With the prevalence of .com domains, many entrepreneurs might feel discouraged when their desired .com is already taken. However, there are over 1,000 other domain extensions available, offering creative branding opportunities. While .com has been dominant since its introduction in the 1980s, alternatives can provide unique advantages for businesses, both new and established. Choosing the right domain extension is crucial for trust, memorability, and positioning. For instance, Wikipedia’s use of .org highlights its non-profit nature. Alternatives to .com may be necessary if the desired domain is unavailable, irrelevant, or if a business seeks to stand out. Various domain extensions cater to different purposes, from general use like .net and .org to tech-centric options like .io and .ai. Industry-specific extensions like .health and .shop, as well as niche options like .blog and .music, offer tailored branding opportunities. Location-based extensions can enhance local appeal, while other extensions like .pro and .live serve specific content types. Securing the right domain involves checking availability, registering, and protecting the domain. Although .com remains a strong choice, exploring alternatives can offer significant branding benefits.
What are the best alternatives to .com for your business website?
