Generic Top Level Domains – Big Idea or Big Mistake? | Digital Operative

February 5, 2014 By BJ Cook,

Generic top-level domains (gTLD) are hitting the internet today, 02/05. There are currently only 22 functioning gTLDs but that will soon change. There will be about 1,000 new names that will become available, which include .buy, .fashion, .retail, .luxury, .gift, .shoe and more. This will be the first time since 2004 that a more diverse way of categorizing on the Internet becomes available.

What are Generic -top level domains?

The extension visible at the end of a domain name - the ".com" in digitaloperative.com is the gTLD. .com, .org, .info, and .net are some of the core group of domain extensions. Anybody can create and start running new sites on these gTLDs.

Why are new gTLDs a good idea?

The internet is running out of space and business' are struggling to find domain names that are available and suitable for their needs. With the new gTLD's becoming available it means big branding opportunities for companies. Some blogs are speculating that this could be a big brand and SEO play.

What are the benefits of the new domains?

The biggest benefit of using new gTLD is increasing brand real estate. Companies will be able to purchase domains to individually brand products. Like Apple for example, if they purchase .apple they can have domains such as: ipad.apple, ipod.apple, mac.apple, etc. This will be a great way for companies to increase brand visibility and lead to easier search-ability.

What is the main arguement against the new domains?

People know .com and .net, but they don't really know ".cars." This confusion could lead to people typing in the domain names with an extra ".com" after the real web address and getting an error, or worse, directed to the wrong place.

How do I get started with gTLDs?

You can reserve your domain on a first come and first serve basis. With the vast number of domains becoming available, it will be less likely that your chosen domain will be reserved. If you'd like to consider leveraging gTLDs in your digital marketing plan, drop us a line.

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