Top-level domain (TLD) are the last part of a domain name. There are several TLDs, of which some common ones that come after the dot are COM, SG, ORG, NET, and GOV.
The purpose of the TLD is to define the nature of the business the domain belongs to, the region of the business or even the organization that owns it.
Top Level Domain typically is the name of the website that a visitor searches for in the browser bar to visit the website.
With an incorrect Top Level Domain name too, the website will not be accessed, and the entire website name plays an important role to let visitors in.
The Role of ICANN
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), is a nonprofit organization that plays an important role in coordinating the domain names, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and root servers for the internet.
This organization is mainly responsible for implementing new domains.
WHOIS lookup tool that can be used to search for the available domain. Domain registration check is also a step essential to discover the website name status and prices.
Types Of Top-Level Domain (TLDs)
There are six types of top-level domains which are regulated by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
1. Generic top-level domains (gTLD)
This is the most common and popular domain that allows all general users to register.
Some examples include:
- .COM – Commercial > Business/ eCommerce
- .ORG – Organizations > Non-profits/ Forums/ Technology
- .NET – Network > Internet Provider/ Services/ Technology
- .XYZ – The first generic domain extension with no inherent meaning
- .BIZ – Must be bona fide business or commercial use
- .INFO – Originally intended for informative websites
It is essential to choose the gTLD that best associates with the line of business, forum, and website.
.COM domain is a commonly used domain considering its versatility and added advantages, especially when it comes to building backlinks for your website.
2. Country code top-level domains (ccTLD)
Country code TLD helps denote the location or ISO code or the standard code that’s designated for every country. Most countries have a two-letter suffix or a three-letter suffix.
Two-letter suffix is often used in top-level domains that typically denotes the name of a country or a state.
Some commonly used examples of some popular ccTLDs include
- .SG – Singapore
- .MY – Malaysia
- .ID – Indonesia
It is essential that one be a citizen of the country of which the ccTLD is being registered for.
If not a citizen, it is essential the business be registered for that given country to target their local market.
For example, it is highly recommended to register a .SG domain country to target the local market of Singapore.
Getting a ccTLD domain however has a flipside that it doesn’t allow one to register the domain in WHOIS privacy protection which is a service that helps keep the registrant’s details private.
It is mandatory to share these details for registration and authentication as a part of government regulations.
3. Infrastructure top-level domain (ARPA)
Infrastructure top-level domain refers to the category where a single TLD ‘. arpa’ that stands for Address and Routing Parameter Area is a part of it. ‘. arpa’ was the first TLD that was developed by IANA and is reserved for Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).
This domain is specifically scheduled for the management of network infrastructure, like facilitating reverse DNS lookups.
4. Sponsored top-level domains (sTLD)
These TLDs are restricted to representing professional, ethnic, or geographical communities, especially for specific purposes.
There is a specific delegated agency that is associated with each sponsored TLD (sTLD).
These delegated agencies represent that community, by registering them and this requires formal authorization to prove that the website owner has the authority to use the selected TLD.
What is an nTLD?
ICANN used to be very strict about the usage of TLDs until 2011. It is only in 2011 they became slightly lenient and permitting businesses to register their TLDs.
ICANN now allows the production of 1,000 TLDs per year– giving rise to “new TLDs” or nTLDs; famously known as new domain extensions.
Some examples include:
- .online
- .tech
- .club
- .global
- .site
- .store
How to make nTLDs work?
- Use an nTLD appropriate to your industry
- Don’t forget related TLDs
- Set up your other domain names to redirect to your main website.
- Focus on the content along with TLDs to make SEO work the best
The Best Benefits of Top-Level Domain TLD
- Reveal the location revealed with domain extension
- Reflects the business line of the website
- Stay ahead of your competition with a differentiator domain
- Get visibility online and gather more prospects for the business
- Experience and create a memorable, professional, crisp state of art domain name
- Create a local unique identity for the business
- Helps in brand awareness and search engine optimization
- It also further authenticates the brand domain to target audience and potential clients.
How do we choose the right TLD?
- It is essential to first understand the business line, the region and the domain name that one plans for their business.
- Decide what the objective of the website is. Consider the different types of TLD that are available, and what best suits your website. For instance, if you are focusing towards a country, may be a country code TLD may work.
- Consider new gTLDs to create a unique and memorable domain name. If you are planning a worldwide domain with no specific country focus, any generic TLD may work. Plan effectively understanding your business requirements.
- Consider whether a TLD is relevant to your particular field. You may perhaps go for TLD that suits the business line too. You may perhaps go for TLD that relates to your film business line or movie production company with .film as TLD.
- Factor SEO into your decision making. Be sure to avoid spam TLDs which could result in your website ranking lower in search engines.
With the help of Exabytes tools preferred premium domain, check for the availability of domain now! You could also describe your business in one or two words and test your domain name with our Domain Name Generator.
Restrictions when choosing a TLD
- Website owner cannot always buy or reserve their chosen domain.
- It is essential that the website owners mandatorily stick to the rules set by the respective domain registry.
- Each organization that allocates domains sets various rules and requirements that domain owners are obliged to adhere to.
- Domain extensions of regional locations are based on where the company is based.
- Following the Trademark law is important to not land up using top level domain of other organizations.
While these considerations and restrictions are provided, we at Exabytes are here to help you frame the complete domain name with TLD to help you set your website.
Exabytes helps our esteemed clients set their website with our web hosting services and help with TLD selection.
Connect with our team now to take expert advice on setting up your website name.
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