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Building a website starts with one simple yet crucial decision—choosing a domain name. For startups, entrepreneurs and small business owners, this step isn't just about finding a web address; it's about making your brand visible and memorable. A well-chosen domain name can boost your online presence, help customers find you more easily, and add credibility to your business.
But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? This guide will explore common choices and which domain name extensions suit your industry best. You’ll also find actionable tips to find the perfect domain name match for your business.
First time picking a domain? Start with our guides on what is a domain name and how to register a domain.
What is a domain name
A domain name is the web address people type into their browser to find your website, like www.yourbusinessname.com. Similar to a home address, your domain name tells users where your site lives on the internet through the Domain Name System (DNS), which translates human-readable names into IP addresses. But beyond being a simple identifier, a domain name plays a significant role in your online branding. It reflects your identity, conveys professionalism, and makes your business discoverable.
"There’s a positive correlation between clear and relevant domain names and strong online visibility. A thoughtfully chosen domain name directly impacts a brand’s exposure."
Karen Friedlander, Product Marketing Manager at Wix
The domain extension—the part after your brand name, like .com or .org—also plays a role in ensuring your site’s relevance and trustworthiness. Industry-specific domain extensions can help you communicate what your business is all about in seconds.
Choosing both a domain name and an extension that align with your business helps clients understand your purpose while boosting your online visibility.
Your domain is more than just a web address; it’s the first impression of your online brand. With Wix, finding the perfect domain name is easy. Wix helps you secure the name for your business, blog, portfolio or any online presence, so you can focus on bringing your project to life. Ready to claim yours?
The five most common domain extensions
Not all top-level domains (TLDs) are created equal. Here are the five most popular domains to consider and why they might suit your needs:
01. .com
The .com domain extension is the standard go-to choice for businesses worldwide. Widely recognized and trusted by users, it adds credibility to any brand, making it a popular and reliable option.
02. .org
Originally created for non-profit organizations, the .org extension has evolved into a popular choice among businesses looking to establish trust and credibility in their industry. It's also widely recognized by internet users as a sign of legitimacy.
03. .net
Short for network, the .net extension was originally intended for network-related websites like internet service providers or networking companies. But it has expanded to include any type of website and is often used by tech companies and startups.
04. .info
The .info domain extension was created for informational websites, making it a popular choice for starting a blog and educational sites. It's also affordable, making it an appealing option for small businesses on a budget.
05. .co
Short for company, the .co extension has become widely popular as a more concise alternative to .com. It's versatile and can be used for any type of website or business, especially those with short names or acronyms.
Common domain extensions for specific industries
Each industry has unique needs and audiences, which is why finding the right domain name extension matters. If you primarily serve a local community, it may be beneficial to use a country code top level domains like .us or .uk.
Below are suggestions across various industries to jumpstart your brainstorming process.
01. Technology
Ideal for startups and businesses in software, IT, and digital innovation.
02. Health and wellness
For healthcare providers, fitness experts, and wellness-related businesses.
03. Finance
Suitable for banks, financial advisors, and any industry related to finance.
.money
.bank
.invest
.loan
04. Retail and eCommerce
Perfect for businesses making an eCommerce site focused on selling products or services online.
05. Real estate
For real estate agents, brokers, and businesses related to property management.
.realestate
.properties
.house
.condos
.build
06. Education
These options are tailored to the learning field, from online courses to schools and coaching centers.
07. Hospitality and travel
For hotels, travel agencies, tourism-related businesses, and those starting a business in the travel industry.
.travel
.hotel
.vacations
.flights
.cruise
08. Creatives
Artists, designers, and photographers can opt for creative extensions to show off their skills.
Tips for choosing the perfect domain name
With so many extensions and options available, making the right choice comes down to strategy. Keep these points in mind to ensure your domain represents your brand effectively and resonates with your target audience.
Keep it short and memorable
Avoid long or complicated domain names. A concise domain is easier for users to remember and type. Ideally, keep it under three words.
Reflect your brand
Your domain name is a representation of your business. Use your company name, combine it with a relevant keyword, or pick something that highlights your unique value proposition.
Choose the right extension
Always aim for an extension that matches your business’s goals and industry. Start with .com for universal recognition but don’t hesitate to explore niche extensions if they better align with what you do.
Make it easy to spell and pronounce
Complex spellings can confuse potential visitors and lead to missed traffic. Always test your domain to ensure it’s intuitive to spell and say.
Prioritize uniqueness
Steer clear of names similar to existing brands to avoid confusion or legal issues. Use resources like a domain name search tool to ensure your choice is available and unique.
Consider SEO implications
Keywords in domain names can improve your website’s ranking, especially for local businesses or niche services. But focus on clarity first; overly keyword-stuffed names can come across as spammy.
Use a domain name generator
Stuck for ideas? Tools like the Wix domain name generator can provide creative suggestions based on your business name or industry keywords.
Common industry domain names FAQ
What’s the difference between domain extensions like .com, .org, and .net?
These extensions indicate your site’s purpose and sometimes its target audience. For example, .com vs .org vs .net can highlight different uses: .com is ideal for general-purpose businesses, .org works best for non-profits, and .net is favored by tech companies.