If you are launching a website for your business, blog, or store, the first and most vital step in the process might be selecting the domain name. It is the web address that people enter into their browser to find your site, such as example.com.
However, a domain name is not just about its name. You also have to decide on the domain extension. This is the part that follows the name. So, in example.com, the .com represents the extension. In example.co.uk, the .co.uk is the extension.
There are two main types of domain extensions:
- International domains – like .com, .net, .org, .online, .store
- Local domains – like .co.uk (UK), .ca (Canada), .in (India), .de (Germany)
So which one is better? The answer depends on what kind of website you are building, who your visitors are, and how far you want your business to reach.
Let’s have a clear and simple look at both domain types, what they stand for, and how to select the right one for your purpose.
What Is a Domain Extension?
A domain extension is also known as a top-level domain (TLD). It is the part that comes after the domain name. You probably have seen several such as:
- .com – used worldwide, the most popular domain
- .org – used by organizations and nonprofits
- .net – used by networks and tech companies
- .shop, .store, .site – used for online stores and websites
- .co.uk, .in, .us – used for websites in a specific country
The extension signals to the users a quick thought about your site. It is a major factor for building trust, branding, and even ranking with search engines.
What Is an International Domain?
An international domain is a domain that has no limitations on its area of use. It is not a domain that is connected to any country. They are the domains that are most often used by companies, online stores, blogs, and websites that are aiming to reach people from diverse areas of the world.
These are some of the most frequent international domains:
- .com – the most widely used and trustworthy
- .net – usually dedicated to technology websites
- .org – generally used by non-profit organizations
- .store, .online, .shop – suitable for ecommerce businesses
- .icu – a fun option, the abbreviation of “I See You”
Why Choose an International Domain?
A lot of positive factors are associated with the use of an international domain. An international domain is often the most sensible decision if your website is designed for a global audience and you also have in mind the expansion of your business in the future.
It is quite easy to recall as well. A lot of people expect websites to carry the .com extension. Once they hear your brand, they will most probably type it together with .com domain automatically. It can work as a pull factor for your website traffic.
Benefits of International Domains
Trusted by Everyone
.com and .net are the domains that have been existing for numerous years. People trust them. They are aware of safety and reliability. If you want visitors from different countries to come to your site, trust is very important.
Good for Search Engines
Search engines like Google consider .com, .org, and similar domains as global. Hence, they can use your site to represent them in many countries. This means that your business or blog will have more visitors.
A global domain makes it very easy to type, share on social networks, jot down on business cards, or include in adverts. Such domains are so common that people associate with them without any strain and can recall them more easily.
Better for Growing Your Business
In case you are planning to expand your website in the future to different countries or with the new products you still can keep the same domain that an international domain is the one that gives you the space to grow.
An international domain that you have the possibility to grow and not have to change your domain when entering the new markets or introducing new products.
Downsides of International Domains
Many Names Are Already Taken
Due to the popularity of international domains, the best domain names are already taken. Nowadays, finding a good and easy-to-remember domain can be a challenge, especially if you choose .com.
May Not Feel Local
In the case where your business operates only in one country, for instance, a local bakery or plumber, an international domain might be completely out of context. It may not be able to connect with local customers as well as it would have if it has a country-specific domain.
Some Extensions Look Spammy
Domains such as .biz,