve your website’s visibility, credibility, and branding. In the next section, we’ll discuss some important things to keep in mind when choosing a gTLD for your website.
Considerations When Selecting gTLDs
There’s a lot of things to weigh in before getting a gTLD. Source: Michigan Tech
While using a new generic top-level domain (gTLD) for your website can provide several benefits, there are also some factors to consider when choosing a gTLD:
- Branding
First and foremost, when choosing a gTLD, it’s important to account for how it will fit with your brand identity. You want to choose a gTLD that’s both memorable and relevant to your business or industry.
- Availability
While there are now over 1,000 gTLDs available, not all of them will be suitable for your website. You’ll need to check the availability of the gTLD you want and be prepared to choose a different one if your first choice isn’t available.
- Cost
Some gTLDs may be more expensive than others, and the price can vary depending on the registrar you use. Be sure to factor in the cost of your gTLD when budgeting for your website.
- Renewal fees
In addition to the initial registration fee, you’ll also need to pay renewal fees to keep your gTLD. These fees can vary depending on the registrar and gTLD you choose.
By considering these factors, you can choose a gTLD that’s both relevant to your business and helps to establish a strong online presence. In the next section, we’ll discuss how web hosts can help with the selection process.
How Web Hosts Can Help With Choosing The Right gTLD
Picking the right generic top-level domain (gTLD) for your website can be a challenging task. Fortunately, many web hosts offer tools and resources to help you select the best gTLD for your website, such as:
- Domain search tools
Many web hosts offer domain search tools that allow you to search for available domain names using specific gTLDs. These tools can help you find the perfect domain name for your website that’s available for registration.
- TLD-specific advice
Some web hosts specialize in specific gTLDs and can offer advice and guidance on which gTLD would be best for your website. You can check out their knowledge base or even ask for assistance by reaching out to their support team.
- Registrar recommendations
Web hosts often partner with domain registrars to offer domain registration services to their customers. These partnerships can provide access to exclusive gTLDs and registrar recommendations that can help you choose the right gTLD for your website.
- Cost comparisons
Web hosts can also help you compare the cost of different gTLDs and registrars. This can be helpful when budgeting for your website and can ensure that you get the best value for your money. What’s more, many web hosts will actually throw in a domain for free when you sign up!
Though if you’re still on the hunt for a solid web hosting provider for your business, check out our review on the best web hosts!
Create A Memorable Online Brand
New generic top-level domains (gTLDs) offer website owners a much wider variety of options to create a more distinguished digital footprint. By selecting a gTLD that’s specific to your industry or niche, you can improve your website’s search engine rankings, establish credibility and trust with your audience, and attract more targeted traffic to your site.
So why not get creative with your domain name? With the help of a web host (and by considering the factors we mentioned earlier), you can choose the perfect gTLD for your website and stand out in the crowded online landscape.
