New Domain Extensions: Are They Worth It?
New Domain Extensions: Are They Worth It?
When it comes to registering a domain name, there are more options available than ever before. In addition to the traditional .com, .net, and .org extensions, there are now hundreds of new domain extensions to choose from. But are they worth it? In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of new domain extensions and help you decide if they're the right choice for your website.
## What Are New Domain Extensions?
New domain extensions are alternatives to the traditional top-level domains (TLDs) like .com and .net. They include extensions like .blog, .guru, .app, and many more. These new extensions were introduced in 2014 as part of a larger expansion of the domain name system by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
## Pros of New Domain Extensions
1. Availability: With so many new domain extensions available, it's often easier to find a domain name that's available for registration.
2. Specificity: New domain extensions can be more specific and targeted to certain industries or niches, which can make them more relevant and memorable for users.
3. Branding: New domain extensions can help businesses establish a unique brand identity and stand out from the competition.
4. SEO Benefits: Some new domain extensions, such as .app, are considered more secure and trustworthy by search engines, which can give a website a boost in search rankings.
## Cons of New Domain Extensions
1. Awareness: Despite being available for several years, new domain extensions are still not as widely recognized or understood as traditional extensions like .com.
2. Trust: Some users may view websites with new domain extensions as less trustworthy or credible, which can hurt a website's reputation.
3. Email Deliverability: Emails sent from a new domain extension may be more likely to be marked as spam or blocked by email providers.
4. Price: Some new domain extensions can be more expensive than traditional extensions.
## Conclusion
Whether or not new domain extensions are worth it depends on your specific needs and goals. While they offer some advantages, such as availability, specificity, branding, and SEO benefits, they also come with some potential drawbacks, such as lower awareness, less trust, email deliverability issues, and higher costs. Before registering a new domain extension, carefully consider your options and weigh the pros and cons.
