Short answer
There is no single best extension for every business. A .com is usually the most familiar choice worldwide, but a relevant country extension, such as one tied to where your customers are based, can also work well, especially for locally focused businesses.
Extensions are about audience, not ranking
The part of a domain after the dot, such as .com or a country code, is called the extension or top-level domain. Choosing between them is mostly about who you are trying to reach and how familiar an extension is to that audience, rather than one extension being technically better than another for search engines.
.com and other general extensions
The .com extension remains the most widely recognised option internationally, and many people instinctively type it when guessing a business's website address. Because of this, it is often a safe default for businesses with a broad or international audience, whether based in Berlin, Toronto or Tokyo.
- .com: widely recognised worldwide, a common default choice
- .net and .org: general alternatives, sometimes used when .com is unavailable
- Newer general extensions: can suit specific industries or creative branding
Country and local extensions
If your business mainly serves customers in a specific country, a matching country extension can signal that you are a local option. For a business focused on Kenya, for example, a .co.ke domain immediately tells Nairobi or Mombasa-based customers that the business operates locally.
- Useful for businesses with a clearly local customer base
- Can build trust with customers who prefer to buy from local businesses
- Sometimes has specific registration requirements set by the local registry
- Works well alongside a .com if you also serve customers elsewhere
Weighing up your choice
If your business trades internationally or online sales come from many countries, a general extension like .com may serve you better. If your business is a shop, service or brand tied to a specific place, a matching country extension can strengthen that local identity. Some businesses register both to cover each angle.
Checking prices and availability
Extension pricing varies, and the client portal lists current domain prices for the extensions available, along with the exact billing term and renewal price before you pay.
Not sure which extension to pick?
Search your domain name across multiple extensions and compare pricing before you decide.
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