When launching a website on the Internet, choosing a domain name is one of the important steps. While .com is the most common Top-Level Domain (TLD), let’s consider why you shouldn’t easily choose it.
※ Search for available .jp domains ▶ Muumuu Domain
／Onamae.com
／Xserver Domain
Benefits of .com
- Widely recognized: .com has a presence that symbolizes the essence of the Internet, and is widely recognized due to its history and general imagination. Because of this, even people who don’t know the domain name often search for company names including .com[Reference].
- Essentiality: Even if the primary domain name is not .com, the domain portfolio should include .com. This is because it’s an important element showing a company’s Internet presence[Reference].
- SEO benefits: .com generally ranks better in search engines than regional TLDs. This is because .com is more trusted by search engines[Reference].
Disadvantages of .com
- Saturated: Many words and company names are already registered under .com domains, making it difficult to find an appropriate domain name, especially for common company names or ideas[Reference].
- Targeted at English speakers: .com is primarily targeted at English speakers, and if English is not your native language or you speak a language that doesn’t use the alphabet, it may be difficult to enter or register a domain name[Reference].
Consider Alternative TLDs
Instead of choosing .com, it’s also effective to consider other TLDs. For example, there are TLDs that can be used generically, such as .biz, .net, .online, .site, .website, .xyz. Geographic TLDs and TLDs that indicate specialization (e.g., .jp, .fr, .tech, .store) can also be considered as options[Reference].
Choose .co.jp for Businesses
If you’re doing business in Japan, choosing a .co.jp domain is also effective. The .co.jp domain is a TLD suitable for business in Japan and is also effective for SEO. It can also increase credibility and recognition within Japan[Reference].
.org Domain is Best for Organizations
For non-profit organizations, the .org domain may be appropriate. .org is a TLD indicating non-profit organizations and has the effect of increasing credibility for such organizations[Reference].
.edu Domain is Optimal for Educational Institutions
For educational institutions and universities, the .edu domain is optimal. .edu is a TLD indicating educational institutions and has the effect of increasing credibility for such institutions[Reference].
Government .gov Domain is Highly Trusted
For government agencies, the .gov domain is optimal. .gov is a TLD indicating government agencies and has the effect of increasing credibility for such agencies[Reference].
The .gov domain is only permitted for use by government agencies, so using this domain is an important element indicating that it’s an official government website.
Conclusion
The .com domain is widely recognized, essential, and excellent for SEO, but it has disadvantages of being saturated and targeted at English speakers. Therefore, when choosing a domain name, it’s important to consider these factors and choose the TLD that best suits your business or purpose. Also, TLDs other than .com can be effective choices depending on specific needs and target audiences[Reference][Reference].