Domain Extensions

Types of TLDs

Originally, TLDs were used to designate the type of domain, as ordered by ICANN. This was done to keep domains organized and make it easier to navigate the world wide web.

Today, there are several categories of TLDs.

Generic (gTLD): The most popular TLDs. (The .com, .edu, .org, etc., of the internet.)

In 2014, ICANN introduced the “New gTLD Program” to increase the amount of generic top-level domains. This new TLD list added 1,300 new TLDs from a list of 2000 requests. Generally, you’ll be picking your TLD from this list.

Here is an example list of generic TLDs, some traditional, some new:

.com

.net

.info

.agencyt

.expert

.recipes

Country-Code (ccTLD): Specifies the website’s country of origin. The following are a few examples:

.us – United States

.au – Australia

.uk – United Kingdom

.mx – Mexico

Sponsored (sTLD): Can be used by companies within the specific industry. Here are a few:

.org

.gov

.edu

.jobs

Infrastructure: The only infrastructure TLD is .arpa. This is controlled by IANA (The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) for use by the Internet Engineering Task Force.

ICANN (The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) provides a list of TLDs that they recognize on their website.

Why You May Want a Unique TLD

Whether you want to go with a simple .com vs. a newer, unique TLD like .bargains will depend on what you want from your website.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that the simple .com is already more familiar and authoritative, and therefore more trustworthy, to the average person. If your website demands a position of authority, it may be best to go with it.

This also makes it easier to remember .com off the top of your head, as opposed to something new like .bargain.

However, the list of domains you can get with a unique TLD is much longer than the ones with .com. You’re more likely to secure a site that’s closer to your brand name with a unique TLD, and you can actually use it to solidify what your company stands for, such as a website for a restaurant ending in .eat.

Also, if you’re just making a small website for a personal portfolio or personal blog, TLDs like .portfolio and .blog can more easily be associated with you as an individual.

The Key to a Great TLD

The perfect TLD will always be what makes your domain address memorable.

Generally, that means it’s short, sweet, and sticks in the mind. That’s why the TLD .eat is better than .restaurant. It’s easier to remember and it’s just more fun.

You’ll also want to keep your target audience in mind while you’re perusing the TLD registry. Generally, a younger audience will have an easier time remembering a unique, new TLD than an older audience. Go with what your specific audience will remember, and your website will be buzzing with visitors.