Difference Between Domain Extensions from SEO Perspective

Any business online or not it is essential that they have a website with proper domain and extension. Domain name is the part of the URL that takes the visitors to the site. It connects the web hosting server that stores the resources of our site. The domain name includes website name and the extension. The most common type of extension is .com or .net. Both are top level domains and are used for entirely different purpose like .com is used for commercial purpose while .net is used for network purpose. 

What is Domain Name Extension and Types.  

Domain name helps make things easier which otherwise would have to remember the IP addresses, which will be hard and inconvenient. Domain name should match the business and hence helps in driving the traffic and create more brand awareness. 

Top level Domain (TLD)- The part of the domain that comes after the last dot is called top level domain like .com, .net, .org etc. 

Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD)- The domain extension like .io, .com, .net, .org all fall under gTLD depending on the purpose they are used. 

Sponsored Top Level Domain (sTLD) - Extensions like .edu for education, .mil for military are used for restricted specific uses only comes under sTLD. 

Country Code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) - The extension represents the country the website is based on like .in for India and .uk for United Kingdom. 

You can use any extension irrespective of the business or place you are settled. But it is recommended to use the extension and domain name that conveys the idea of the brand preferably with a keyword. Also using a ccTLD helps customers find the local business easier.  

Difference Between .com & .net  

.com is the most common of all the extensions out there and accounts for 52% of the website on the net. If anyone wants to find your business on the internet their first guess will be to brandname.com. Brands that use .net is not generic as .com they are mostly network services, database providers etc.

.com is mostly used by commercial entities, like website owning a business or e-commerce etc, while .net is used by enterprises that operate in technology and networking etc. Though it's not a rule, you are free to use domain .com even if you have a nonprofit organization or a personal blog. 

Domain Names & SEO  

SEO is another factor that impacts the choosing of domain names. The extension you choose doesn’t directly impact the Google ranking, any extension has the potential to rank on Google given the SEO done properly. Geo Specific extensions like .uk or .in can have some effect on the SEO if you have a local business, as people are more likely to click on the extension of their respective countries. So its recommended you own main domain extension along with their respective ccTLDs so as to expand your business to target locations. 

The most important part of Domain SEO would be to include the most working keyword in your domain and trying to get the same domain name. Instead of myshop.com, mybakery.com makes more sense as the second one clearly states its not just any random shop but a bakery.  

Its also recommended to acquire both .com and .net domains for your business to prevent the competitors from using the spare one. 

Conclusion 



It's important to keep in mind the differences of both the extension before purchasing one. No matter your website extension, without proper SEO strategy it's going to be difficult for it to rank in Google. Keeping in mind the SEO tips for domain will help you to optimize your business locally.