New top-level domains (TLDs) are recently introduced domain extensions that go beyond traditional ones like .com, .net, or .org. They include a wide range of custom extensions such as .tech, .store, or .blog, and are created to offer more branding and categorisation options online. These TLDs are part of ICANN’s expansion of the domain name system.

The .com domain extension has been synonymous with internet identity since its inception in 1985. But it’s not the only top-level domain (TLD) available in the market.

Today, there are various new TLDs to choose from. You can get your hands on a catchy, short, and memorable domain that perfectly matches the vibe of your brand.

Read along to discover why new TLDs are all the rage and which one might be good for your business.

Reasons to Choose TLDs Other Than .com

There are many reasons why you would want to consider new TLDs, such as:

1. You Cater to a Niche Audience

Let’s say you own a real estate business and you wish to be instantly recognisable the moment someone looks at your web address. That’s possible if you choose a specific TLD like .realestate for your website. Imagine the differentiator your domain would be compared to someone who owns a generic domain name with a .com extension.

This type of hyper-personalisation will make your domain name memorable amongst your target audience. Similarly, if you own a yoga studio, using a .yoga domain extension can leave a lasting impression on your visitors.

You can research the list of new TLDs on the IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) database. It’s the official authority that maintains and updates all valid top-level domains.

2. You Want to Target a Regional Audience

Is your business super specific to people residing in a particular region, let’s say, Australia? Then you should consider choosing a TLD with the .au domain extension. Although not new, these Country Code TLDs or ccTLDs are quite appealing for boosting your local SEO.

It gives search engines like Google an important signal that your business is targeted specifically towards people living in Australia and has a better chance of showing up in search results.

Pro Tip: Even if you have a global brand, you can consider getting ccTLDs for different regions. Amazon is a great example that uses this strategy:
  • amazon.uk (for United Kingdom)
  • amazon.au (for Australia)
  • amazon.ca (for Canada)

3. You Want a Brand-Specific TLD

Ever seen a .google or .apple domain extension?

That’s called a brand-specific TLD or branded TLD. If you want a new TLD that is exactly the same as your brand’s name, this is a great option. It is, however, an expensive and time-consuming process.

You cannot just register a brand TLD with a registrar by paying a fee. You have to send an application to ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), which can cost up to USD $227,000. If you can afford it, there is probably no better option.

However, it may take more than a year to get approval from ICANN.

Also Read: How to Use Domains to Build Your Brand

4. You Prefer a Field-Specific TLD

Many businesses are now choosing new TLDs based on their field of operation.

Here are some examples:

  • Tech companies: .io, .tech, .app, .ai domain
  • Legal services: .legal, .attorney, .law
  • Artists and photographers: .gallery, .photo, .photography
  • E-commerce: .shopping, .store, .shop
  • News websites: .press, .news, .media
  • Food services: .catering, .restaurant

Some of these business category-specific TLDs are becoming mainstream. If your target audience is tech-savvy, consider using these new TLDs as they clearly convey what your business is about.

However, if you feel that your target audience may have a hard time recalling it, it’s better to go for a generic (.com, .co, .net) or country-specific TLD, whichever is more relevant.

Examples of New TLDs

Well, the list of new TLDs doesn’t end here. There are a total of 1,591 TLDs made available by ICANN, as of June 2024.

In fact, as recently as 2023, Google released a list of eight new TLDs:

  • .prof
  • .dad
  • .phd
  • .mov
  • .esq
  • .nexus
  • .zip
  • .foo

Let’s say, you want to build a website focused on fatherhood, then .dad is a great domain extension.

What about moms? Well, .mom has been in existence since 2015. Go ahead and share your experiences of being a mother with the world!

Don’t worry, it’s possible to change your domain extension later. However, it can be expensive and challenging to do so without technical guidance. It’s always better to choose the right TLD from the start.

Also Read: What Are .Me Domains: How .Me Personalises Your Brand

Conclusion

It’s relatively easy to change your logo, website design, or adjust your prices. But domain name is something that will stay with your brand for a long time, if not forever. It’ll become synonymous with your brand’s online identity.

Once you finalise a domain that you love, try registering for various domain extensions. Registering for multiple TLDs also minimises the possibility of unauthorised domain transfers.

Want to register a new domain with your preferred TLDs? Try Crazy Domains Australia to target your local Australian audience at only $18.74 for the first year! The .online domain extension is available for as low as $4.40 a year.

Choose a new TLD that best suits your brand and get registered before your favourite name is gone!