.biz domain
.biz is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) on the internet. It was introduced as one of the original gTLDs in 2001 and is intended for use by businesses and commercial entities.
.biz was introduced to provide an alternative to the widely used .com domain. It was created during the growth explosion of the internet in the early 2000s to specifically cater to businesses. The gTLD was managed by NeuStar, Inc. but is now managed by Godaddy.
Learn more: What is a domain?, Domain hosting vs web hosting
Who uses .biz and why?
.biz is primarily used by businesses and commercial entities. It's a suitable choice for those who want a domain name that explicitly signifies they’re a business. Other reasons for using .biz might include:
A .biz domain can help reinforce a business's brand and its focus on commerce.
Due to its distinctiveness, .biz domains are often more available when compared to .com domains, allowing you to register the domain name you want or need, just with an alternative domain extension.
It's a way to categorize and identify websites as being business-related, making it easier for users to understand the website's purpose.
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In 2023 it was estimated that .biz websites accounted for 0.2% of all websites published. This amounted to 1,276,528 registered .biz domains in October of 2023 with around 300 being added each month on average.
The .biz domain extension in the past, whether rightly or wrongly, has sometimes been associated with aggressive sales sites or spammy sites. However this can be true of any website and a domain extension doesn’t automatically define the quality of a site, its company and its content.
Learn more: Website infrastructure
Is .biz a safe domain extension to use?
The safety of a .biz domain, or any domain extension, is not determined solely by the extension itself but by various factors related to the specific domain and who owns the website associated with it.
A .biz domain extension as as safe to use as any other, as long as the website associated with it is secure. For example, a secure website will have "https://" in the URL, indicating that the connection between your browser and the website is encrypted.
Regardless of which domain extension you choose to use it's crucial to apply general online safety practices, such as being cautious with unfamiliar websites, not clicking on suspicious links and using up-to-date security software on your own website.
The first step is to choose a website builder and domain registrar with robust website security features and capabilities.
.biz vs .com and which to use
Deciding between a .com and a .biz domain depends on your website's purpose and your branding goals.
Use .com if you want a versatile, widely recognized and popular domain extension. This is suitable for many types of websites and provides a level of familiarity and trust.
Use .biz if your website is primarily related to commercial or business activities. It can help you establish a clear identity as a business, and it may offer more availability for relevant domain names.
It's worth noting that the choice of a domain extension is just one aspect of your online branding. The most important thing is to choose a domain name that is relevant to your business or website and is memorable for your audience. Ultimately, the extension should align with your website's identity and objectives.
*While there are no restrictions on who can use a .biz domain, a registration can be challenged if it's proven to be used by a non-commercial entity.
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How do I register my .biz domain?
In order to register your .biz domain follow these five general steps:
01. Choose a domain name registrar
Select a domain registrar accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to offer .biz domain registrations. Many registrars offer them. If you’re making a website with a website builder like Wix, you can choose and register a domain name with a .biz extension, when you opt for a premium plan.
02. Check domain name availability
Use the registrar's domain name search tool to check if the .biz domain you want is available.
Learn more: How to choose a domain name
03. Provide all necessary information
You'll need to provide your contact details and any other relevant information required to register a domain.
04. Complete payment
Pay the registration fee, which varies depending on the registrar and the specific domain.
Once your payment is processed, your registrar will complete the registration process and the domain will be associated with your chosen website.
Learn more: How to register a domain name
.biz and ICANN
ICANN, or the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, is a non-profit organization responsible for coordinating the Internet's Domain Name System (DNS), IP address allocation and various other Internet-related resources and systems. ICANN also plays a crucial role in overseeing the management and distribution of top-level domains (TLDs).
When a domain extension such as .biz is established, ICANN ensures that it follows the guidelines and standards set for TLDs. It manages the registration process, ensuring that domain names are unique and that the associated WHOIS information is accurate. WHOIS is a protocol used to query databases and obtain information about registered domain names, including details about the domain owner, registrar and registration dates.
ICANN's also ensures that these URLs are properly structured and that the associated domain extensions adhere to established standards across the whole World Wide Web/Internet.